Importing a Toyota Alphard to the UK

The Alphard exists because Japan takes people carriers seriously in a way Europe never has. It is a full-size MPV with captain's chairs, a quiet cabin and a ride that embarrasses cars costing twice as much. Toyota never sold it here, so every one in Britain arrived the same way: someone imported it.

Demand has climbed steadily. Large families, wheelchair users, private hire operators and people who simply want the most comfortable way to move seven people have all worked out the same thing.

Which generation to buy

For most buyers the second generation is the one. It drives and feels close enough to the newest cars, but it costs a fraction of the money, and there are far more of them at auction, which means you can be fussy about condition instead of taking what you can get.

Petrol or hybrid

The 2.4 hybrid is the sensible choice if you do town miles, and Japanese hybrids from this era have proved durable. The 3.5 V6 is smooth and effortless but thirsty, and it costs more to tax in the UK because road tax on imports without UK CO² data is set purely by engine size.

That last point catches people out. Anything over 1549cc sits in the higher band, and there is no way around it, so factor it into your running costs before you fall for a V6.

What to check on the sheet

• Sliding door mechanisms. Both doors are electric and both get heavy use. Repairs are not cheap, and faults are often noted in the inspector's comments rather than on the diagram.
• Interior grade. These are family cars and they live hard lives. A C interior on an Alphard usually means stained carpets and worn seat bolsters. Retrimming is expensive on a car with this many seats.
• Rear air conditioning. Not universal on lower trims, and a genuine miss in a car this size.
• Mileage against year. Japanese Alphards often show high mileage because they get used properly. That is not automatically bad, but it should be reflected in the price.

What it costs

An Alphard is a large vehicle, and RoRo freight is charged by cubic metre, so shipping costs more than a saloon. Our landed cost calculator works the whole thing out, including the higher agent fee that applies to MPVs and vans.

The good news is that the UK market values them well, because supply is limited to what people bring in. That holds resale up in a way it does not for ordinary MPVs.

UK paperwork

An Alphard over ten years old needs only an MOT before registration, which is another reason the second generation makes sense. Newer cars need an IVA test, which adds several hundred pounds and a good deal of hassle. Our DVLA guide covers the process.

You will almost certainly need a rear fog light fitted, as Japanese cars generally do not have one.

Common questions

How much does it cost to import a Toyota Alphard to the UK?

It depends on the generation and condition, but budget for the landed cost being roughly 60% to 80% above the auction price once shipping, duty, VAT, testing and registration are paid. Alphards cost more to ship than saloons because RoRo freight is charged by cubic metre and they are a large vehicle.

Is the Toyota Alphard sold in the UK?

No. Toyota has never officially sold the Alphard in Britain, so every one here is an import. That is exactly why importing is the only way to get one, and why they hold their value well.

Which Alphard generation is best to import?

The second generation (AH20, 2008–2015) is the sweet spot for most buyers. It is refined and well equipped, it is over ten years old so it avoids the IVA test, and there are plenty at auction so you can be selective about condition.

Is the Alphard hybrid reliable?

Toyota's hybrid system from this era has a strong durability record, and the 2.4 hybrid suits town driving well. It also sits in a lower UK road tax band than the 3.5 V6, since imports without UK CO2 data are taxed purely on engine size.