Toyota Alphard/Vellfire, Nissan Elgrand, etc. as Campervans

[dai1983]

chrisdk said:

In a great example of the snake eating itself, I have previously found myself on this thread via my own thread:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

You’ll see where I got to but would add I imported via JAA and was very impressed with the service (and car) even five months on.

Nice work on the 3.5 Alphard purchase. I'm currently running a 2.0 turbo petrol mk3 superb saloon and the GF has a focus estate. Have long lusted after something bigger for MTB, family camping and trips abroad. Either that or something smaller for me as it's usually just me commuting in the superb by myself.

Would love to know how you're getting on with it and things like mpg on a run. Have been led to believe 30mpg is doable due to the auto box and 3.5 over the older 3.0 MK1 and elgrand options. Also the middle seats don't seem to lend themselves to biking compared to the folding ones on the MK1? Can always take the front wheels off and bolt the axel to something. Or tow bar rack...

[chrisdk]

dai1983 said:

Nice work on the 3.5 Alphard purchase. I'm currently running a 2.0 turbo petrol mk3 superb saloon and the GF has a focus estate. Have long lusted after something bigger for MTB, family camping and trips abroad. Either that or something smaller for me as it's usually just me commuting in the superb by myself.

Would love to know how you're getting on with it and things like mpg on a run. Have been led to believe 30mpg is doable due to the auto box and 3.5 over the older 3.0 MK1 and elgrand options. Also the middle seats don't seem to lend themselves to biking compared to the folding ones on the MK1? Can always take the front wheels off and bolt the axel to something. Or tow bar rack...

I try not to think too much about fuel consumption, it’s pretty thirsty but you’re probably not far off. I do an infrequent 100 mile trip straight down the M1 and with the cruise control conveniently capped at 67mph (100kmh) and little traffic I can squeeze out something like 30mpg.

Fully loaded with the family plus camping stuff on twisty back roads it isn’t happening (and let’s not talk about a trip to the supermarket).

I have a seven seat model (two captains chairs in the middle row) and I do a lot of cycling myself. I can get a road bike (and a gravel bike with wider tyres) parked with the rear wheel between the two middle seats and the front wheel almost touching the boot lid. I’ve constructed some “bespoke” frame lagging (length of foam from B&Q hacked at with a Stanley knife) so everything is nicely protected and no metal on plastic.

I can confidently say you wouldn’t easily get a fat tyre MTB in the same position (with that said, my model has the option to move each middle seat left & right so might be a bit more width available).

I also have a tow bar rack (but only need that when there’s more than two bikes as there’s still been room to take the wheels off my pals bike and put it either side of my set-up).

Long story short - they’re really versatile and it’s a lovely smug feeling to have all that power available but choose not to use it !

[dai1983]

chrisdk said:

I try not to think too much about fuel consumption, it’s pretty thirsty but you’re probably not far off. I do an infrequent 100 mile trip straight down the M1 and with the cruise control conveniently capped at 67mph (100kmh) and little traffic I can squeeze out something like 30mpg.

Fully loaded with the family plus camping stuff on twisty back roads it isn’t happening (and let’s not talk about a trip to the supermarket).

I have a seven seat model (two captains chairs in the middle row) and I do a lot of cycling myself. I can get a road bike (and a gravel bike with wider tyres) parked with the rear wheel between the two middle seats and the front wheel almost touching the boot lid. I’ve constructed some “bespoke” frame lagging (length of foam from B&Q hacked at with a Stanley knife) so everything is nicely protected and no metal on plastic.

I can confidently say you wouldn’t easily get a fat tyre MTB in the same position (with that said, my model has the option to move each middle seat left & right so might be a bit more width available).

I also have a tow bar rack (but only need that when there’s more than two bikes as there’s still been room to take the wheels off my pals bike and put it either side of my set-up).

Long story short - they’re really versatile and it’s a lovely smug feeling to have all that power available but choose not to use it !

That's exactly why I've been looking at them and the rk shape step wagons for ages. There's 2 kids between myself and my gf (I have a small hankering for another) plus a massive bit elderly dog so would be ideal for that.

I do keep thinking of something smalle and more sportier like a hot hatch too though...

Think of them like a lexus mpv with a Toyota badge

[sumogophi]

chrisdk said:

sumogophi said:

I was interested to read this, as I find myself in a similar position - torn between an Alphard or an Elgrand. The Alphard seems like it might be slightly better made/reliable, but the Elgrand just looks like a better car and all-round package.

Your Elgrand looks fantasic and that colour is great, not one you often see. It sounds like you imported the vehicle yourself, did this go smoothly (any tips)? and was it much cheaper than buying in the UK? I was considering importing and using a recognised agent like japautoagent, but I just haven't got into all that yet, so I have been looking at the local ads.

I like the idea of an occasional camper with enough room to add bits in, rather than a full camper and costly VW package. I also don't do that many miles so can handle 20-25mpg.

In a great example of the snake eating itself, I have previously found myself on this thread via my own thread:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

You’ll see where I got to but would add I imported via JAA and was very impressed with the service (and car) even five months on.

Thanks for the replies on this, I am still(!) looking at mk1 Alphard and E51 Elgrands.. I think I have pretty much decided against the importer route - as well recommend as the likes of JapAA are, the whole process/documentation/getting it converted/underseal process puts me off, I feel happy getting a reputable seller and then there is also an element of comeback just incase anything goes wrong.

I defintely don't want a camper conversion, I like the original layout of these - rotating middle seats, bed mode of all seats, and foldable rear seats for lots of space/van style. I think if you fully convert you lose a lot of its best features. But each to their own. I like the suggestion from @rumblestripe about the Vangear, temporary pods sound great and fits in with occasional tent camping, bike trips etc.

My only dilemma now is small details, do I go for an Elgrand XL with captains chairs, or - I still like the 8 seater 'bench' in the Alphard which can be folded into tables, spun round and used to face the rear and look out the back (similar option is also available on 8 seater Elgrands).

Also, and I am not sure if it is my perception here, but the Elgrand interior looks more spacious/roomy almost van like interior - while the Alphard interior looks cosier, slighlty smaller, and more 'car-like' for passengers? Maybe it's just me spending far too much time looking at these, when I should just actually go and buy one... I am based in West Yorkshire so trying to keep an eye out for decent sellers which are not too far away.

[chrisdk]

sumogophi said:

Thanks for the replies on this, I am still(!) looking at mk1 Alphard and E51 Elgrands.. I think I have pretty much decided against the importer route - as well recommend as the likes of JapAA are, the whole process/documentation/getting it converted/underseal process puts me off, I feel happy getting a reputable seller and then there is also an element of comeback just incase anything goes wrong.

I defintely don't want a camper conversion, I like the original layout of these - rotating middle seats, bed mode of all seats, and foldable rear seats for lots of space/van style. I think if you fully convert you lose a lot of its best features. But each to their own. I like the suggestion from @rumblestripe about the Vangear, temporary pods sound great and fits in with occasional tent camping, bike trips etc.

My only dilemma now is small details, do I go for an Elgrand XL with captains chairs, or - I still like the 8 seater 'bench' in the Alphard which can be folded into tables, spun round and used to face the rear and look out the back (similar option is also available on 8 seater Elgrands).

Also, and I am not sure if it is my perception here, but the Elgrand interior looks more spacious/roomy almost van like interior - while the Alphard interior looks cosier, slighlty smaller, and more 'car-like' for passengers? Maybe it's just me spending far too much time looking at these, when I should just actually go and buy one... I am based in West Yorkshire so trying to keep an eye out for decent sellers which are not too far away.

Conscious West Yorks is a big place but would recommend this place in York:

https://www.japaneseimportspecialists.co.uk/used/n...

They famously don’t stock Alphards but I had a really good chat with someone on the phone about where to get one.

Failing that you’re maybe looking at Vine Place in Durham in terms of distance - no idea on what their stock is like but they seem to have a fair few import MPVs.

Finally, there’s a couple of Alphard groups on Facebook full of enthusiastic owners, quite often cars come up for sale - private sales so little comeback but should have been well looked after.

[Rumblestripe]

chrisdk said:

sumogophi said:

Thanks for the replies on this, I am still(!) looking at mk1 Alphard and E51 Elgrands.. I think I have pretty much decided against the importer route - as well recommend as the likes of JapAA are, the whole process/documentation/getting it converted/underseal process puts me off, I feel happy getting a reputable seller and then there is also an element of comeback just incase anything goes wrong.

I defintely don't want a camper conversion, I like the original layout of these - rotating middle seats, bed mode of all seats, and foldable rear seats for lots of space/van style. I think if you fully convert you lose a lot of its best features. But each to their own. I like the suggestion from @rumblestripe about the Vangear, temporary pods sound great and fits in with occasional tent camping, bike trips etc.

My only dilemma now is small details, do I go for an Elgrand XL with captains chairs, or - I still like the 8 seater 'bench' in the Alphard which can be folded into tables, spun round and used to face the rear and look out the back (similar option is also available on 8 seater Elgrands).

Also, and I am not sure if it is my perception here, but the Elgrand interior looks more spacious/roomy almost van like interior - while the Alphard interior looks cosier, slighlty smaller, and more 'car-like' for passengers? Maybe it's just me spending far too much time looking at these, when I should just actually go and buy one... I am based in West Yorkshire so trying to keep an eye out for decent sellers which are not too far away.

Conscious West Yorks is a big place but would recommend this place in York:

https://www.japaneseimportspecialists.co.uk/used/n...

They famously don’t stock Alphards but I had a really good chat with someone on the phone about where to get one.

Failing that you’re maybe looking at Vine Place in Durham in terms of distance - no idea on what their stock is like but they seem to have a fair few import MPVs.

Finally, there’s a couple of Alphard groups on Facebook full of enthusiastic owners, quite often cars come up for sale - private sales so little comeback but should have been well looked after.

I bought my Elgrand from Vine Place and cannot recommend them highly enough. They stock Elgrands and Aphards (plus the occasional Vellfire and Honda Stepwagon and Odyssey) Their website will show you what they have and what is arriving shortly. I went to look at an Alphard and ended up buying an Elgrand. I don't think there is much to choose between the two but you might prefer the Alphard. If you give them a ring they will have a car ready for you to look at, a lot of their stock is kept in a compound some distance from the workshop. The guys there know these vehicles inside out. No hard sell their expertise and service sells the cards. I paid a £500 (refundable) deposit on my Elgrand to secure it before I even drove it. They rarely have any vehicles for very long many being secured with a deposit before they have even landed in Blighty.

The other place I checked out was The Car Warehouse in Middlesbrough, they have a more eclectic stock and the website is a good place to waste those empty hours at work. They don't keep Alphards and the guy in charge seems to talk them down for reasons that I have not found echoed anywhere else. Possibly just some bad commercial experiences? I test drove a 2.5 Elgrand there which convinced me to go for the 3.5.

Give Vine Place a ring and they will make sure that there is a car there for you to have a look around and test drive.

[djsmith74]

Rumblestripe said:

chrisdk said:

sumogophi said:

Thanks for the replies on this, I am still(!) looking at mk1 Alphard and E51 Elgrands.. I think I have pretty much decided against the importer route - as well recommend as the likes of JapAA are, the whole process/documentation/getting it converted/underseal process puts me off, I feel happy getting a reputable seller and then there is also an element of comeback just incase anything goes wrong.

I defintely don't want a camper conversion, I like the original layout of these - rotating middle seats, bed mode of all seats, and foldable rear seats for lots of space/van style. I think if you fully convert you lose a lot of its best features. But each to their own. I like the suggestion from @rumblestripe about the Vangear, temporary pods sound great and fits in with occasional tent camping, bike trips etc.

My only dilemma now is small details, do I go for an Elgrand XL with captains chairs, or - I still like the 8 seater 'bench' in the Alphard which can be folded into tables, spun round and used to face the rear and look out the back (similar option is also available on 8 seater Elgrands).

Also, and I am not sure if it is my perception here, but the Elgrand interior looks more spacious/roomy almost van like interior - while the Alphard interior looks cosier, slighlty smaller, and more 'car-like' for passengers? Maybe it's just me spending far too much time looking at these, when I should just actually go and buy one... I am based in West Yorkshire so trying to keep an eye out for decent sellers which are not too far away.

Conscious West Yorks is a big place but would recommend this place in York:

https://www.japaneseimportspecialists.co.uk/used/n...

They famously don’t stock Alphards but I had a really good chat with someone on the phone about where to get one.

Failing that you’re maybe looking at Vine Place in Durham in terms of distance - no idea on what their stock is like but they seem to have a fair few import MPVs.

Finally, there’s a couple of Alphard groups on Facebook full of enthusiastic owners, quite often cars come up for sale - private sales so little comeback but should have been well looked after.

I bought my Elgrand from Vine Place and cannot recommend them highly enough. They stock Elgrands and Aphards (plus the occasional Vellfire and Honda Stepwagon and Odyssey) Their website will show you what they have and what is arriving shortly. I went to look at an Alphard and ended up buying an Elgrand. I don't think there is much to choose between the two but you might prefer the Alphard. If you give them a ring they will have a car ready for you to look at, a lot of their stock is kept in a compound some distance from the workshop. The guys there know these vehicles inside out. No hard sell their expertise and service sells the cards. I paid a £500 (refundable) deposit on my Elgrand to secure it before I even drove it. They rarely have any vehicles for very long many being secured with a deposit before they have even landed in Blighty.

The other place I checked out was The Car Warehouse in Middlesbrough, they have a more eclectic stock and the website is a good place to waste those empty hours at work. They don't keep Alphards and the guy in charge seems to talk them down for reasons that I have not found echoed anywhere else. Possibly just some bad commercial experiences? I test drove a 2.5 Elgrand there which convinced me to go for the 3.5.

Give Vine Place a ring and they will make sure that there is a car there for you to have a look around and test drive.

I got my Mk1 V6 Alphard from Just Japanese in Wigan and highly recommend them. Mine has been pretty much faultless and passes its MOT without issue. Just a heads up that the rotating middle seats was only available in the Mk1 pre-facelift (pre-2005), as the function was removed after that. I must admit, I do find my rotating middle seats really useful when camping, as we can rotate the seats, open the sliding doors, open the tailgate, and have a nice comfy seating area to have a couple of drinks.

[sumogophi]

Many thanks for the replies everyone - that is very helpful. I am still looking out at all these receommended seller sites, wiating for the right one to come along (I am quite picky as to exact specs).

One other general question would be helpful - none of these dealer sites seem to suggest anything like 'ono' or 'best offer' in the price like an autotrader ad might do for example, I wondered if anyone has any experience of haggling with these dealers, or are they all strictly 'fixed price' and that's it ? Thanks for any advice.