The Family Van Question
Discussion
OP here, just a quick response to say thanks for all of the suggestions. Spent a fair bit of time researching various oddball JDM family vans, had a detour into looking at Merc V classes and the occasional heart attack inducing moment when I expanded the budget to accommodate a VW of similar vintage / spec.
All fantastic insight and really gave me a lot of think about.
DJSmith’s response on the Camping & Caravanning forum was the most helpful and I think it’s firmly cemented my view that an Alphard is the most cost effective solution for my needs. Have spoken to a few dealers but not viewed anything yet but plan to do this in November (need to procure a Golf / focus / Korean-thing for my wife first as her lease ends in a couple of weeks).
Thanks again, will aim to update once I actually buy something (and if someone had a high spec 7 seater Alphard / Vellfire with the two cinema seats that they want to get rid of for a very fair price, please get in touch).
Chris
All fantastic insight and really gave me a lot of think about.
DJSmith’s response on the Camping & Caravanning forum was the most helpful and I think it’s firmly cemented my view that an Alphard is the most cost effective solution for my needs. Have spoken to a few dealers but not viewed anything yet but plan to do this in November (need to procure a Golf / focus / Korean-thing for my wife first as her lease ends in a couple of weeks).
Thanks again, will aim to update once I actually buy something (and if someone had a high spec 7 seater Alphard / Vellfire with the two cinema seats that they want to get rid of for a very fair price, please get in touch).
Chris
Bannock said:
The answer is...Ssangyong Turismo.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208028...
There you go, that should sort out whether the OP is a badge snob or not...
(Only kidding, OP.)
Special reply for this response. I’m REALLY not a badge snob but, I mean, I’m not sure I could do that. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208028...
There you go, that should sort out whether the OP is a badge snob or not...
(Only kidding, OP.)
I know I'm late to the party but we have a caravelle, in all honesty I wouldn't pay the premium for another caravelle. Buying again I'd probably get a shuttle.
Shuttles don't have the flexible seating arrangements but the rears clip out fairly easily giving you 6 seats, 3 and 3 then the option to add the extra 3 or have a huge boot.
People say about the inflated price and vw tax but that works both side of ownership and a vw will depreciate far slower than any other van bodied car.
Shuttles don't have the flexible seating arrangements but the rears clip out fairly easily giving you 6 seats, 3 and 3 then the option to add the extra 3 or have a huge boot.
People say about the inflated price and vw tax but that works both side of ownership and a vw will depreciate far slower than any other van bodied car.
Thanks Cakey, it’s a head vs heart decision. Everytime I go to the bike park and see the lines of VW vans I think “I want one of them” and will happily pay the £15k premium if that premium will still be there in three years time.
It’s just my head says a fair chunk of that premium might disappear in the short-term.
With the cheaper Toyota I’m far more prepared to roll the dice of depreciation, even if it’s unlikely to give me bragging rights in the forest.
It’s just my head says a fair chunk of that premium might disappear in the short-term.
With the cheaper Toyota I’m far more prepared to roll the dice of depreciation, even if it’s unlikely to give me bragging rights in the forest.
Another VW van owner here. Owned it for 8 years+ now and its been brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Originally bought converted as a camper but this year I've torn out all the useless cupboards etc and its now got 3 seats across the back and 3 up front. Seats 6, carries 4 bikes easy in the back, stuff on the roof etc but still have the pop top and an Amdro kombi bed so sleeps 4 as well. Its the best setup we've had.
Would I pay the VW premium again? Probably not. That said, we paid 30k for it 8 years ago when it was 3 years old and looking at todays prices, I still think its worth well north of £20k, maybe pushing £25k so not too bad an investment for the use/memories we've had with it (and continue to have).
Would I pay the VW premium again? Probably not. That said, we paid 30k for it 8 years ago when it was 3 years old and looking at todays prices, I still think its worth well north of £20k, maybe pushing £25k so not too bad an investment for the use/memories we've had with it (and continue to have).
Watching this with interest as I'm interested in getting a mk2 Alphard at some point. The main niggle with them for me is that the thing that makes them so nice to drive - the fact they have been designed from the ground-up as a luxury MPV and not derived from a commercial vehicle - also means that you can't take the middle row of seats out if you actually want a van. Well not without a lot of faff anyway; I think that some of the lower spec mk2 Alphards with the 8 seats might allow this, but then you don't get a lot of the other good stuff like twin sunroofs etc.
So yeah, keep us posted OP as I'm interested to know what your impressions are once you've looked at a few.
So yeah, keep us posted OP as I'm interested to know what your impressions are once you've looked at a few.
Bit of (semi) closure on this one - put a deposit down this week on a 3.5l V6 mk2 Alphard. In the process of being imported from Japan so should be on the road during April.
Contemplated Caravelle ownership, chatted with a few private sellers in Jan but I was struggling with the cost premium for what is a second car for us (maybe a sign of age but a lottery win would have me immediately buying a mega spec Caravelle !).
Into a mega-spec, 2010 Alphard for £16k so that works for me. Never saw myself going down the import route but struggled to find decent examples of what I wanted, was happy to pay a premium for a decent car but had a fairly specific idea of what I wanted and couldn’t find a clean example. Helped that I could afford to wait a little while for the right car and could get comfortable with the process.
Suspect the import process might be worthy of another thread, might write it up once it’s complete.
Thanks again for the all the input !
Contemplated Caravelle ownership, chatted with a few private sellers in Jan but I was struggling with the cost premium for what is a second car for us (maybe a sign of age but a lottery win would have me immediately buying a mega spec Caravelle !).
Into a mega-spec, 2010 Alphard for £16k so that works for me. Never saw myself going down the import route but struggled to find decent examples of what I wanted, was happy to pay a premium for a decent car but had a fairly specific idea of what I wanted and couldn’t find a clean example. Helped that I could afford to wait a little while for the right car and could get comfortable with the process.
Suspect the import process might be worthy of another thread, might write it up once it’s complete.
Thanks again for the all the input !
Nice and good to update the thread OP.
I have a Vito, 2017 with the 5 seats and it's a very versatile bus. It's not the best steer but it does what I need it to do.
What's parts supply with something like an imported Alphard/Stepwagon? I considered going down the JDM route myself but then did wonder about what happens when stuff goes wrong.
I have a Vito, 2017 with the 5 seats and it's a very versatile bus. It's not the best steer but it does what I need it to do.
What's parts supply with something like an imported Alphard/Stepwagon? I considered going down the JDM route myself but then did wonder about what happens when stuff goes wrong.
chrisdk said:
Bit of (semi) closure on this one - put a deposit down this week on a 3.5l V6 mk2 Alphard. In the process of being imported from Japan so should be on the road during April.
Contemplated Caravelle ownership, chatted with a few private sellers in Jan but I was struggling with the cost premium for what is a second car for us (maybe a sign of age but a lottery win would have me immediately buying a mega spec Caravelle !).
Into a mega-spec, 2010 Alphard for £16k so that works for me. Never saw myself going down the import route but struggled to find decent examples of what I wanted, was happy to pay a premium for a decent car but had a fairly specific idea of what I wanted and couldn’t find a clean example. Helped that I could afford to wait a little while for the right car and could get comfortable with the process.
Suspect the import process might be worthy of another thread, might write it up once it’s complete.
Thanks again for the all the input !
Good stuff - you won't regret it. If you have a Facebook account, then get onto the two main Alphard Facebook groups, as there is a wealth of information out there and they're very helpful. The two groups are : 'Toyota Alphard and Vellfire Club' and 'Toyota Alphard owner club UK'. Please note, the case sensitivity of those two club names - there are a few more clubs out there named the same, but with different case sensitivity, and I think they have been hacked.Contemplated Caravelle ownership, chatted with a few private sellers in Jan but I was struggling with the cost premium for what is a second car for us (maybe a sign of age but a lottery win would have me immediately buying a mega spec Caravelle !).
Into a mega-spec, 2010 Alphard for £16k so that works for me. Never saw myself going down the import route but struggled to find decent examples of what I wanted, was happy to pay a premium for a decent car but had a fairly specific idea of what I wanted and couldn’t find a clean example. Helped that I could afford to wait a little while for the right car and could get comfortable with the process.
Suspect the import process might be worthy of another thread, might write it up once it’s complete.
Thanks again for the all the input !
Do you have anyone here to carry out the necessary work to make the car UK compliant, i.e. fit a fog light? There are some poor garages who simply bolt on a nasty looking square fog light to the back, and run cables through the car to a nasty switch on the dash. The decent garages will integrate the fog light into the rear light cluster and do a proper job of the installation.
Your speedo will need chipping to convert it from KPH to MPH. Depending on your instrument layout, you may be able to get replacement dials to MPH form Lockwood.
And please underseal it the minute it arrives in the UK!. There are loads of places who do this, so it depends where you are in the country.
I would suggest you get onto the Facebook groups and ask questions, in the lead up to the car arriving on UK soil.
djsmith74 said:
Good stuff - you won't regret it. If you have a Facebook account, then get onto the two main Alphard Facebook groups, as there is a wealth of information out there and they're very helpful. The two groups are : 'Toyota Alphard and Vellfire Club' and 'Toyota Alphard owner club UK'. Please note, the case sensitivity of those two club names - there are a few more clubs out there named the same, but with different case sensitivity, and I think they have been hacked.
Do you have anyone here to carry out the necessary work to make the car UK compliant, i.e. fit a fog light? There are some poor garages who simply bolt on a nasty looking square fog light to the back, and run cables through the car to a nasty switch on the dash. The decent garages will integrate the fog light into the rear light cluster and do a proper job of the installation.
Your speedo will need chipping to convert it from KPH to MPH. Depending on your instrument layout, you may be able to get replacement dials to MPH form Lockwood.
And please underseal it the minute it arrives in the UK!. There are loads of places who do this, so it depends where you are in the country.
I would suggest you get onto the Facebook groups and ask questions, in the lead up to the car arriving on UK soil.
Cheers, in part it was your write-up on the Camping forum which convinced me.Do you have anyone here to carry out the necessary work to make the car UK compliant, i.e. fit a fog light? There are some poor garages who simply bolt on a nasty looking square fog light to the back, and run cables through the car to a nasty switch on the dash. The decent garages will integrate the fog light into the rear light cluster and do a proper job of the installation.
Your speedo will need chipping to convert it from KPH to MPH. Depending on your instrument layout, you may be able to get replacement dials to MPH form Lockwood.
And please underseal it the minute it arrives in the UK!. There are loads of places who do this, so it depends where you are in the country.
I would suggest you get onto the Facebook groups and ask questions, in the lead up to the car arriving on UK soil.
I probably didn’t mention that (until five years ago) my FiL owned an Alphard and was fairly involved with the clubs in real life (went to a few weekend camps) and virtually (Facebook and the owners club) so I was fairly well plugged into the names and faces of who can do what.
I’ve been referred to someone for the UK conversion - a quick search of Pistonheads reveals their name being recommended by a few others with imports so no concerns there.
Unfortunately they don’t do underseal (which I want) so need to think about how I make that work (I’m presuming driving it 200 miles or so won’t be entirely destructive ?).
Might drop you a DM if that’s ok, suspect you might be able to direct me on some of the more niggly questions I’m finding myself wondering.
I like a project, enjoying this so far !
Chicken Chaser said:
Nice and good to update the thread OP.
I have a Vito, 2017 with the 5 seats and it's a very versatile bus. It's not the best steer but it does what I need it to do.
What's parts supply with something like an imported Alphard/Stepwagon? I considered going down the JDM route myself but then did wonder about what happens when stuff goes wrong.
Cheers, had some good suggestions so felt I owed it to the people !I have a Vito, 2017 with the 5 seats and it's a very versatile bus. It's not the best steer but it does what I need it to do.
What's parts supply with something like an imported Alphard/Stepwagon? I considered going down the JDM route myself but then did wonder about what happens when stuff goes wrong.
As I understand it, they are essentially Lexus RX running gear underneath so fair bit of commonality. I expect there’s probably some bespoke interior bits which might need a bit of eBay trawling if I ever had to replace but there also seems to be a healthy industry in import part suppliers (apparently the other half of my container is going to include a semi-scrapped model rammed full of parts going to someone else).
I think the Alphard is now a fairly vanilla import - so really lovely, crazy JDM oddball stuff that you can get distracted with. I think it’s a braver (wo)man who imports one of those little Honda Kei cars for instance.
Nice one, glad you've found a car & I think a great choice. Colour?
Driving 200 miles before getting it undersealed should be fine, a reputable place will clean up the underside before applying the protection. Road salt is the worst I think, but looks like the weather will be staying above freezing for the time being.
I've not had any real parts supply issues with my two JDM imports. I have the sense the Alphard is based on the Estima, which isn't that far evolved from the final Previa which was sold here, but I don't know how many parts are still common. The 3.5 V6 is used in a multitude of cars, including the Lotus Emira.
We have a 3.5 V6 E51 Elgrand (2005) which I imported in 2019 and has proven it's ability to deal with literally everything I have thrown at it (holidays, dashes into Europe, house renovations, tip runs, football match runs)....and whilst thirsty, it has been utterly reliable, comfortable and a pleasure to own. ULEZ compliant too. I can't imagine there being much else out there for the money that could compete in its load lugging capability for what was a £7.5k on OTR purchase price.
As mentioned above, the suspension on these vehicles is 'car derived', which is perfect for 95% of journeys generally, but on those trips where we need to lug heavier loads around, the rear sagged too much for my liking so I installed an 'AirLift 1000' kit (£120 on amazon), which means you can effectively provide support to your rear springs by simply pumping air into the system to as much or less an extent as you require - works an absolute treat. I expect similar will be available for the Alphard, if not the same kit.
Great choice - keep us posted once it arrives - I am sure there are tons of resource on line to help make ownership/maintenance that bit easier.
As mentioned above, the suspension on these vehicles is 'car derived', which is perfect for 95% of journeys generally, but on those trips where we need to lug heavier loads around, the rear sagged too much for my liking so I installed an 'AirLift 1000' kit (£120 on amazon), which means you can effectively provide support to your rear springs by simply pumping air into the system to as much or less an extent as you require - works an absolute treat. I expect similar will be available for the Alphard, if not the same kit.
Great choice - keep us posted once it arrives - I am sure there are tons of resource on line to help make ownership/maintenance that bit easier.
We have owned a Viano 3.o cdi for the pat 8 years, chose it over the VW because of the engine and more comfortable suspension ( and slightly lower rpice). Its commercial vehicle underpinnings are annoying, however I struggle to find a replacement. We love the space and flexibility!
Unfortunately we do not get the Alphard in Europe, I would have one in a heartbeat.
Manufacturers are overlooking a massive niche in the market, comfortable luxury vans built for humans not some work panel vans with some carpet and seats.
Unfortunately we do not get the Alphard in Europe, I would have one in a heartbeat.
Manufacturers are overlooking a massive niche in the market, comfortable luxury vans built for humans not some work panel vans with some carpet and seats.
chrisdk said:
djsmith74 said:
Good stuff - you won't regret it. If you have a Facebook account, then get onto the two main Alphard Facebook groups, as there is a wealth of information out there and they're very helpful. The two groups are : 'Toyota Alphard and Vellfire Club' and 'Toyota Alphard owner club UK'. Please note, the case sensitivity of those two club names - there are a few more clubs out there named the same, but with different case sensitivity, and I think they have been hacked.
Do you have anyone here to carry out the necessary work to make the car UK compliant, i.e. fit a fog light? There are some poor garages who simply bolt on a nasty looking square fog light to the back, and run cables through the car to a nasty switch on the dash. The decent garages will integrate the fog light into the rear light cluster and do a proper job of the installation.
Your speedo will need chipping to convert it from KPH to MPH. Depending on your instrument layout, you may be able to get replacement dials to MPH form Lockwood.
And please underseal it the minute it arrives in the UK!. There are loads of places who do this, so it depends where you are in the country.
I would suggest you get onto the Facebook groups and ask questions, in the lead up to the car arriving on UK soil.
Cheers, in part it was your write-up on the Camping forum which convinced me.Do you have anyone here to carry out the necessary work to make the car UK compliant, i.e. fit a fog light? There are some poor garages who simply bolt on a nasty looking square fog light to the back, and run cables through the car to a nasty switch on the dash. The decent garages will integrate the fog light into the rear light cluster and do a proper job of the installation.
Your speedo will need chipping to convert it from KPH to MPH. Depending on your instrument layout, you may be able to get replacement dials to MPH form Lockwood.
And please underseal it the minute it arrives in the UK!. There are loads of places who do this, so it depends where you are in the country.
I would suggest you get onto the Facebook groups and ask questions, in the lead up to the car arriving on UK soil.
I probably didn’t mention that (until five years ago) my FiL owned an Alphard and was fairly involved with the clubs in real life (went to a few weekend camps) and virtually (Facebook and the owners club) so I was fairly well plugged into the names and faces of who can do what.
I’ve been referred to someone for the UK conversion - a quick search of Pistonheads reveals their name being recommended by a few others with imports so no concerns there.
Unfortunately they don’t do underseal (which I want) so need to think about how I make that work (I’m presuming driving it 200 miles or so won’t be entirely destructive ?).
Might drop you a DM if that’s ok, suspect you might be able to direct me on some of the more niggly questions I’m finding myself wondering.
I like a project, enjoying this so far !
As others have said, driving it 200 miles with the underside unsealed isn’t an issue as the decent underseal places will give it a thorough wash.
I’m expecting a write up on Readers Cars!
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