Before you buy Toyota Alphard or Vellfire watch this review. Is this better than the Toyota Sienna?
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- Опубліковано 10 лип 2021
- Thinking of purchasing a Toyota Alphard? This is a must see video. I explain the basics and hopefully ignite your passion for this vehicle.
Save yourself a lot of heartache by
getting an incite into choosing your future vehicle. - Авто та транспорт
Thanks for your video!
Cheers Eric. Great chatting to you. More videos on the way.
I have the Vellfire which is pretty similar to the Alphard , these are fantastic vehicles to own .
They are indeed. The Vellfire is a sportier looking variation aimed at the youth market. Amazing vehicles.
Thanks for sharing 🙏🏻
In Australia there are plenty of Alphards Vellfires Noah's and Voxys for sale ranging from aud $20000 up to $150000 depending on the year model and kilometers and in Australia we call them people movers and to describe them as the King of people movers l do agree with that because coming from Toyota what else but the king we all know about Toyotas solid reputation for reliability l have seen a lot of videos reveiws on the Toyota Alphards and Vellfire they are just do luxurious in some cases better than a Rolls-Royce and in Australia Toyotas are everywhere infact l own a 1997 Hilux myself before you go on its not a 4X4 uts rear wheel drive petrol has an aluminum tray comon in Australia but been a Toyota its very reliable there sre a lot of 20 nad 30 year old Toyotas driving around and l have seen a couple of Alphard around
I have a velfire and trust me it’s amazing to drive best purchase I’ve made in terms of buying a vehicle 🚗
They are amazing. It’s hard to go wrong unless you buy from a bad dealer.
@@Cuttothechase too many dealers are taking the biscuit and hiking up their prices.
Hi. Great video. For the UK market, how available are the parts? Many thanks.
I have a video on that too. Have. Look through my video list. Are you subscribed?
Your passion for these vehicles as certainly opened my eyes to seriously looking for one to own,having read much info from many people on the net i still have questions i need help with ,one is the need for some form of undersealing ,ie which type,is it something that must be done before it takes to uk roads,ie like now in february,which also i read was not a good time to underseal a car ! So i am somewhat perplexed as what must be done and when and if it does then what kind is needed,any guidance would be fantastic .thanks again .
They are outstanding but you need the right vehicle. If you are near New Acre Cars, they are honest dealers. The cars eat punishment so well that they can and are often clocked.
I preferred to do my own underseal and i uses dinitrol. It doesn't need to be 100 percent perfect as either rust, nothing is.
@@Cuttothechase thank you for the reply i watched almost all your videos and found them to be excellent to a rookie when it comes to japanese imports, going back to my original post,would your advice to underseal the car ,should it be done in feb/ march time ie cold weather, and if not then would a imported vehicle be ok to use on uk winter roads without any underseal on it untill warmer spring weather arrives ,this is a biq question for me as i am being fed all sorts of contradicting info .thanks again .
@@christopherellis8480 I would be happy to seal my car now or wait. Anything is possible by making it happen. Wash it ,park it spray it. There are many alphards on the road not sealed that are still looking great.
@@Cuttothechase advice is greatly appreciated and i am sure i will have a few more questions as i go along this alphard route, thank you again.
Hi. Thanks for the video. I am looking to buy an Alphard which has been converted into a campervan (seems to ba a common vehicle to convert). My concern is the low ground clearance given that we will wanting to travel on small roads and ferries in Highlands etc. Have you ever found this to be an issue?
No. Although I don't drive a camper, my vehicle is lowered considerably, the ground clearance is still sufficient to avoid bottoming out on speed humps etc. My advice would be to avoid vehicles that have been heavily modified on their suspension. Keep the ride height original. A camper will be about the same weight as an unconverted vehicle.
@@Cuttothechase Hi. Thanks for the feedback. Still a bit nervous about going ahead, though. Looks like a great camper to drive but want to make sure we're not limited to where we can go.
@@ianmitchell9752 I did sell a pair of uprated shocks but the weight of a camper is pretty close to that of an unconverted vehicle.
Just make sure the vehicle has not been lowered.
My suggestion is to go and try driving one. You will see the difference immediately.
How much is a road tax for 2.4 engine 🤔
Bought my alphard few years ago in Australia as an import, with 35K now done 200K . Only 4 blown bulbs and a leaking radiator within this period.
One of the best usuable car in the world my opinion. Easy to drive very practical, very good economy 2.4 giving 10 to 11 litres per 100 KMs Very cold A/C.
Extremely comfortable for passengers on long trips. I change oil every 5000Ks and drain the auto gear oil every 20K I prepare to challange 500Ks
I discover the first series is more robust and solid than later more heavier doors etc. The gearbox more solid than later one though only 4 gears. U can change gears like manual 4-3-2 than reverse while tacking roundabouts. I was thinking of swarping to later alphards but this first series is so good that I cannot let go, though the less advance interior is ??? Also highly recommend the 7 seater where there is a walk through from front seat to 2nd roll then third roll, which is so important if you have kids to attent to , none the less dogs to carry.
Tinting and laser shields and curtins are big bonus where a shaded interior from the sun and privacy not found in other cars.
Best car on the planet.
A Good one is a keeper. 10 series are the best constructed
So are you saying up to 2005 is more reliable than 2005-2008 or do you mean after 2008not so reliable?
@@sg-tp7sc I think it would be fair to say that the reliability on all of the series is amazing however the quality of materials used on the series 10 is exceptionally good.
@@Cuttothechase yes I agree 2002-2008 is the model I want as well as being reliable.I don’t think the mechanics will be over complicated
@@sg-tp7sc Actually most toyotas pre2010 are very reliable. As things get more complicated these days the reliability surely suffers. 2008 till 2013 still good only doors are lighter and the gear box has turned to tiptronic +/-. People said these are less durable than the first series box. The gear box in these later ones uses lighter oils, The tougher first series boxes just may linger on longer before a rebuilt is needed. I think if you change the oil a lot more frequent that helps a lot and do not listen to what the factory recommends afterall the gear oil is so cheap compared with petrol nowadays. My box though not as smooth as silk is SMOOTH! The 3 litre I heard is very difficullt to change the inner 3 spark plugs so is the water pump. The 2.4 with the 2AZ-FE superdurable engine is the choice if you want economy and ease of maintainace, but if you go on highways all the time the 3 litr gives you more satisfaction
Hello - great video (s) on this vehicle. A queston though... If I folded up the very back seats (as not needed), coudl I fit 2 adult bikes and 2 kids bikes in the boot section? Thanks
Front wheels off adult bikes. Possibly but other option is to pit 2 adult bikes on the back with a towbar. This may be a better idea.
See my towbar video. Roof mount is a bad idea and rear boot mount is not ideal either
@@Cuttothechase I have 3 young kids, so what if the middle row of seats were moved forward slightly? Would that make much difference?
@@craigfish5713 I don't use the middle seat belt as it is a lap belt. It is used occasionally. Consider it as a 6 seater plus 2 lap belts . Not like any other 8 seater though as loads of room.
Could you please advise me which year and model is the best to buy , many thanks in advance for your help and advice
And which your to avoid , thank you
You really need to see them in the flesh. There are so many variants. More importantly, there are many people that will sell you junk. Speak to New Acre Cars. They are a solid dealer in my opinion. 0
Definitely 2008 and beyond GGH 25w
How would a 2.4 hybrid compare with a diesel transporter for example .. in fuel consumption … many thanks
I think the 2.4 series 10 does about 28mpg but the series 20 hybrid may be the one to go for.
Have you driven an Alphard as yet as that usually clinches the deal.
Speak to Paul McKeown from New Acre Cars. He has imported loads and also consider lpg.
@@Cuttothechase Why is the series 20 hybrid better than the 10? I would like to buy a 2007 Hybrid, why do you recommend getting a 2008 instead? Many thanks, keep up the videos!
Hello Where Did You Bought The Silver Cover On Your Door Post ? Thank You
It came with the cara...pre customised.
This car drives me crazy
It's pretty amazing if you have seen one.
Are these these vehicles still a viable option in 2023 what with ULEZ and the cost of fuel? I really like the look of the Alphard but I’m a little concerned about the longevity of these vehicles due to their age.
I asked the same question to myself the other day. These vehicles are versatile but the ULEZ issue is a problem for some.
Fuel can be expensive and you do need to factor that in. My 20
Year old vehicle is pretty reliable
And with 200k almost on the clock, I would have normally gone through two non Toyota vehicles.
I would by a more modern alphard but then again would I have one if I didn’t have a family of 6?
Write down what you need the vehicle to do .
the 3.5 litre V6 will last longer that most humans. They have proven to be bullit proof. However I am referring to post 2015 models and not the hybrids
Hi thanks for video I have 2004 alphard the fault code I have is T30005 I don’t know please can you help me
Sorry I’ve never even heard of that code
Hi Lubs , I take it yours has been lowered ?
Indeed. Love it both high and low. Pros and cons both ways.
I notice you have a tow bar, what is the towing limit on these.
Japanese import vehicles do not have towing ratings as they don’t tow caravans there. I would discuss this with your insurers. I have a bike rack on mines.
How many Alphard sells in UK or all Europe
Sorry I can't really help with that question. You can Google though how many have passed the uk mot possibly.
would you recommend 18 or 19 inch alloys? just got an 08 alphard that is very similar to yours but i have the stock alloys on at the moment, also what lowering kit are you using?
I like 18. It has the look and some comfort. The 19, in my opinion looks great but kerb easier and the ride can be jarring when lowered. I have tein s springs. Lowering puts a lot of stress on the suspension components so budget for that too.
I hope that helps.
@@Cuttothechase this was perfect thank you! exactly the advice i was looking for. also i know this is unrelated but does every alphard model have the rotating seats because i’m not sure mine does
@@charcar2267 I believe that some 7 seater with the foot rests do not have them. Have you watched my video on this?
@@Cuttothechase no, have been watching lots of them though! they have been very useful, especially the explaining of the auto gearbox. if you could link it in your reply that would be great
@@charcar2267 ua-cam.com/video/lLnM1eJy8v0/v-deo.html
I love the way seats can be turned to face each other. Do they all do that?
Just the middle two rotate in the series 10 preface lift but you need to check your specific model.
Please provide details for New Acre Cars.
As long as they are mot London based as the dealer's here rip you off!
Try Google. They should be listed there. Prices have increased considerably over the last three years along with everything else from fuel to the Yen to servicing. It is possibly a good time to buy used but you do need to know your stuff with imports.
@@Cuttothechase thank you Sir for your swift reply. Bless you!
Alphard or Elgrand, i can't decide!
Alphard. Speak to New Acre
cars tomorrow.
@Cuttothechase I've literally just been on holiday staying near Broadway last week! Closer than Just Japanese for me though 👌🏻
Have been shopping around for an Alphard in Glasgow but I am a little skeptical of the sellers. In one case, the car had an MOT but no fog light…which concerns me.
Really like these cars, and saw one at minimum spec that is fairly cheap i.e., manual sliding doors and does not have a reverse camera. Minor body damage too, but drives well. Wonder if worth buying cheap and adding after market bits? (Saw your video on infotainment update)
Little choice in or around Glasgow it seems sub 8000 for an ok example. Newacre would be worth a look but a bit far to travel on spec. Any suggestions up north? :)
I never saw my car from NewAcre. It’s a big leap of faith but they do look after you. They did sell one car that was not up to spec in Edinburgh and they drove up that week with a replacement vehicle. That’s service.
I’d call them. Speak to Katie.
@@Cuttothechase Thank you for replying. That is service, and very reassuring. Also good to hear from others who have bought from a certain place. I was mulling over what to do about the one here, and the little issues niggle, but will call and speak with Newacre to see what is available or possible. Having just moved back from East Asia I know how good these vehicles are. With two kids it just fits the bill perfectly.
Out of curiosity, when you say “sub par” what were the issues?
Thanks.
With any car you can’t be 100 percent sure. What’s important is being sure your dealer will correct the problem.
I’m in Edinburgh so saw the car. I think it
was losing oil.
Don’t buy a car that you are unsure about. You will live with the pain for forever!
@@Cuttothechase Solid advice. Deep down, albeit it seems the best deal I have seen here, I am still not entirely convinced the car is good enough, or that I can be confident in it. A bit more time looking slightly further afield may be best.
Thanks again for replying. Very helpful stuff on the channel. Even the video about the Samsung Ecobubble calibration was handy. Just got one. :)
Hello. I am Japanese. Toyota Alphard 10 models have engines of 2.4 liter "2AZ-FE" and V6 "1MZ-FE" 3.0 liter, and from the mid-term lot of the 2AZ engine of model 10 type, the engine was changed from a Japanese-made engine to a Chinese-made engine, and the Chinese-made engine is a problem. It is an engine with many points. The main problem is abnormal consumption of engine oil due to abnormal wear of piston rings.
In Japan, some vehicles have been repaired at dealers due to recalls, but others are abandoned. The next model, the 20, is also equipped with an engine with the same problem. "1MZ-FE" does not have such problems. The engine with this problem of "2AZ-FE" can be known from the engine lot number.
I’ve learnt something new. Thank you for that. I’ll do more research.
I really appreciate that you took the time to inform me of this. In a great fan of Japanese quality but not realise stamp made in Japan to be on things.
@@Cuttothechase Hello. Thanks for your comment.
The first digit of the engine number (located on the starter mount) is 0, 1, or 2 for Japanese-made engines, and C, D, E, or F for problematic Chinese-made engines. Products with a G number or later are defective products.
Please note that the same engine was used in many other car models at one time or another.
Changing to Chinese-made products due to cost-cutting issues may have been Toyota's biggest mistake at that time. If there is anything I know, I would like to help you. Because they love Japanese cars.
@@Cuttothechase In Japan, the government has decided that driving an old car is a "bad thing" for the environment. For example, the rate of heavy taxation after 13 years has passed since new registration is much higher than automobile tax, and is about 40% heavier. Furthermore, for cars that have been registered for 18 years, the tax will be levied approximately 10% heavier than for cars registered after 13 years. The additional tax levied on old cars is used to subsidize people who buy electric cars. For this reason, most old cars are scrapped. I would like you to export and drive Japanese cars like you overseas. Penalties for old cars are a shameful system in Japan.
I bought a Toyota Alphard 2004 unfortunately one of the back seat was moved without being lined up with marked arrow on wall of vehicle, now the seat is stuck and I cannot restore it to its normal seat position. Can anybody out there help me with this problem? 🤨
Place it down but not locked. Move the seat forward to where it should be with the slider latch. Lift up slightly and drop. It should fall in place.
@@Cuttothechase Thanks I will try this asap.
How did you get on?
Why don’t you show the front of the vehicle?
Well observed. I forgot. You will be able to see it in the other videos on this channel. There are some 200 videos etc.
I am sorry,, But to put the Alphard and Vellfire in the same bracket of each other let alone include either with the Toyota Sienna, is an exercise in futility. As someone who drives a Vellfire. 1) Imported Vellfires have 3.5 litre V6 engines, Far greater interior specs, 2) leather seats 3) massage seats 4.) av displays. 5) HDMI, USB and Type C points. 6) Superior suspension, 7) Very superior External Painitng finish. 8) Completley different front grill, side and rear trims which in themselves create their own identity. Reliability .... well that goes without saying. There isn't any car that I have ever travelled in that provides better creature comforts that there is for the passenger within a Vellfire.
Alphard and Vellfire are essentially the same car with different options. Vellfire appeals to a sportier younger generation. The specs you mention are the ones that are on your car I’ve seen
most of those on Alphard’s too but the most luxurious ride clearly has to belong to the Alphard Royal Lounge.
I’m sure in the video it will mentions that no two vehicles are the same as the Japanese spec out like we order groceries. The just load them up.
If you want a drinks cabinet built in, look for one with that. Limo glass, look for one with that.
is it an economical car in terms of fuel?
I’m quite sure I’ve mentioned economy in one of my videos. The short answer is yes and no. It is decent for a 2tonne vehicle with 7 or 8 seats. Watch my qashqai 7 seater video abs the one on the alphard. All the answers are there.
@@Cuttothechase thanks bro. I am a Deejay in Kenya and want to launch my brand, I will be on the road most of the week. Thats why I need a proper thats not too uneconomical while being large enough and relatively comfortable
This may not be the best.
First thing what I will do,I will wash them 💺 seats.
The car seats are usually spotless. They can take a lot of punishment and still look great.
Not many with cruise control 👎
If you have a spare £12 you can just bolt one onto 2007 onward models (face-lift).The wiring is all there .
Also if cruise is important, you can get a radar cruise control model.
can you share a link where to buy it? thanks @@Cuttothechase
Standard on 2008 onwards
Elgrands look better and drive better .... and have more of a cult following
A Nissan Elgrand is definitely worth looking at as an alternative. There are plus points and negative points for both vehicles and some may be urban myth. For example some sat that only two windows on the Elgrand actually go down. I don't know if this is entirely true.
as a mechanic that works at a jp vehicle importer, with a member of staff who has worked with us for 30 year.... yeah no the elgrands may look nice but the mechanical side is horrific, there is always something that needs to be replaced on the elgrands when the come into the country (usually pads or discs, though i have know for rear window motors to be burnt out due to design flaws) on top of that the suspension is not at all forgiving and servicing them are an absolute pain in the ass, and good luck trying to change a cam sensor, because your arms are barely long enough and flexible enough to barely reach them with the engine halfway out.... in comparison the Alphard's come in usually without any advisories on the mot, all the windows work nicely in toyota fashion, its really simple to service an Alphard, and the suspension is a lot better
@@herozero8809
Thanks for that!.....why weren't you my friend before i bought it!
I really like the look of my elgrand cos its the older e50 and i like the retro feel of it....but i take your point on the suspension, the fuel consumption is ridiculous, and im now not looking forward to garage bills either. Next time i buy a car im going to invite you over to inspect it. I'll get the 🍻 . Still looks nice in the driveway though. Sometimes when weve saved up enough to go for fuel we move it to the front of the house for a week or two.
@@pooroldfred in all fairness I've never worked on a e50 and in the time I've been here there hasn't been one come in and I've only seen one in the local area, so idk if they're as bad to work on as and e51
I can't agree with the op. The Toyota is streets ahead with reliability .
3.5 Elgrand is faster. 😊
The Elgrand is a beautiful alternative.
How fast as I'm thinking of buying a 2.4 ?
Also where in England is the best place to purchase a Vellfire?
@@naush777 they are beautiful alternatives but you do want Toyota reliability. If you are a mechanic and you have back up cars then consider it but reliability… Toyota every day.
The 3l alphard is quick and so is the 3.5l.
@@Cuttothechase Toyota first choice!