Brand: Toyota

Model: Alphard

Body type: MPV

In production: 2002-present

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The Toyota Alphard first appeared in 2002, and was from the outset a cornucopia of Japanese driving peculiarities and contradictions.

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Japan has the lowest fertility rate in the world; its own government cannot convince its people to breed enough to prevent a productivity crisis within the next ten years. It seems odd, then, that the country produces such an abundance of 7 and 8-seater vehicles... until you remember that their older folk live pretty much forever and must be respected (and so taken on holiday to Hokkaido). So what better way to get them there than a car that is, to the uninitiated, a sitting room on wheels (and one that’s at least as big as the average Tokyo apartment). In fact this idea is embedded in models such as the second-generation ‘Royal Lounge’ and 350G ‘Executive Lounge’. The full-body recliners of the higher-spec models can get grandpa to the mountains without the slightest backache, and with a coolbox for his cans of Sapporo.

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In the UK the Alphard has come to fill a vital niche: replacing the Mazda Bongo Friendee which was not produced beyond 2005 and is now quite hard to come by except for high-mileage and quite rusty versions. The Alphard doesn’t have the headroom of the Bongo but it is pretty cavernous, and of all Japanese Imports the Alphard and the Elgrand are easiest to convert into campers if that’s your wish. The 4WD version will get you in and out of fields with ease although it doesn’t have the clearance or the suspension of brawnier MPVs like the Delica D5, so don’t drive it onto the beach at low tide!

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A Hybrid version was produced from 2006-2008 using Toyota’s Synergy Drive technology but production then ceased until 2012. The Alphard demands a bit of a premium compared to other Japanese imports and hybrid versions tend to be dearer still; because of the production hiatus these versions are therefore either quite expensive or quite old, although you should find that the original hybrid battery is still operating well in the older models as Toyota chose to go with nickel-cadmium instead of lithium. (It doesn't catch fire either, which is a plus!)
 

To confuse things slightly, Toyota released the Vellfire as the Alphard’s Twin in 2008. This has a finer-tuned engine, a slightly different face and is a smidgeon more expensive in Japan, but the main difference is just the marketing – it’s sold through a different stockist (Netz) which has more of a youthful image compared to the Alphard’s stockist, Toyopet, which has a ‘successful family man’ vibe.

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The best thing about the Alphard, particularly when compared to what it most commonly replaces, is the cast-iron Toyota engine which is available in either a 2400cc four-cylinder or a 3500cc V6. Both provide a very pleasant drive, a high driving position and pretty matchless comfort for everyone (the seats in higher trim levels have built-in ‘ottomans’, for goodness sake). There are usually two screens and at least two cameras with standard spec, but check carefully as there are a LOT of trim variations and you’ll need to check the one you’re looking at suits your expectations. Although, having said that, most UK owners just drive them into a field and fill them with half-eaten campfire sausages and dirty pants.

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When buying your Alphard: Check for underbody rust as many of these are supplied from Sapporo where the weather is snowy and the terrain mountainous. Japanese cars are not treated for the extremes of their country’s northern reaches.

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ALWAYS ASK TO SEE THE AUCTION SHEET
Private sellers may not have it, but an importer/dealer should ALWAYS have retained this in order to prove the vehicle's grade, along with any other important documents. We sell only 3.5 (good), 4 (very good) and 4.5 (excellent) grade imports. Be aware that anything rated RA has been repaired, and that anything rated R or unrated is equivalent to UK grades A,B,C or D (scrapped, insurance writeoff or what used to be known as class N).

 

A vehicle's history is effectively erased upon export, but most of it is there on the auction sheet. Make sure you see it, and ask for a copy if required. A dealer/importer reluctant to let you see the auction sheet on request should be a red flag!

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Insuring your Alphard: Alphard insurance has been offered by the following companies, but your circumstances will affect what you’re offered so shop around: Ageas (recommended), Adrian Flux, Advance Insurance, LV, Admiral, A-Plan (Thatcham), Mark Richard, Crowthorne,  Lifesure Group, Keith Michaels, AJ Insurance.

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Battery: The best replacement battery for your Alphard is probably the Bosch type 27 S4005, but you’ll be fine with any standard L005. Dimensions will be roughly L: 232 mm, W: 173 mm, H: 225 (including terminals) with an Ah of 60 or greater. CCA should be 330 or higher if you expect cold starts, but you won’t need a much higher CCA rating in South Devon.

 

Parts: The Alphard is now the second-most common JDM car on British streets after the Nissan Elgrand and as such there are LOTS of Alphard parts on Ebay and a good smattering of mechanics who know the vehicle well. For anything you can’t find, try Toyodiy or Amayama. Or hunt around on Croooober.

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Tax: Your Alphard (either engine size) is taxed at PLG rate of £325 per annum

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Community: The UK-based Forum alphardclub.com is very helpful and takes only seconds to join. It has forum advice as well as standalone articles that address frequently-asked questions. On Facebook there’s the Toyota Alphards Owner Club UK.