"5 months of Bongo and loving it"

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"

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.

"Nissan NV200 - A perfect compact conversion"

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.

"Great service and a great camper."

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.

"Lovely vehicle, terrible conversion."

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…"

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"

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.

"Great quality vehicles and sturdy camper builds"

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 😄

"Superior Quality"

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.

"Stunning vehicle"

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