REVscene Automotive Forum - is to possible to import a Toyota Alphard?

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- - is to possible to import a Toyota Alphard? (https://www.revscene.net/forums/712071-possible-import-toyota-alphard.html)

You know a thread is fked up when CiC and Timpo post back to back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesInCharge (Post 8785040)

I hope my ideas here will inspire you to relinquish yourself from the high cost of living.

A. The Toyota Previa for downtown city living
This van boasts 166 cu. ft. of space for such a compact vehicle, its mechanically reliable, and is incredibility cheap.
The new Mercedes Metris (incredibly expensive) at 186 cu. ft. is its only legal rival that I can think of.
The biggest challenge with these is dealing with cold or hot climates.
(Large vehicle laws which should eventually apply to most cities in the western world.)
Large vehicles | City of Vancouver

B. The Dodge Ram 3500 van.
This van is perfect to cut open the top and insert a tiny house inside. Ideally a 'WikiHouse' constructed out of plywood sheets and a CNC machine to cut the boards. youtube.com/watch?v=e9kWTHky0Nw
You cant really park this downtown overnight but more in the suburbs and industrial areas.

Ideally it would be great if you can find a property that will provide you with electricity, internet and water... and keep a second car for commuting as the heavy van will cost quite a bit in fuel to travel.
For me I would like to dig into the side of a hill or mountain (closest hideaway to your city) and just park it there permanently... but also use a Previa (making for two shelters) to drive back and forth to it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVGNCAZb5ow

Lastly keep in mind that 'Big Brother' is always watching!
EuroMillions winner George Traykov used cash to build illegal 'bed-in-shed' for migrants$ | Daily Mail Online
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/...41_634x410.jpg

For tips, look into urban stealth camping or boondocking.

Now I know why he wants one...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timpo (Post 8832529)

There's Toyota HiAce Grand Cabin as well.

My father bought a RHD Jag. Hes thinking about a lhd luxury car but I want him to buy a LHD Hiace which he probably wont get because theyre over 9k and not great looking.

Im abandoning any kit ideas I had for the Previa... the HiAce (also mid engine unlike the Alphard) is where its at!
This car design and proportion is truly perfect for a large vehicle.
http://i.imgur.com/rKBk73f.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by asian_XL (Post 8832535)

All the vans have its own problems, you should do a lot of inspection before it leaves Japan:
2nd gen Serena - 2.0 is slow, CVT is easy to break
4th gen Delica Super Exceed - suspension, transmission and steering column problems. It is very dangerous when you take a high speed turn
1st gen Alphard - Camber problem, electric door malfunction, height problem (1.9cm+ can't enter some parking lot)
2nd gen Alphard - Toyota didn't put in the side airbag when the car left the factory, but the pillar has the SRS logo, insurance inspector couldn't figure out why, even my dad bought it brand new.

The Previa has the same transmission as the reliable LS400. These vans can easily reach 500k with minor maintenance costs. That era of reliability has disappeared now a days supposedly.... but I hope the HiAce is as good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akord (Post 8832743)

what about jdm odysseys? They were avail in China in LHD. Interested in bringing one over

It would feel like a hurst (car for carrying the dead) if I were to camp out in one :p

Quote:

Originally Posted by hud 91gt (Post 8832539)

Toyota Grannie and HiAce actually look pretty cool. Parts Hauler, MTB road tripper. Are they hybrid?

My word search didnt the words electric or hybrid on its wiki page. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_HiAce

Quote:

Originally Posted by flagella (Post 8832795)

You know a thread is fked up when CiC and Timpo post back to back.

you should be honoured to be in the presence of the renowned body-kit builder, Arash

who needs carbon fiber when there's paper mache? that weight saving though

Wow what an awesome vehicle! Would love one of these Toyotas :)

I hate to ressurect this, but i really really want an Alphard Royal Lounge. First gen is importable.... but where would i go find one?

I sorta want one too and throw wheels on it but with the whole vi thing.......

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badhobz (Post 8940693)

I hate to ressurect this, but i really really want an Alphard Royal Lounge. First gen is importable.... but where would i go find one?

Could import one through Pacific Coast Auto or Brave Auto

There is no 2002 Alphard Royal Lounge. The JDM one is from 2006 onward.

If you can't wait for another 4 years, go ahead and pick up any 2002 Alphard and convert to Royal Lounge. I have heard people selling 30 series Alphard seats and claim they will fit into any Alphard.

My family has been driving Alphard V6 (1st to 3rd gen) since 2002 in Hong Kong, so you can ask me anything about it.

Asian_XL are they reliable? if i had to fix it locally will Toyota still service them?

The Executive Lounge is already good enough, im going to start looking for one.
awww shit, upon researching it looks like thats a 2nd gen option too. I guess ill have to wait 4 more years.

They are very reliable, but do not buy the Hybrid version (2003+) though, the battery will cost a lot to be replaced.

1st gen: rear tire eating problem, I am sure you will want aftermarket suspension, which most asians are doing. Expect new tires every 20,000km. Gas mileage is horrible too. Other than that, it's maintenance free car like a Camry.

thats weird, why would it eat rear tires? id figure all the weight is in the front.

How bad is bad for the gas mileage? like 15/100km?

What about the elgrand? How does that compare to the alphard?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badhobz (Post 8940707)

thats weird, why would it eat rear tires? id figure all the weight is in the front.

How bad is bad for the gas mileage? like 15/100km?

Something wrong with the factory toe, camber setup. It was a design problem. You wouldn't want to keep a 15 years old suspension setup anyway, although the 1st gen comes with electronic damper with few setting on a button.

I would say 5-7km per litre in the city. 9km on highway

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDMDreams (Post 8940708)

What about the elgrand? How does that compare to the alphard?

The Elgrand will be 2003+, in Hong Kong it is less popular and could get one for as low as 2500cad.

FYI: http://www.28car.com/sell_dsp.php?h_...4062947&h_vw=y
http://www.28car.com/sell_dsp.php?h_...6513769&h_vw=y

Quote:

Originally Posted by asian_XL (Post 8940711)

I would say 5-7km per litre in the city. 9km on highway

thats terrible gas mileage man. Holy crap! does it use premium too?

our city only gives us premium gas, and we are at $2 a liter. It is a heavy car, everything wears fast.

If I have extra space, I would get the cheapest Elgrand and VIP it
http://tuning.im/wp-content/uploads/...1-Tuning-8.jpg