New 2015 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire

[Mathew]

my left passenger seat's blower is also not cold.

driver and rear is ok..

Anyone has similar issue and is able to share the repair workshop and price?

 

I remember reading that it is because of a ECU setting somewhere. Apparently it is all ECU driven. Just need to plug in ECU checker and tweak? Cannot find the post. 

[explorerX]

http://www.sgcarmart.com/new_cars/pricelist/44/2017-08-25.pdf

 

They are back again, $214,988, anyone knows Elegance is equivalent to which model from PI?

 

Edited September 1, 2017 by explorerX

[Heartlander]

http://www.sgcarmart.com/new_cars/pricelist/44/2017-08-25.pdf

 

They are back again, $214,988, anyone knows Elegance is equivalent to which model from PI?

And 20k more ex than before! I would say is equivalent to G variant.

[Heartlander]

After driving this Vellfire for awhile, realised that it actually behave like a boat when going over undulating roads or humps at an angle. So after reading up abit and watching many youtube videos, decided to take the plunge to install Ultra Racing bars as it seems the most effective and econimical route.

 

Now the question is where to install. There are both local and overseas distributors that handle this. Local agents obviously charges much higher, but offer peace-of-mind, while overseas agents are cheaper but would be a headache if need repeat visits to solve any follow up issues. Much like buy car need to consider AD or PI, haha.

 

After calling up both sides to enquire prices, found that if do in Malaysia, generally can shave 40% off the cost. As I need to do full sets due to size of ride, decided to take the plunge to do it in Johore. Also consider that the bars are passive devices, no need tuning after installing thus less chances of needing follow-up. The nearest with good reviews to Malaysia custom turned out to be TT Motorsport, which is only 6km from JB Custom and opposite The Store for those familiar with the place.

 

After checking with the shop for ready stock through WhatsApp messaging, decided to do it yesterday to enjoy the benefits early. After arriving at the place, the foreman explained how the bars worked and laid out a few options for me to consider. He explained that latest Alphard/Vellfire already has rear anti-roll bar and 2 other mid bars, so recommended a package with 6 bars that the shop had also provided to Alphard/Vellfire car club mass buy  in Malaysia recently, which I happily took. Installation took about an hour. Most bars can be installed just mounted on to existing brackets except for the front strut bar which needs to remove the entire wipers assembly and support boards. I am quite impressed with the ease with which the workers do their jobs, obviously they have done many of such works before. This was followed by a test drive with the foreman to ensure no funny sound was introduced by the bars. I also tested the washer wipers to make sure all are ok. So the installation part is very uneventful.

 

While talking to the foreman, realized that there are 3 agents for Ultra Racing bars in Johore region, and the shop is the master dealer and 1 of the top sellers nation-wide. It actually did the bars mass buy for a few car clubs beside Alphard/Vellfire in Malaysia, also for Vezel club think in Singapore, and that 80% of his customers are from Singapore. When I was there, all the cars in the shop were Singapore cars so definitely true. I also talked to a fellow car owner while there, really die-hard fan of the shop and waxed lyrical over the bars about the improvements. 

 

Now back to the bars. They REALLY do wonders to the stability of the car. When driving back to Singapore, the car feel very planted and not a bit wobbly like before. I could bring the car to corners with much confidence as a result. Going over humps at an angle also not rolling so much like before. In summary, the car felt much tighter in handling. Definitely <S$600 well spent! In fact imho, this should be the very first mod all new Alphard/Vellfire car owners should do to their ride, either over here or in Malaysia, and not the ICE or other bodykit project. Another thing to attest the stability of the car suspension is that the car will not be easy to sway side-to-side even if you try to push very hard, unlike for normal stock car.

 

On a side note, I did not take the rear anti-roll bar which is the most expensive bar in the set of 9 for the ride, at RM700. Reason being that the foreman explained not really necessary as my ride already come factory fitted with one, though not as thick as the UR one. Another reason was that it was out of stock at that time. But later on the shop boss highly recommended it, that it contribute about 30% of improvement. But anyway it was not available then else would have done it. But after thinking when back, decided not to go in to do it later for now. I am pretty happy with the improvement so far. The factory -fitted rear anti-roll bar would have contributed easily 15%, so I am ok to live with the situation. The UR website actually does not list it, but does for the earilier version of Alphard/Vellfire, so I think maybe not so necessary. Anyway I can easily do it if I want to later on.

 

The above are solely my opinion. And I am not paid to do it. Just like to share some worthwhile mod that I think is good. Either you want to do it here or in Malaysia is still worth it. Important is to find a reputable company to do the job since it is abit intrusive to install the front strut bar.

[Mathew]

Thanks so much for sharing.

My only concern is after installing does it cause the car to feel more uncomfortable over undulating roads and humps?

If one drives fairly sedately, would this be something that is needed?

 

My car is still not ready!

[Heartlander]

Thanks so much for sharing.

My only concern is after installing does it cause the car to feel more uncomfortable over undulating roads and humps?

If one drives fairly sedately, would this be something that is needed?

 

My car is still not ready!

Surely will make your ride more comfortable, especially for the rear passengers as they will suffer the blunt of the boat like motion effect. This is regardless of driving style. Toyota cars are very soft generally in suspension setups, being such a huge mpv is not helping. When you collect your new ride you will understand my observations.

 

The bars would improve safety aspects as the rigidity of the car is now better, think of the bars as reinforcement to the roll cage. Abd cheap too for the improvements.

 

I not doing hard sell as I do not benefit in any kind if anyone buy the bars or not. Cheers.

[Heartlander]

Benefits of Ultra Racing Bars:

 

http://ultraracing.my/v1/?page_id=2930

 

http://ultraracing.my/v1/?page_id=2272

 

http://ultraracing.my/v1/?page_id=2267

 

The ultra racing bars writeup explains the benefits well. I suppose any other bars makers would be able to offer similar benefits, but not at this low price point and the comprehensive supported vehicles list.

[Mathew]

Makes a fair bit of sense. Will give it a go when I get my car.

 

Does the shop do any other mods for the vellfire?

[Ahzq17]

How long an average can the battery last in a Vellfire?

[Heartlander]

Makes a fair bit of sense. Will give it a go when I get my car.

 

Does the shop do any other mods for the vellfire?

I purposely made the trip there just to do the UR bars. There are other mods like ICE and bodykits if you are keen. Speaker and ampl upgrade can be done in 2 hrs, but not bodykit as need to respray so might take a few days. Frankly I will not want to leave my car there overnight. 

 

And the more I drive now, the more I feel the improvements in stability. Imagine the pivoting points in the car suspension being tightened together as a plane. So when the car moves over undulating roads which surprisingly quite common on our expressways, the car will not wobble like a boat. This is obviously especially when moving into a curve at higher speed, the stability will inspire confidence. All the minor uneven-ness would be absorbed. So the rear passengers will not feel so nauseous without the bars. And yes even when moving on straight roads the driver will also feel the improvements if he is sensitive enough. Abit like conti-feel. Not to mention the improvement in safety aspects. And it is cheap compare to the price of the car!

 

If you do not feel good going to JB, local agent like E-rev also can do the mod though more expensive.

[Mathew]

"since the chassis is stiffer now, I can feel a bit more bumpiness on the roads, especially on the not-so-well maintained neighbourhood roads."

 

Would you say this is true? I took this from someonw who reviewed UR bars in Singapore at E Rev

 

Good to share knowledge. Thanks!

[Heartlander]

"since the chassis is stiffer now, I can feel a bit more bumpiness on the roads, especially on the not-so-well maintained neighbourhood roads."

 

Would you say this is true? I took this from someonw who reviewed UR bars in Singapore at E Rev

 

Good to share knowledge. Thanks!

Please clarify if this is on a ride with full set of bars installed. Fyi not every models have full set of bar, and not every owner want to get full set.

 

Anyway if full set is installed, all the pivoting points in the car will be sort of connected to form a single plane. Can still flex but much limited room, very hard to push the car side way even if you try very hard. So this reduce the chance of car getting out of control since it put all the four wheels firmly on the ground most of the tiime. 

 

For me, the ride has not become more bumpy. When going over undulating roads, I feel the car not rocking sideway so much like a boat as before. This definitely translate into better rides for the rear passengers as they bear the consequence of a rocking car.

 

But I would advise you to not rush into this if you have reservation that it affects the ride comfort. You can drive the stock car for a few weeks to gauge the normal level of bumpiness to see if still want to improve the situation. If you think it is acceptable by your standard, then perhaps there is no need for you to install the bars at all. I got it done because I receive complaints from wife and kids about the boatiness, thus driving me to get it done. Now everyone is happy, more or less. None complain about bumpiness. It perhaps could be true, but none of the roads I travelled on daily basis is that bad, so maybe not affecting me much. I would say even if true, that benefits far outweigh the negative point. But it is your call to get it done or not. Cheers.

[Heartlander]

 

This video illustrates the bars installed on the latest Vellfire. No commentary but you can see how stable the car is on the roads. The original stock car setup is tuned for comfort and a bit soft, same as for all stock Toyota cars, if not most. Because all the pivoting points are now tightened, the car can roll over the road imperfections easily, and will not shake when cornering.

[Mathew]

Guys, Just saw a Group Buy for Vellfire/Alphard Battery.

 

https://goo.gl/sD2yDH

 

Can consider if you guys want to upgrade your battery at a lower cost this year.

 

Cheers

Do you know the price. Not stated on the weblink

[Ahzq17]

Do you know the price. Not stated on the weblink

 

Yup! Signed up!  Price is stated after signed up! :)

 

start from $209. Rock bottom price $159 for the Q85/115D23L EFB Varta Battery 70Ah with CCA 660Amps.

 

They are still gathering numbers.  So the more we share the lower the final price. :)

[ivanchia69]

Dear Bros

 

I am a newbie driving a Toyota Estimate currently and hoping to change my ride to an Alphard. If you are a car dealer, happy for you to contact me as I want to get my ride before end of year.

 

Quick questions that need some Bros help

1. any new Alphard models coming? And I should till next year (my current car has 2 years COE left).

 

2. Differences between the different models.

 

3. My requirements and recommendations welcome:

A) 7 seaters only- all leather preferred

B) moonroof

 

I can be contacted at [email protected]

 

Thanks in advance

Bros.. Please PM me if you wish to be in the group chat.. Lots of poison awaits..

Bro can add me nine2954484

 

Thanks

[Heartlander]

Dear Bros

 

I am a newbie driving a Toyota Estimate currently and hoping to change my ride to an Alphard. If you are a car dealer, happy for you to contact me as I want to get my ride before end of year.

 

Quick questions that need some Bros help

1. any new Alphard models coming? And I should till next year (my current car has 2 years COE left).

 

2. Differences between the different models.

 

3. My requirements and recommendations welcome:

A) 7 seaters only- all leather preferred

B) moonroof

 

I can be contacted at [email protected]

 

Thanks in advance

Bro can add me nine2954484

 

Thanks

Since your ride still can last 2 more years, should wait for new facelift expected next year. Rumored is only new engine options and Toyota Safety Sense package or something like that. But body shape is expected to be about the same, nobody can confidently comment if any or none for now.

 

But if to buy next year, expected the CEVS to increase the price by $10k. COE level is subjected to market demand so could end up same if there is a dip, but nobody knows. You have to decide for yourself.

 

But you will not go wrong with a Alphard/Vellfire. The ride is really spacious and functional, excellent for trips up north especially though I do not feel that safe as the ride is of high demand there haha.

[Woes]

Anybody has good engine oil to recommend? I'm going for my 1st servicing and the oil is not included.

 

Since I have to pay, might as well I bring along my own oil. Also, how many litres for 1 change?