Honda Elysion. Anyone got/had one?

[D_G]

These Japanese vans are brilliant, I've got a Nissan Serena now, my second one after having a Bongo a while back. The things that put me off the Elysion is the possible parts issues, I looked at getting a spare key and found it very difficult. Also the stereo system can't be changed. Still a great car though.

[Challo]

Trevor555 said:

Not on my one.

I think it's an option for the middle row to rotate, but people said on forum it's quite a rare option.

I've seen a camper conversion with a swivel front passenger seat. But I think the swivel base is an accessory that you can add.

I think the Alphards have a swivel centre row of seats.

Thanks

[Trevor555]

D_G said:

These Japanese vans are brilliant, I've got a Nissan Serena now, my second one after having a Bongo a while back. The things that put me off the Elysion is the possible parts issues, I looked at getting a spare key and found it very difficult. Also the stereo system can't be changed. Still a great car though.

I was initially put off them myself after reading the same about parts issues.

After a bit of research I found that the 2.4cc Vtec engine was the same as the Accord of the same era. And today there are 10,287 items listed on Ebay under Honda Elysion parts, and 8,917 are new items.

Yes, you can't just walk into a Honda garage, unless it's Cox's, and talk Elysion, and order parts. You have to be a slightly resourseful owner to own one.

New body parts would be a problem so I guess most will be written off by insurance companies for even minor damage. But I saw plenty of used body parts available so I thought I'd be able to fix it if the worst happened.

Keys aren't a problem, even the genuine Honda ones are available on the bay and we've got a decent auto locksmith around here that can program them. Many people on the Facebook group have fitted aftermarket radios in place of the original Jap unit, although they're a bit expensive.

There are a few very helpful members on the FB group, at least two of them are involved in importing them, and they are very helpful when owners ask for advice. They quickly supply part numbers and advice.

I asked about a battery on there and they gave me the model number I needed to order. £65 delivered.

So yes, your neighbour that knows nothing about cars shouldn't go and buy one, I would recommend them towards a Ford Galaxy, or Zafira.

But when I had my budget of £5,000 for my fishing bus I just couldn't find anything UK that was appealing. The Jap stuff is in such good order if you buy a decent grade.

Funny you should mention Serena, I went to buy one and they sold it before I got to it.

Years ago I had a Delica for fishing duties. Here it is having fun in a muddy Irish field.



That was a brilliant tool as it had the off road gear from a Shogun. But dreadful on fuel, really dreadful, like sub 20mpg when loaded, and of course wouldn't go in my garage. The later Delicas don't have as good off road capability sadly. But luckily I don't need to drive across the fields anymore.

I think the best Jap van is the Alphard or Vellfire. Prices are high at the moment for them, probably because so many are getting converted into campers. I found a lovely 4x4 vellfire which, like the Serena, I wasn't quick enough to buy. But it was £16,000 for a 2009 one.

And one thing I learned recently re the Elysion. If you live in London make sure it's a 2006 or newer for the ULEZ.

[SevenShades]

Trevor555 said:

Yes, the rear benches in some of the others simply fold up.

I removed the Elysion seats today, it took about 20mins.

Some photos to show what it's all about inside.

All seats in, but pushed all the way forward for maximum bootspace.



The way the seats fold up.



The seat bolts, 14mm.





And the space when three of the four seats are removed. Still able to seat 4 people.



If you took all of the seats out you have seven and a half foot of space in the back.

And a few general pics.









The bigger Jap wagons like the Elgrand and Alphard won't go in my garage so couldn't leave all my fishing kit in them.

Hi OP, thanks for posting, there isn't much info on these online, especially regarding interior layout! We are currently looking for a van to carry bikes, and occasionally camp in. I am wondering whether an Elysion with it's middle bench removed could be a good option, do you know whether this would allow the rear bench to slide right up behind the drivers/passenger seat? That way we could slide the rear bench back when camping and have some 'lounge' space. Also, with the rear bench removed in yours and the middle bench folded, do you know the length from rear of the van to the back of the middle bench seat? Thanks!

[Trevor555]

SevenShades said:

Hi OP, thanks for posting, there isn't much info on these online, especially regarding interior layout! We are currently looking for a van to carry bikes, and occasionally camp in. I am wondering whether an Elysion with it's middle bench removed could be a good option, do you know whether this would allow the rear bench to slide right up behind the drivers/passenger seat? That way we could slide the rear bench back when camping and have some 'lounge' space. Also, with the rear bench removed in yours and the middle bench folded, do you know the length from rear of the van to the back of the middle bench seat? Thanks!

Hi, seven and a half feet in the back with the rear bench removed, and the middle row folded and pushed forward.

The rear bench wont push right to the front if the middle row is removed. At least it didn't on mine.

If you're putting lots of stuff in like bikes then the Elgrand is a bit bigger inside.

I've sold the Elysion now, I got my wife's estate car passed to me as shes bought herself a new motor.

I had to choose between the two and the Fabia estate won as its £20 road tax, and 50mpg.

[PurpleTurtle]

I happened across the Elysion, and then this thread, having seen someone do a pop top camper conversion of one in a motorhome magazine.

We currently tow a small Eriba caravan with a 140bhp petrol Honda FR-V 2.0 VTEC which we owned before we got the caravan. It's now sitting on 127k miles and although a bit battered around the edges has been the most reliable car I have ever owned, seriously impressed by Honda build quality.

It will eventually need replacement, so I like the idea of a Honda mini van with a 3.0 V6, would make towing a breeze! They look really comfy inside, probably a nice place to sit whilst chugging down the M5 at 60mph!

[Trevor555]

PurpleTurtle said:

I happened across the Elysion, and then this thread, having seen someone do a pop top camper conversion of one in a motorhome magazine.

We currently tow a small Eriba caravan with a 140bhp petrol Honda FR-V 2.0 VTEC which we owned before we got the caravan. It's now sitting on 127k miles and although a bit battered around the edges has been the most reliable car I have ever owned, seriously impressed by Honda build quality.

It will eventually need replacement, so I like the idea of a Honda mini van with a 3.0 V6, would make towing a breeze! They look really comfy inside, probably a nice place to sit whilst chugging down the M5 at 60mph!

Honda build quality from back then was very high, I'd say well above many other brands at the time.

I haven't driven the 3.0cc one, but people in the Facebook forum say they're great. (very helpful bunch)

The odd mention of gearbox issues though so do a very thorough test drive, and have a look at the colour of the transmission oil.

The Elysions are very comfortable and luxurious inside, a nice place to be. The seats are the softest velour I think I've ever seen in a car.

Put some pics up if you get one..

[mersontheperson]

Morning everyone

I put a 100 pound deposit on one of these on Tuesday. Wanted to share my reasoning here, am interested in your responses.
Me - 50 years old, passed bike test 3 years ago in Japan, 400 cc license first, learned on a CB400 Super Four, passed and bought a 250cc single for living in Tokyo and lived every day of my three year ownership. So light and nippy through town, ran out of puff at 60mph, but perfect for a city bike. Passed big bike test a year later and bought a Ducati GT1000, lovely bike but lots of vibes for long distance work and engine light stated coming in intermittently so got a good deal and sold it. Then bought a CB750 (RC42) JDM only model which was perfect for general motorbike duties, but at 230 KG I always lacks. A bit of confidence in wet or difficult situations.
Bought a few other bikes, Moto Guzzi cali customs, Dragster 400, but never found the perfect bike.
But I kinda did, the z900 RS, but it’s still pretty big, huge waiting list, quite expensive and I don’t really need that power. Trident seems perfect, don’t like the XSR700 , styling too compromised for me. Thought about street twin, new V7, W800 but all have compromises/cost issues, and being an absolute JDM guy, convinced that Japanese bikes are the best way fit hassle free motoring.

So the z650rs seems to be perfect for me, and best of all I hope to be able to actually take college things in November. If they say it’s not available for a number of months after, I will ask for my deposit back or pass my place in the queue to someone else.

My only really concern is the seat to peg distance, the reason I bought the Guzzi and the dragster is the feet forward position was really comfy and fun, the CB750 was pretty good, but anything tighter will be an issue for me.
Do you think the Ninja 650 with the higher optional seat will give me the exact comfort reference I need? I plan on testing and might even pivot my deposit to one of those as I can imagine riding in the UK suits having a fairing!

Any, just some musings…..