Japanese Auto Locators Bewertungen 55

Just had a couple of small issues with my camper and was delighted with how swiftly I was booked in and the repairs made under warranty- the staff were so helpful- thoroughly recommend them😊

I was initially after a Mazda Bongo and after much research contacted Phil at JAL Imports. He was very knowledgeable and guided me towards a Nissan Elgrand.
I was shown around a finished van and was impressed with the workmanship so after studying the stock list (including making numerous calls to Phil to ask questions and take advice) placed an order, chose my colour scheme and pop up roof and waited.
Updates were few and far between but messages and calls answered very quickly and Phil was always available to give advice and guidance.
There was a long delay in getting the finished van, which is expected in the current climate, but, when my van was finally completed I was very impressed with how it looked, the workmanship and attention to detail.
The van drives great, it is so comfortable and in fantastic condition considering it is 17 years old. The fit out is fantastic. Phil completed a very detailed handover on collection to make sure i knew what i was doing.
I am extremely pleased with the final outcome.

We've got our Bongo from Jal about 5 and a half months ago and are delighted with it. Phil and the team do such great work on these vehicles.
We're based in NI so it initially felt like a bit of a risk going so far away to get a camper, but we were quick to get over that once I went out to meet Phil and take at look at the shop.
Maybe not the best at responding to emails but when you see the work that these guys are putting in to each vehicle you understand why.
When I picked up our vehicle from JAL, Phil sat me down with a four page doc of does and don'ts, how's and why's that really made you feel like he has more invested in this vehicle than you do. Like he's genuinely proud/cares about the vehicle and wants it to be looked after properly.
And that's what you're getting when you buy from JAL.

We had a tiny issue with one of the guages not working properly, reported it within the warranty time frame and were told to bring it back when we could/ it suited to be fixed, which was great as it's a bit of a trek from NI.

Couldn't recommend JAL more. Great bunch of lads.

Great experience, Phil is extremely knowledgeable. Had my van just over couple of weeks , runs like a dream , few snagging issues but Phil has been super responsive.

We are delighted with our Nissan NV200 conversion. The perfect package. A great conversion, neat, compact and well thought out. Phil is very knowledgeable and gave us good advice and a great choice of materials for flooring and fittings.
We ordered the van in July 2023 and were told it would be ready maybe before Christmas, aiming for January 2024 and latest February 2024. There was a hitch with the original NV200 which had been adapted for disability, but specifications for another van were sent to us straight away in October. We finally collected our converted van at the end of May 2024 (just 4 days before we went on holiday) so a very long wait. Communication with Phil can be frustrating due to delayed responses. Keep questions brief and to the point.
Phil dealt with our queries after we had collected the van and sorted out the snaggings efficiently.
Can't fault the conversion - it's just what we wanted so we would definitely recommend Japanese Auto Locators for your camper van.
Just be very aware of the time scales and be prepared to be patient.

Picked-up my new Alphard camper conversion from JAL in late May 2024. Advice during selection of vehicle and specification of conversion was spot-on. Finished job was fantastic.

Within 3 days my neighbour had reversed into the passenger door. Phil sourced and replaced a new door and did a brilliant job just in-time to save a big planned trip, 4,000 km to Galicia NW Spain.

Fuggy the Furgoneta performed fantastically. Not a murmur. Would have been good to have been able to have a few practice runs before setting-off on a big trip to acquaint myself properly with how everything worked but my neighbour put paid to that.
Having used the van a few times now, there are a few things I would have specified differently but hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Great service and a fantastic camper that I think will give me reliability for years to come.

Cheers Phil and all the team at JAL.

I bought an Alphard some years ago. I still have it and love it again after getting a proper R&R bed with head rests rather than thick blocks of foam, covered and stuck to bed the base with Velcro. No curtains initially, no shelves in the big cupboard either. Lights at the back are long and are just about head height to hit the back of my head when sitting in bed. My ancient Bongo had flat lights. Poor use of storage space. The work top has big screw covers sticking up. Bed boards can easily be dislodged and dangerous. In addition to getting a properly upholstered bed I have paid to have a 3/4 fixed bed board with gas struts, fabulous. The water pump is attached to the outside rather than integrated!
The vehicle itself is lovely even though the gear box failed after 3 years but that is just bad luck. Just a ghastly, tacky conversion. My roof also blistered. Buy the car but get it converted elsewhere!

I am so delighted with my nv200 from JAL. It exceeded my expectations for the finish and space.

Storage - loads more storage than I thought. Cupboard alongside bavk seat gets loads in. Under the seat fits big double duvet and pillow plus other bits and bobs so bedding is out of the way but can always be packed. My storage tent fits here too.
Room for my awning down the side of the back seat and the table the other side.
Room under both from seats.

There is also way more boot space than I thought there would be. Ive put a hook up for my coats and then there is a ledge on the seats where you can fit lots of stuff. It means most of the stuff I’m taking can be packed in the boot and storage areas leaving the inside of the van clear on the journey.

Seating
Swivel seat is a great addition and makes the van feel a lot more open. I’ve added fleece covers that make it seem less car like and the match the lovely grey fleece that lines the van.
When the table is set up, it’s a perfect distance to sit opposite someone.
The back seats are roomy.

Sleeping
The bed is a great width and the bed folds out really flat. It’s a little stiff to move but think it will get easier. You need to make sure you keep hold of the seat belt buckles as you unfold/fold as they slip down under the bed which is a problem if you’ve got passengers. It’s hard to get them back once they slip down ( make sure you don’t lean on the bed if you’re reaching for them as the bed can flatten and you can get your arm stuck). Sure this applies to all rock and roll beds, not just this one.
I had bought a mattress topper but you don’t really need it as the bed goes so flat due to the clever design in the shape of the seats.

The roof space needs a mattress to go on the top of the roof boards. Enough room for one adult or two little ones I’d say.

Lights
Lots of lights - 3 side lights that can be switched on and off individually. Plus lights in the roof.

Fridge
Really a good size with freezer section that keeps ice cubes and lollies frozen. Runs off battery for 3 days or easy peasy with the solar panels.

Fuel economy
just worked out at 35 mpg on last trip of mix of a roads and some motorway. That’s in 1.5 petrol

All in all I am just soooo happy with my van and the quality of the finish. Scot at JAL has come up with an ingenious design and has done a great job. Thank you so much JAL

Bought a fully converted Bongo. Great workmanship, and a good looking camper. Phil helped us all the way through the process and went above and beyond to get us to where we needed to be. Thanks Phil. Would buy another camper here for sure.

I’ve had my JAL camper build Bongo for over two years now. I’ve just had the second MOT done and it’s still passing with no advisories! I’ve had no issues with the Bongo either. Really happy camper 😄

After researching companies who import and convert cars
to campervans, we decided to go with JAL.
In February, we made an appointment and went to meet Phil. He explained everything we needed to know about the process and about the conversion. We picked and reserved a vehicle (which was already in transit from Japan) from an extensive list. We then waited for it to get to the UK. At the end of April, Phil notified us that it arrived and we went to see it. We were amazed at the quality.
The car then went into the production queue and we were given a very wide choice of woods, materials, floorings and colour schemes plus many other options etc. to make the camper personal to us. Although it seemed a long time, with little communication in between, we finally collected the finished campervan two weeks ago. When I saw it, I just cried with joy. The end result just blew me away. The quality of the build is superb. The long wait is worth every minute. Phil spent time to make sure that we understood all the workings and answered every question before we drove away. Last weekend we went on our first adventure. It was amazing!
Phil, I can't thank you and your team enough. I would recommend your company to anyone looking to buy a high quality campervan.

Phil and his team are absolute specialists you will not be disappointed with your vehicle.

Phil will update you when it is necessary. Please be patient, as the wait will be definitely worth it. Fleur is absolutely stunning and part of the family

Phil was to the point but really knows his stuff.
We bought a Delica 8 weeks or so ago. We are fans of Mitsubishi already but. We have just come back from 18 days road trip to Scotland. 2000 miles all weathers. Lots of big hills etc. absolutely brilliant. Love it and can’t wait for next trip. She does exactly what Phil said she would .

Communication with Phil has been excellent. I sometimes struggle with communication as I have a stammer. However, Phil after some email communication suggested that I phone him. I am glad that I did as he clearly knows a great deal about Japanese vehicles and camper conversions.
I have been in contact with a number of companies. Some of them have been great in terms of communication but after contacting a number of people who have had vehicles from Phil they have all said that the camper conversions they have had from him have been really good but communication not always great. I guess we all have strengths and weaknesses but given the choice between a great campervan or a great experience, I know which I would choose!
I live up in Scotland but luckily have family in Redditch. I did think about visiting in mid September but it clearly said that they were shut. We are planning to visit in mid October and Phil has said just to phone him to make arrangements nearer the time. This was communicated to me today on the first day back from his holiday.

Just returned from our maiden first tour with our Nissan Elgrand, 1450 miles covered 6 countries visited and a fab time had, with the campervan being a brilliant drive and home for the trip.An excellent conversion. We would recommend to anyone, friends have already shown an interest.
Phil is very knowledgeable and has very quickly answered some of our very novice questions. Yes as people have said DVLA delays and other things caused our van to be ready a month or so after the original estimate, but definitely worth the wait. Phil has communicated when asked or if there are any updates.

My wife and I are looking to buy a Nissan Elgrand from JAL - (following a lengthy market appraisal we placed one on order approx 4 years ago but due to personal circumstances we decided to cancel and a deposit refund was agreed.) I finally spoke to Phil this morning following a number of failed contact points, v/mail, phone, email, text to enquire on current lead times to order one this month. His response was fairly blunt and stated “oh you cancelled on me a few years back, how am I to know that you are serious and you wont do it again!”The conversation seemed to go no further, did not want the business it seemed.
Just amazed at his attitude as we were looking to pay the total in faith of a delivery date that suited both parties. I am sure they are successful in their own right but what could they be as a business who actually listens and cares for the customer.
Bit of a shame at such a short sited response.
*update - No spec chosen or colour scheme or visibility of any time scale whatsoever. The original order was definitely not WIP - ah well, always two sides to a story .

Regards - Bill

My Wife and I decided to move to a campervan after 40 years camping with tens.

After a very long wait, which others have experienced, we picked up our Elgrand conversion in December 2022. We have now used it on a couple of trips, and are very pleased with it. The base vehicle appears to be sound and performs as expected. As it was purchased based on photos taken in Japan we were very pleased with the Elgrand we finally picked up.

The conversion itself is sound, and works well for our needs, although a bubble in the floor has recently appeared. It is impressive how much gear you can get into what is essentially a small campervan.

If the motor assist for the roof was available when we specified the conversion we would have gone for it. The mushroom roof is heavy, my wife cannot lift it.

The solar panel has proven to be of major benefit, i would recommend for all conversions.

Communication with Phil is an issue, many months of silence in our case. Having said that the communications you do receive are relevant and informative. Phil clearly knows his stuff and it is worth listening to his advice.

Overall we are very happy campers, and we love our Elgrand.

We ordered a van from Phil and the JAL team back in Sept 2021 following research which confirmed JAL's vans and workmanship were excellent. It was delivered in 2022 and we had solar panels fitted this year in March.

Phil provided excellent advice on the choice of van and the conversion requirements. We went for a Nissan Elgrad and are very pleased with it. The conversion is done well and we have enjoyed using the van for short weekend trips. We have longer trips planned for later in the year!

As referenced by other reviews, it wasn't the smoothest process to finally get hold of the van. Supply chain delays and DLVA waiting lists meant that we received the keys a number of months after the original planned date. It also took me a while to work out how to best communicate with Phil (be brief and to the point!). However, it was definitely worth the wait. What's more, Phil provided access to an alternative van to cover for some trips we had planned last year, expecting we'd have our van. This really was above-and-beyond expectations, given the supply issues he was experiencing.

Phil loves what he does, is incredibly knowledgeable and very supportive. You can choose a van and conversion knowing you'll get something you'll love.

We found JAL online and went to visit Inkberrow October 2022, in order to view a specific vehicle (Nissan Elgrand) which we had seen on the website. Phil very patiently explained everything that we needed to know and provided email and phone contact details and was extremely helpful in answering queries via texts etc., and provided a video of something operational re the campervan for me, when I was worried about how something worked. The visit to Inkberrow was valuable to us, as you gain awareness of the factory and operation and some of the conversions staff spoke to us about the process also.

The process of picking interiors, features and add ons was very straightforward and comprehensive and we completed this smoothly.

After selecting our options and paying the deposit, things naturally go quiet for a little while, while the process unfolds. Phil and I kept up to date with one another, either by email or text, so I knew where things were upto and when to expect delivery.

On vehicle being ready, we went again to Inkberrow and were completely bowled over by the quality of the conversion, JAL are the best out there, we did our research. Phil does a very comprehensive handover and provides a document to explain and remind you re all the various aspects. As first timers to campervans, we naturally had questions after collection and Phil has always been most accommodating at clarifying issues with us. I have to say that he has also communicated with me during his own personal time, on one occasion early Sunday morning, when I was having a problem, which turned out to be to do with the campsite electricity supply. He was helpful in the extreme and he was also correct - I was really impressed with how he quickly diagnosed what the problem was, which was nothing to do with our vehicle, despite what we first thought.

So, in summary, the process was simple and smooth, with good communication. Phil helped guide us through the process with patience and humour. He’s a great fella and I’d be absolutely delighted to deal with him and JAL again in the future.

You might find cheaper vans out there, but you won’t find better conversions or higher quality vehicles than those that Phil and JAL locate and supply. All our friends are amazed at what a wonderful vehicle we have and how beautiful the conversion is. Thank you, Phil and JAL.

We collected our Nissan Elgrand yesterday and Wow - it is amazing!! Absolutely in love with this van. The workmanship is of an extremely high class and it really is a beautiful van. Cannot fault it.
We like most people have had to wait a bit longer due to shortages of raw materials and dvla but the wait is so so worth it. I would say to anyone waiting, be patient as you will love the end result.
Phil is a great guy who is incredibly knowledgeable and helped us at every step through the process. His emails and texts maybe short but they answer the questions and that’s what’s important. So so glad we chose this company and thank you so much to Phil and his team