An introduction to my campervan: A JDM Toyota Alphard, imported from Japan (episode 1)

[@tazpoochie]

Great video . Just what I was looking for . I’m on the look out for an alphard . So this is much appreciated . Thanks 🙏

[@MegaRetr]

Hey awesome video) thanks)

[@stevekitt52]

Got mine 10 days ago and looks the same spec as yours. I love it too and my kids really enjoy watching the dvd's as we travel about. Really handy for the new baby with all the car seat, pram and paraphernalia that come with one :-)

[@OperationSolitude]

New baby?! Congratulations! I'm glad you're enjoying your Alphard too. I don't know if you're like me and wish you found out about them sooner.

[@stevekitt52]

Thank you. I had seen them buzzing around Thailand the last couple of years when visiting my wife's family and we have spent time in those bigger brother 12 seaters as well as seeing a few in Japan. Never thought about them as we have a Merc C220 estate, which has served us well as a family of 4.That all changed when no. 3 came along unexpectantly and the Merc was too cramped, so my wife suggested an Alphard and when you start looking into them, watching the videos and finally doing some test drives, you do indeed starting thinking about why didn't I get one a while ago 😁 I have no plans to convert ours, but I can see the appeal of having them converted like yours. Happy motoring 😊👍

[@rosieleat6868]

I bought a Toyota vellfire just over a week ago that has been converted to a campavan, and I love her! I am looking forward to seeing your videos!

[@Cuttothechase]

Nice video Ashley.. Keep them coming! I'm on my 28th Alphard video and so glad to have a fellow enthusiast join in.

[@OperationSolitude]

Likewise, please keep yours coming. I always learn something from your videos.

[@rsv8935]

I will be looking at your videos also as I am interested in buying one.

[@Carrera-gp9od]

Excellent video I should be getting my v6 model next week , then I need to get it registered with the dvla Looking forward to it 👍🏻

[@OperationSolitude]

Not the V6! You'll make me jealous 😅 I bet you're really excited. Hopefully the DVLA are quick for you so you can get out and enjoy it. What colour did you go for, if you don't mind me asking?

[@Carrera-gp9od]

@@OperationSolitude It’s black 👍🏻 On 18” wheels , looks quite good

[@OperationSolitude]

Black was our (my wife and I) other choice! They look amazing in black. Good luck for next week and collecting it. I wish KZbin would let us share images in the comments as I'd love to see it.

[@allseeing357]

Brilliant vehicles. Have an identical 2008 AS 2.4 albeit in black, and also with a pop top roof. Value for money wise I dont think theres much out there thats as good, luxurious or as capable. I have to say as nice as the 3.0 probably is, the 2.4 is plenty enough for one of these. Suits the relaxed gait of these vehicles and actually does get a reasonable hustle on if you kick it down or use the gears...admittedly a bit thrashier and not as sonerous but it definitely gets the job done. Going by how it drives (very well, but is a bit roly poly in the bends and the steering is very light, slow and with no feel) it'd be a bit scary if it went any faster 😂

[@JulianHutchings]

Very good video Ashley - thanks for making it. I've got an Alphard on order and looking forward to getting it. (PS It's the 3.0 V6 - sorry!)

[@OperationSolitude]

Thank you very much. Ah! I so badly wanted the V6, but it just wasn't to be. I am sure you'll love it. P.s. I saw you do cycling videos, so I've subscribed. I'm trying to shift some weight by cycling.

[@ericgriffiths204]

Hi there. Great vids, we have the same and following your vids we are converting our 7 seater into a camper like yours. One thing, how do you turn the electric operated doors off?

[@ericgriffiths204]

Just seen how to, but my Alphard hasn't got that switch.

[@rsv8935]

Hi What channels does the TV receive?

[@tanveerkhan9221]

I'm really interested in buying one the only downfall is i only do local comute to work which is about 6 miles per day I'm currently driving a bomb proof 2002 corolla with 125k miles on it which is gulping about 30 quid a week. what are your thoughts on gas conversation. I'm definitely subscribing you cus I think your videoes will definitely benefit me THANKS

[@ianmitchell9752]

Hi. On the verge of buying a converted Alphard as our first campervan. My only worry is the low ground clearance. Have you found this to be an issue at all? We live in Bonnie Scotland and are planning on using it on small Highland roads and on and off of ferries.

[@OperationSolitude]

Hi Ian. I hope you are well. If it helps, I believe ground clearance for the outer parts of the body is around 8.5 inches. That's speaking from memory so I'm sure that isn't 100% accurate, but I do remember the ground clearance being slightly more than our other car - a Toyota Verso. We've honestly not ran into any problems at campsites or driving across a grass field for parking. The bodykit does make it look closer to the ground than it actually is, though.

[@ianmitchell9752]

@@OperationSolitude Thanks for replying. Yes it's particularly the height of the front bodywork that worries me and given the length from wheel to front, the angle of attack. Glad to hear you haven't had any issues though.

[@SGThirkell]

I'm thinking of buying an import like this. What are the availability of spares like for stuff like this?

[@OperationSolitude]

To be entirely honest, I haven't had the need for any spares yet! But from what I researched, mechanical parts don't seem that hard to come by. I've heard that body parts are harder to get, but not impossible. It may be that you have to order them from Japan.

[@terrificspokesman7416]

Being a 2008 this is one of the last 1st gen Alphards

[@iFunkMasterJ]

Apologies for the IOW drivers. They're/we're a unique bunch.

[@OperationSolitude]

Unfortunately I think I can be a terrible driver at times! So nothing stood out, but then I was only there for a short time. I'd definitely like to visit again and spend more time on the island.

[@simonmitchell3362]

what"s the fuel economy over the V6 ?

[@OperationSolitude]

Hi Simon. I hope you are well and apologies for the late reply. I think I get mid-20s in terms of MPG and I've heard there isn't much difference between the engines.

[@huwalderman7880]

help I cant get the 3rd row seats out

[@OperationSolitude]

Hi Huw. Unfortunately I'm not entirely sure how to do so either as the seats were removed for me (as the conversion was done before I picked up the vehicle). I wonder if the following video helps at all by "cuttothechase"? kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2nRonWLd5iJnrM If not, you could possibly ring a conversion company and see if they'll guide you through it. Sorry I couldn't be of more help!

[@huwalderman5097]

@@OperationSolitude thanks for replying I'll keep hunting cheers

[@huwalderman5097]

cracked it , piece of cake in the end just look for pop out pieces of plastic , remove and there are the bolts , 2 per rear seats and 4 per 2nd row seats

[@OperationSolitude]

Apologies for the late reply Huw. KZbin was holding your comment in review (for an unknown silly reason, I'm sure). But I'm glad you resolved your issue and apologies for not being of any help.