[CharlesInCharge]

2017 - 15 year import law = 2002 models and lower...
So can a Toyota Alphard be imported into Canada? They are Hybrid.


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l3jmEcuB3-E/VkC-NciPg-I/AAAAAAAAAGs/cXFRovKT0Ak/s640/Screenshot_31.png

http://prestigemotorsport.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Toyota-Alphard-Welcab-20-series.jpg

[asian_XL]

There are LHD new alphard, I see them in China, maybe you can order one from Japan?

[CharlesInCharge]

Looking at Wikipedia, looks like only the second generation is available in China... so probably no LHD for the older one.
edit
Yup, only for the new version did they start making it LHD.

The old one just needs parts from the newer one to look as nice!
http://i.imgur.com/OYkYvij.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/nbVE2qs.jpg

[Timpo]

Why do we have stupid 15 year old law in Canada and 25 years in US?

In Japan, England, Russia, Australia, etc...you can import whatever any year of vehicle you want.

[Timpo]

Just curious, why do you wanna Alphard? Looking for a minivan with some exclusivity?

Have you ever thought about getting a Nissan Quest and converting it into Nissan Elgrand?
Although it's gonna be a project, they're based on identical platform, so doing a conversion isn't hard at all.

This way at least you will get a van that's much newer than 15 years & left hand drive(if that matters to you).

http://buyersguide.caranddriver.com/media/assets/submodel/7504.jpg
http://www2.nissan.co.jp/ELGRAND/TOP2014/IMAGES/GRADE/OUTLINE/HWPUC_Exterior.jpg
https://cars.usnews.com/static/images/Auto/izmo/i5282/2015_nissan_quest_angularrear.jpg
https://car-research.jp/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/elgrand-rear.jpg

[Badhobz]

this van is so sexy... i love it

[CharlesInCharge]

The Alphard would come as low as $2000 + $2000 to ship (sometimes cheaper) from Japan = $4000.
This forward design cab is what the western empire is denying the western populous. The ugly front extended hood design seen on all vans today will probably be forced on us for another good 2-3 decades before "fresh" forward cab designs are reintroduced.


Just curious, why do you wanna Alphard? Looking for a minivan with some exclusivity?

Have you ever thought about getting a Nissan Quest and converting it into Nissan Elgrand?
Although it's gonna be a project, they're based on identical platform, so doing a conversion isn't hard at all.

This way at least you will get a van that's much newer than 15 years & left hand drive(if that matters to you). I wanted my dad to bring a $450 (usd) (+$2k shipping) first gen Previa from Japan since he's there right now... swap some of the major parts to my own Previa and resell the imported one with older parts for a cheap price... but my father wont let me use his backyard (Im also bit of short for the cash), so Im thinking he might like an Alphard for himself since hes used to driving a RHD Delica. Although I dont think RHD cars are safe, specially for left turns and holding up traffic (because of limited vision to turn at times). My bigger interest is to hopefully buy the Alphard for myself in the future and design a stealth RV kit for it so that people can live inside them and be able to park over night in the city.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVGNCAZb5ow

[JDMDreams]

Isn't there a Quest rolling around in Richmond, with an Elgrand front end

[Timpo]

what about Toyota Mega Cruiser?

This thing is MASSIVE! :)

https://www.megacruiser.com/img/exterior/ext01_1024.jpg

[Timpo]

Toyota Origin

http://images.bezbibiki.ru/cars/toyota/origin/01_toyota-origin.jpg
http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Toyota-Origin-01.jpg

[Timpo]

I have seen quite a few Mazda Bongo Friendee (aka Ford Freda)
(
http://car-moby.jp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/5de80a28412c91af79eb4a5379cb13be1.jpg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/l1oEzM57sgQ/maxresdefault.jpg

[TouringTeg]

Why do we have stupid 15 year old law in Canada and 25 years in US?

In Japan, England, Russia, Australia, etc...you can import whatever any year of vehicle you want.

They say it is about safety and emissions but really it is about protecting car companies and their dealers.

So How Do We Fix America's Stupid 25-Year Import Rule? (http://jalopnik.com/so-how-do-we-fix-americas-stupid-25-year-import-rule-1670467959)

[CharlesInCharge]

what about Toyota Mega Cruiser?

This thing is MASSIVE! :)

[IMG]Looks great... just that it has less space and not many were made. A van is also more stealth.
edit
it is a monster
https://a.d-cd.net/4667b72s-960.jpg

[CharlesInCharge]

A Hiace Platinum replica would be amazing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmI4T1ct1Go

[Timpo]

They say it is about safety and emissions but really it is about protecting car companies and their dealers.

So How Do We Fix America's Stupid 25-Year Import Rule? (http://jalopnik.com/so-how-do-we-fix-americas-stupid-25-year-import-rule-1670467959)

I can see why America is doing it, they're trying to protect the Big 3, because let's face it, they won't stand a chance if any brand new 2017 Japanese/European vehicles are allowed.

The interesting thing is that Japanese and many European countries do NOT have 25 year old law, you can ship your brand new car from America/Canada all you want as long as you pay the import duties.

Also in Canada we have 15 year old law, why do we need to care about protecting the American Big 3?

Protecting the dealers? Wouldn't it give more opportunities for some businesses if brand new Japanese/European cars were allowed?

[Timpo]

or maybe Peugeot or Citroen conversion on RVR?

Mitsubishi RVR
http://guideauto.com/wp-content/gallery/mini-vus-2015-16/06-mitsubishi-rvr-2015.jpg

Peaugeot 4008
https://www.abacusairports.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/peugeot-4008.jpg

Citroen Aircross
http://media.citroen.fr/image/38/1/750x423-citroen-c4-aircross-elegante-et-moderne.6381.73.jpg

[Timpo]

Toyota Camry
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rE9uW-3EH5I/maxresdefault.jpg

Daihatsu Altis
http://www.mirocars.com/wp-content/uploads/Daihatsu-Altis.jpg

[Timpo]

Nissan Micra
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2015-Nissan-Micra-S-1-of-10.jpg

Mitsuoka Viewt Nadeshiko
http://www.mitsuoka-motor.com/uploads/2016/09/design_ex_11.jpg
http://www.mitsuoka-motor.com/uploads/2016/09/main.jpg

[Timpo]

Infiniti M
http://zombdrive.com/images/2007-infiniti-m35-1.jpg

Mitsuoka Galue III
https://www.carsensor.net/CSphoto/bkkn/946/433/U00019946433/U00019946433_001L.JPG

[Timpo]

what about 2002 Nissan Elgrand?

https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/YVoAAOSwL7VWlR7W/$_86.JPG

[snowfarmer]

I find myself inexplicably drawn to this car. How do I explain to my wife that we need a RHD luxury minivan..we NEED one!


2017 - 15 year import law = 2002 models and lower...
So can a Toyota Alphard be imported into Canada? They are Hybrid.


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l3jmEcuB3-E/VkC-NciPg-I/AAAAAAAAAGs/cXFRovKT0Ak/s640/Screenshot_31.png

http://prestigemotorsport.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Toyota-Alphard-Welcab-20-series.jpg

[Mikoyan]

I find myself inexplicably drawn to this car. How do I explain to my wife that we need a RHD luxury minivan..we NEED one!

Get her pregnant with two or more kids.

[ZN6]

I find myself inexplicably drawn to this car. How do I explain to my wife that we need a RHD luxury minivan..we NEED one!

"Wife, we need this for our growing family. I want to get this for our kids and potentially to help get your parents around in old age as well. My manhood does not allow me to do any less than be mature and responsible with family matters"

http://ci.memecdn.com/4835439.jpg

[underscore]

I find myself inexplicably drawn to this car. How do I explain to my wife that we need a RHD luxury minivan..we NEED one!

RHD is easier to parallel park, and safer for the driver to get out. Tell her it's not for you, you're really just thinking about her safety.

[CharlesInCharge]

what about 2002 Nissan Elgrand?

This is nice also... personally I prefer the Toyota that also start from 2002 and up.
Why havent others imported the older Hiace, 1999+ front engine Previa's, older Alphards and Elgrands?

On a side note, last night while parked on Alberni street I was able to dig out the throttle body in my mid engine Previa without having to go underneath the car nor get a police ticket for working on it.
The US\Canadian Previa's are a little bigger then the imports... I would love to refurbish one with luxury seats sourced from the Alphard for one ultimate mid engine van.
I have even bigger dream for the Previa chassis! youtube.com/watch?v=RywCRUAxW4g

amazing transformation of the Mitsuoka Galue III by the way.

Lastly, newer Previa next to an Alphard. Only the new $45k? Mercedes vans are as large.
http://i.imgur.com/BZ5DVb4.jpg

[CharlesInCharge]

Alphard bodykit
http://i.imgur.com/cLTVB1b.jpg

[CharlesInCharge]

Best luxury van in the world
https://youtu.be/GnDqMdAvr8s

[Timpo]

Alphard bodykit
http://i.imgur.com/cLTVB1b.jpg

Alphard? This looks like Vellfire. Is this like a conversion kit??

[Timpo]

This is nice also... personally I prefer the Toyota that also start from 2002 and up.
Why havent others imported the older Hiace, 1999+ front engine Previa's, older Alphards and Elgrands?

On a side note, last night while parked on Alberni street I was able to dig out the throttle body in my mid engine Previa without having to go underneath the car nor get a police ticket for working on it.
The US\Canadian Previa's are a little bigger then the imports... I would love to refurbish one with luxury seats sourced from the Alphard for one ultimate mid engine van.
I have even bigger dream for the Previa chassis! youtube.com/watch?v=RywCRUAxW4g

amazing transformation of the Mitsuoka Galue III by the way.

Lastly, newer Previa next to an Alphard. Only the new $45k? Mercedes vans are as large.
http://i.imgur.com/BZ5DVb4.jpg

2017 - 15 year import law = 2002 models and lower...
So can a Toyota Alphard be imported into Canada? They are Hybrid.


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l3jmEcuB3-E/VkC-NciPg-I/AAAAAAAAAGs/cXFRovKT0Ak/s640/Screenshot_31.png

http://prestigemotorsport.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Toyota-Alphard-Welcab-20-series.jpg

You keep posting 2nd generation Alphard but you do realize you can only get 2002 (first gen) for now.

[Timpo]

and this is what the new Previa(JDM Estima) looks like

http://toyota.jp/pages/contents/estima/002_p_018/image/gallery/carlineup_estima_gallery_2_02_lb.png
http://toyota.jp/pages/contents/estima/002_p_018/image/gallery/carlineup_estima_gallery_2_04_lb.png
http://toyota.jp/pages/contents/estima/002_p_018/image/gallery/carlineup_estima_gallery_2_15_lb.png

[CharlesInCharge]

Not a timeless classic design of the original in my opinion. The mid engine still beats all these vans for me too. You keep posting 2nd generation Alphard but you do realize you can only get 2002 (first gen) for now.If I were to get one, Id order the 2nd gen grill and LHD headlights from China and modernize it. Alphard? This looks like Vellfire. Is this like a conversion kit??I see now that the Vellfire is a sportier version.
The picture posted is a Wald body kit for the 2ng gen sold on Ali Baba. Uses Vellfire headlights. More pics in the link

http://i.imgur.com/3KPm3dg.jpg
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Wald-design-body-kits-for-Toyota_60090625500.html

[CharlesInCharge]

Alphard review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF7coOUbC0k

[CharlesInCharge]

Aston and Maserati kit ideas.
http://i.imgur.com/BbQwbgm.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/tpvcS8G.jpg

[Timpo]

Minivans in Japan and Europe have VIP/luxury status.

However in Canada and USA, minivans are only for soccer moms.
You will only see Dodge Caravan and something similar by other manufactures.

You will NOT see "luxury minivan" in North America for a few decades, perhaps never.

Nissan Elgrand VIP
http://www2.nissan.co.jp/ELGRAND/TOP2014/IMAGES/GRADE/OUTLINE/HWPUC_Exterior.jpg
http://www.autech.com/sv/elgrand_vip/images/img_mainvisual_01.jpg
http://www2.nissan.co.jp/IMAGES/ELGRAND/ARCHIVE/LAYOUT/77_dl0000511671.jpg
http://www2.nissan.co.jp/IMAGES/ELGRAND/ARCHIVE/LAYOUT/639_dl0000511672.jpg

Toyota Alphard Royal Lounge
https://cdn-ak.f.st-hatena.com/images/fotolife/c/carislife/20160108/20160108212249.jpg
http://toyota.jp/pages/contents/alphard/003_p_002/image/customize/royallounge/carlineup_alphard_customize_royallounge_33_pc.png
http://toyota.jp/pages/contents/alphard/003_p_002/image/customize/royallounge/carlineup_alphard_customize_royallounge_03_pc.png
http://toyota.jp/pages/contents/alphard/003_p_002/image/customize/royallounge/carlineup_alphard_customize_royallounge_02_pc.png

Mercedes-Benz V-Class
http://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2014-mercedes-benz-v-class_100455691_l.jpg
http://media.emercedesbenz.com.s3.amazonaws.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/mercedes-v-class-2016-3.jpg
http://www.motorionline.com/wp-content/gallery/mercedes-classe-v-by-brabus/mercedes-classe-v-by-brabus-13.jpg

[CharlesInCharge]

Even if they did offer it, it would cost a kidney to buy. You have to look at depreciation, the high insurance cost, and repair/accident costs.
This is why a free man with lots of time on his hands can make the same thing for a fraction of the cost and with a little elbow grease... new engine, new seats, and styling that is 30 years ahead.

[snowfarmer]

We've got two of them and that is juuuust right. No more damn kids! They're too expensive to raise, cuts into my car budget.

Now if the roof is a bit higher than a NA minivan, it might make a nice luxo hauler for my motorbike...


"Wife, we need this for our growing family. I want to get this for our kids and potentially to help get your parents around in old age as well. My manhood does not allow me to do any less than be mature and responsible with family matters"

http://ci.memecdn.com/4835439.jpg

Get her pregnant with two or more kids.

[CharlesInCharge]

A low KM Japanese import is more of a reliable asset then a stone of gold of the equivalent price (although youd have to have the space for it). Commodities fluctuate but there will always be someone who just wants a car that works and isnt going to expensive to drive.

[donk.]

this thread went from, cant you import a car, to timpo posting random shit

what a surprize

You can import any car from anywhere, as long as it is over 15 years old to the month.
You must be able to get certified headlights for the car, or you must find a shady shop to do the inspection. Everything else is easy. Tires, DRL's, clutch safety if manual.
Pretty straight forward.

[CharlesInCharge]

Incredible, only 8 grand for this tank! I can only have such a thing by welding two Previas into one :(
Used 2013 NISSAN CARAVAN VAN NV350 DX /LDF-VW2E26 for Sale BF618829 - BE FORWARD (http://www.beforward.jp/nissan/caravan-van/bf618829/id/741800/)

http://i.imgur.com/iX6ePsC.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/J2aiblf.jpg

edit
And its a mid engine. Perfect!
http://i.imgur.com/D6Mvb8s.jpg

[Teriyaki]

I still don't get it. You can't have those cars here. Not for another 10+ years. The first gen alphard looks like a piece of turd, and thats the only anyone could realistically get, right now.

[Timpo]

2004 Toyota HiAce

http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/10203500/IMG_0124_0cFf_5.jpg
https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news/gallery/sad-custom-japan-stinger-200hiace-is-a-lamborghini-styled-minivan-photo-gallery_3.jpg

[Timpo]

1999 Toyota Granvia

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/W49Vv3XsoPc/maxresdefault.jpg
http://cdn.snsimg.carview.co.jp/minkara/usercar/000/000/892/450/892450/p1.jpg
http://cdn.snsimg.carview.co.jp/carlife/images/UserCar/233012/p1.jpg

[Timpo]

1999 Toyota Regius
https://iwiz-autos.c.yimg.jp/c/autos/ucar/cars/838/478/U00017838478/U00017838478_001.jpg

1998 Toyota Regius
http://img.o-cross.net/crossimg/car/003522/L/003522-1170304-N0005-00101.jpg

[CharlesInCharge]

Two years away to import a Toyota Ace! Beautiful.

The 2002 Nissans are decent looking to buy one now... but check out the newest version. Someone should really make molds of it and facelift the older version.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/18/b1/01/18b101eedd4a3195a532f755a64fc622.jpg


I still don't get it. You can't have those cars here. Not for another 10+ years. The first gen alphard looks like a piece of turd, and thats the only anyone could realistically get, right now. Its because a cabal of shape shifting lizards rule most of the world.
http://i.imgur.com/e6iCUpf.jpg

[Timpo]

Two years away to import a Toyota Ace! Beautiful.

There's Toyota HiAce Grand Cabin as well.

http://fsv-image.autoc-one.jp/images/366798/002_o.jpg
https://www.flexdream.jp/files/uploads/%E3%83%8F%E3%82%A4%E3%82%A8%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9_200% E7%B3%BB4%E5%9E%8B_%E3%83%AF%E3%82%B4%E3%83%B3_%E3 %82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89%E3%82%AD%E3%83%A 3%E3%83%93%E3%83%B3-%E3%82%B4%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89-%E3%83%AF%E3%83%B3%E3%82%AA%E3%83%95FDBOX-%E3%82%B5%E3%82%A4%E3%83%89%E3%83%93%E3%83%A5%E3%8 3%BC.jpg
http://www.nihon-kotsu.co.jp/hire/lineup/images/hiace_exterior_1_f.jpg

[Timpo]

It's same as Mitsubishi Delica.

They had standard one and long cabin one.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Mitsubishi_Delica_Space_Gear_404.JPG
http://www.autos.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/02B-WC-TTTNIS-1994-1997-Mitsubishi-Delica-Space-Gear.jpg

[asian_XL]

My Dad owned the Serena, Delica, Alphard Gen 1 and two Gen 2, 3rd gen is on the way. IMO, the Alphard Gen 2 looks the best, I like the first one he bought, Toyota called it Dolphin Grey and it came with black leather interior. He flipped it in an accident, then he ordered a silver one with tan captain seats like in first picture you posted. 19" rims + AP racing brake. Business class with nice sport shoes.

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.

[hud 91gt]

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

[Akord]

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

http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/ody6_1iAS_1.jpg

http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/ody9.jpg

http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/ody10.jpg

http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/ody8.jpg

http://www.stancenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/otas-cars-honda-odyssey-rb1-japan-23.jpg

[coneZONE]

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



My aunt in China has one. Super cool. I forget what year it was but it's the current generation. Middle row seats move left, right, forward, back. They use auto-stop-start technology, the heater control panel is touch controlled, super luxurious compared to what we have there, and can still carry 7 passengers. The current gen has also adopted the sliding rear doors.

So technology-wise from an older model is probably comparable to one of our closer-to-present models lol

[Manic!]

http://www.moibbk.com/images/pontiac-trans-sport-5.jpg

[flagella]

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

[VRYALT3R3D]

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 (http://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/large-vehicles.aspx)

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://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3718073/Slum-shed-millionaire-Double-EuroMillions-winner-used-cash-build-illegal-bed-shed-garden-slum-migrants.html)
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/02/article-2571400-1BF72E0F00000578-141_634x410.jpg

For tips, look into urban stealth camping or boondocking.

Now I know why he wants one...

[CharlesInCharge]

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



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.

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
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

[twitchyzero]

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

[20psi]

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

[Badhobz]

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?

[JDMDreams]

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

[JSALES]

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

[asian_XL]

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.

[Badhobz]

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.

[asian_XL]

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.

[Badhobz]

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?

[JDMDreams]

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

[asian_XL]

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

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_vid=384062947&h_vw=y
http://www.28car.com/sell_dsp.php?h_vid=386513769&h_vw=y

[Badhobz]

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?

[asian_XL]

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/2014/04/Nissan-Elgrand-E51-Tuning-8.jpg