What 'vehicle' to buy?

[R120]

Just looking on line and the Alphards/Elgrands seem like cracking options, especially for the money

 

[Couchy]

One thing with an Elgrand get the middle cats removed, costs about £100 but they have been known to collapse and block exhaust. Apart from that usual items to check. They like a gearbox oil change and engine oil every 6k miles. We’ve had 2 sets of suspension bushes in 4 years too. No cam belt on them either to worry about. For the money you can’t go wrong

 

[Russell]

1200mm height of opening, biggest motorbike I’ve had in is a 990 super duke you won’t get anything taller in tbh.

Ok thanks, I'll have to see what the grand hiace is then as I need 1300mm for my 250excf

 

[Couchy]

Ok thanks, I'll have to see what the grand hiace is then as I need 1300mm for my 250excf

Take front wheel out and put a 10” wheelbarrow wheel in, 2 mins to do and it’ll fit ?

 

[Stumpy]

This was helpful, from a thread on piston heads...

This is all based on models around the 2002 to 2005 era.

The Toyota Alphard is better built than the Nissan Elgrand (although neither of them would be described as being unreliable/poor quality its just one is reportedly better than the other).
The Alphard comes in petrol 2.4 (chain) or 3.0 V6 (belt). Both engines are in other Toyota/Lexus ranges I believe and sold in this country at some point (the 2.4 in the Previa/Avensis/Camry and the 3.0 V6 in the Lexus GS/Toyota Camry for example).
It's difficult to change the dash display on the Elgrand so you may have to learn Japanese if you want to know what it's telling you whereas the Alphard comes with a headunit that you should be able to swap out for a UK version (the Avensis had the same headunit for a while). Isofix appears to be standard on the Alphard, I've never seen it mentioned on the Elgrand.
The Elgrand is easier to find in 4 wheel drive versions if that's your thing.
Alphard models start A for 2.4, e.g. AMxx (for 2wd) and ASxx (for 4wd ) and MM / MX for the 3.0

Obviously Alphard biased but useful info

 

[Couchy]

Definitely Alphard biased, not hard to change head unit in Elgrand, Elgrand v6 is timing chain not belt like Alphard, mpg similar but Elgrand more powerful. No point going for smaller engines on either. Both are a good buy

 

[R120]

I am guessing the key is to try and get one of a reputable import dealer?

 

[Stumpy]

I am guessing the key is to try and get one of a reputable import dealer?

I’m looking at them but also the 1 owner (since import) too - I know its all relative but for £5k I’m willing to take a chance for the right one at the right price, regardless of who from.

 

[mark1a]

What’s the road tax like for JDM grey imports? Is it based on CO2 emission for between 2001-2017 same as UK cars?

 

[R120]

£255 I think

 

[R120]

I wish you hadn't started this thread Stumpy, I started the day test driving a 30k new Vito Sport Crew cab and am ending searching modified Japanese MPV's!

 

[Stumpy]

What’s the road tax like for JDM grey imports? Is it based on CO2 emission for between 2001-2017 same as UK cars?

Based on this a maximum of £315 (I think...?)

 

[Stumpy]

I wish you hadn't started this thread Stumpy, I started the day test driving a 30k new Vito Sport Crew cab and am ending searching modified Japanese MPV's!

Been there, done that ? - money wasn’t necessarily part of the criteria for me but the Mrs forced the limit and I was very pleasantly surprised what £5k(ish) can get you - silly not to...

 

[R120]

On this website all of them seem to be listed at 255 road tax

Search Used Cars for sale in Stourport On Severn, Worcestershire | Worcester Road Motors Ltd

 

[pegasus]

This is what we got, our Canyon Spectral-On's fit and the Haibike's with the front wheels on, front wheels turned inwards due to the bulk head and held in place by some clamps screwed to the side. I'll try get some photos up tomorrow at some point. I can get my canyon or haibike in my hyundai ix 35, but that's lying down with rear seats down, wheels on but not upright.

 

[pegasus]

Forgot to say all the bikes stand upright and on going to Isle of Skye we carried 3 bikes in the back, all equipment needed, plus bags of clothing, it can be done. BTW it does drive like a car !!! (former owner of a Toyota GT turbo Starlet)

 

[Couchy]

Road tax is £255 for all imports. There’s loads for sale tbh. If it drives nice odds are it’s fine as I’ve said they are a simple thing. Cat removal is essential but a non issue to get done, same with all the auxiliary belts and I’d also swap all fluids.Although not expensive check discs and pads and tyres. I would budget to spend £500 to get all the maintenance done so I knew it was right. The only new vehicle that comes close for comfort and performance is the Mercedes V class, not the van but the one with the car interior and that costs £50k. We’ve had all the van double cabs on demo and nice as they are they arent as good as this unless you need massive space but taking cost into account it’s no contest

 

[R120]

8K for this! - I think my bike needs this kind of comfort for its travelling needs

Used Toyota ALPHARD ROYAL LOUNGE 3.0 V6 Automatic Power Doors & Boot Cruise Control First Class Seats DVD 5 Doors MPV for sale in Uxbridge, West London - Japanese MPV Specialist (Uxbridge)

 

[R120]

Can someone tell me that this is a really stupid idea

toyota-surf-monstor-truck-4000cc-lexus-petrol-engine-bradford-201903015440926

 

[Doomanic]

No. It's cool as fuck. You should definitely buy it!

 

[Doomanic]

8K for this! - I think my bike needs this kind of comfort for its travelling needs

Used Toyota ALPHARD ROYAL LOUNGE 3.0 V6 Automatic Power Doors & Boot Cruise Control First Class Seats DVD 5 Doors MPV for sale in Uxbridge, West London - Japanese MPV Specialist (Uxbridge)

View attachment 11911

View attachment 11912

View attachment 11913

That is pimp as fuck but do you really want to put a muddy bike in there? The chauffeur wouldn't be happy.

 

[Couchy]

That alphard is ace but won’t get a mtb in

 

[R120]

Yeah neither are realistic options, but if my numbers came up I could see myself having a stable of crazy jap mpvs

 

[More-read-than-ride]

That is pimp as fuck but do you really want to put a muddy bike in there? The chauffeur wouldn't be happy.

Just throw a sheet over the seat and let you pride and joy rest in style (wife or bike, depending on who is asking). Also, living in Spain I can really see myself having a great siesta in those recliners while the bike charges ??

 

[pegasus]

Okay guys women's perspective needed here !!!!! Monster truck lovely, but NO.....Alphard....NO to nice to spoil and the missus will want to keep it clean. Option 3 is, buy something nice for your wife and surprise her, then you can probably get away with anything......us women like to be distracted with shinny things

 

[mark1a]

This is what we got, our Canyon Spectral-On's fit and the Haibike's with the front wheels on, front wheels turned inwards due to the bulk head and held in place by some clamps screwed to the side. I'll try get some photos up tomorrow at some point. I can get my canyon or haibike in my hyundai ix 35, but that's lying down with rear seats down, wheels on but not upright.

Nice, was looking at Transit Connect as an option before I got my Caddy.

 

[Couchy]

Lol, when I put the mtb in mine they are on a board and a sheet is wrapped round the seats and sides. Ours is also used as the family bus and I like my vehicles to be kept mint ?

 

[MarkH]

Fully spec'd or plus options?

Including options but I didn't go mad so only went for metallic, single passenger seat and tailgate. And added the wheels later so I suppose that pushes it to 35K.

I was looking at another Evoque or an e-pace but as the bike is with me 24/7 as I work away, the back seats would be always down and it would get full of sh!t on the inside which got really old quickly on my previous Evoque.
I do 600 mile a week in the tranny and it's important that it be as restful as possible - can't see me going back to a car ever whilst I remain biking.

 

[Apples]

I’m looking at the moment between :-
Transit type van
Ford connect lwb high roof
Seven seater type thing with rear seats removed
Or a pick up

I have a 2019 Levo in large and want it stood up ,wheels on ! getting two bikes in not touching would be a bonus

I have a car I want to keep so looking at a couple of grand max as a second vehicle

What are the best options ??? Cheers

 

[mark1a]

What 'vehicle' to buy? - EMTB Forums