Toyota Sequoia

devoke

For the folks asking about the best cleaners for the interior: The best car stuff you can buy, period, is from Zainos. They generally only sell over the internet and their products are awesome. The one I like the best is their leather cleaner & their leather conditioner. The stuff cleans like bleach without the problems and leaves a nice "leather" smell. The conditioner does its job and somehow makes the seats easier to clean the next time. The folks are very nice and will talk to you on the phone about any cleaning problems you might have. Their website is: http://www.zainobros.com/

Lexus has the best concept for an extended warranty. They sell you the warranty during your initial purchase with the written promise that they will buy it back if you don't use it. You can sell it back at any time as well. We couldn't refuse and a bit unlike the gentleman above, we hope we don't have to use it so we can get our money back. All we lose is the difference in the current value of money and any monies the cost would have earned. We feel that to be insignificant in regards to the "insurance" of the extended warranty on a very expensive auto. Thanks.

devoke

There was an earlier post last month that asked where they could find toyota parts. Try this website: http://www.toyotapartsmall.com/

thirdsuv

"The best car stuff you can buy, period, is from Zainos"

Hmmmm.....well there are also a lot of people in
the groups that have got very good results from Lexol which can be found at Pep Boys if you don't want to dork with shipping. We went 20K miles before the first use and the drivers seat was getting slick from body oils. Lexol restored it to the matte look and feel.

Jim

thirdsuv

Doesn't the Limited have a hood pad?
Anybody have the cost on it from Toyota?
Jim

devoke

I also was a Lexol fan, but I bought a Lexus SC430 and the folks on that board recommended the Zainos products. I gave them a try and found it worked better and conditions the seats to a more natural feel (like new without a "conditioned" feel - hard to put into words). I found the Lexol to be a good product, but it will actually change the color of the leather after awhile and doesn't smell nearly as nice.

Although, I was probably a bit strong with the "period" part of my post since I certainly haven't tried 'em all and Lexol is certainly a great product. I have become a big supporter of the folks at Zainos. Their car wash leaves my car and Sequoia shinier than anything I have used as well. Their wax wipes on and off and looks better than anything I have used before. Overall, their stuff is show car quality, extremely easy to use, and not overly expensive. The drawback is having to order it, but it lasts a long time and you get free advice from the Zainos Brothers.

devoke

My limited does not have a hood pad. I have 20k on my Sequoia and I feel it is very quiet, particularly for a big vehicle. I am not sure the hood pad would be necessary. Does it really help that much?

trdsctwo

I got the hood pad custom made for 2 reasons: 1) In my opinion a vehicle does not look
"finished" properly without one. (especially one that is this expensive) and 2) I want to
minimize engine noise as much as possible. I don't like engine, wind or road noise
at highway cruising speed, although I do not mind a well tuned exhaust growl upon acceleration.
As an aside, wind noise was my main complaint in the 4-Runner that I bought in 1996 and still
have. I had a 1995 4-Runner which had very little wind noise but quite a bit of tire noise, so
when I bought the 1996 I noticed the wind noise right away. I still find it irritating.

devoke

I agree the quieter the better. I like the way BMW does it. They somehow manage to leave the nice exhaust growl in and eliminate everything else. By the way, I had a '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. The first time I took it to 70mph, I thought I had made a huge mistake (actually it was a mistake because it lived in the service bay at the dealership, but I digress). The road noise was so loud you had to speak in a much higher tone to others in the vehicle. By coincidence, my lovely wife bought me running boards for a Christmas present. She thought the Limited looked "unfinished" without them. They turned out to be the best thing she could have purchased. The running boards greatly reduced the road noise. I'll say they cut the noise in half at least. We no longer had to yell at each other at high speeds and the vehicle did not wear you out on a trip. My guess is the running boards either deflected or absorbed the noise coming from under the vehicle so it did not bounce up by the windows. I really don't know why they helped, but I also have a Lexus and I noticed it has a bulge below the doors. My guess this is for the same reason.

norwesterner

Anyone else out there use Zainos? Looking for a second opinion.

stever

I highly recommend the Zaino Car Polishes/Products--Your Experiences (Part 2) discussion.

Be sure to visit us back here in a few months and tell us all about hemless Egyptian cotton towels and everything else, LOL (seems like we "lose" more members in that board!).

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

gerryn

It's important that my new SUV (probably a Sequoia based on reviews, Town Hall comments, etc) be able to carry 4' by 8' sheets of expensive hardwood veneer plywood. Can I hear from existing owners about this ... will the rear door fully close? do the front seats have to be fully forward? is it a total hassle folding/removing other seats?
(The salesman was of course totally useless - the previous day he had left his job selling carpet.) Thanks, all comments are useful, gerryn

dbacksfan1

Sorry to break in...

I'm concerned with the safety of side curtain air bags for very small children. Can they easily be temporarily disabled?

devoke

They won't fit with the back door closed. The back seats are easy to remove and the middle row flips up very easily and I know they are removable, but I have never had reason to remove the middle row. You know, I haven't tried to not lay the plywood flat, e.g. laying the end up right behind the front seats on top of the middle row and letting it angle down. It might be possible to close the door if you do that. I usually tie 'em up on the roof rack or tie the back door down if it's raining, but I only have a few miles to drive to get them home. Hope this helps.

cliffy1

Have you tried folding only the seat backs and laying the plywood on top of that? I would bet that you could fit it and close the door this way.

triple_b

I have 16k on my 2002 Lmt/Seq. and just had the AC Compressor freeze-up on me. Service has got a new one on order with some "updated" parts (at least that is what they tell me). They also informed me that they had another Seq. with the same problem waiting for parts. Anybody else heard of this problem, or am I just lucky? BTW, I have a Isuzu Trooper as a loaner..... boy do I miss my Sequoia!!

ohare

A 4x8 sheet of plywood will fit flat in a Honda Odyssey, with the second row seats removed. I know this a Sequoia thread. Sorry!! But for proof, go to GOOGLE type in "Honda Odyssey", then select the 'Images' button on top. Three photos deep will be a Odyssey with a sheet of plywood in it. Hope it helps.

pschreck

To bad the Odyssey is just a minivan.

devoke

I have not tried it that way because the plywood I'm hauling usually has splinters and I don't want to hurt the interior of my limited. I may try it next time with a blanket tossed over the seats. Thanks.

Hey, did anyone go to the Zaino's discussion after the previous posts? I just Zaino'd my SC430 this weekend and it looks like a mirror. I learned a new word on the Zaino discussion - Zainoholic. You have to be careful with that great stuff.

trdsctwo

Does any one know where I can get one? I am looking for the type that attaches with screw clips at each end, not only
with 3m double-sided tape. Also where can I get my hands on this "zaino" stuff? Is it available at regular automotive
retailers??

norwesterner

Here's the web site for Zainos, I too am very interested as I just purchased a black vehicle and would like to see it at it's best: http://www.zainobros.com/

fishcar

dbacksfan1,
First, a disclaimer... I don't know of any studies dealing with side/curtain airbags and kids, and do not know if they can be disabled (I wouldn't advise doing it!)...

However, from my reading of the manual, the side and curtain airbags only protect the front seats (there actually is an animation on Toyotas website ; Go to the Sequioia page, and then choose safety features). Small children should never be seated in the front seat, because of the potential for injury/death if the front air bags should deploy.

raddboy41

This is a problem with the Sequoia and is addressed in Toyota Service Bulletin AC001-01.
Details:
To improve the durability of the A/C compressor on 2001 - 2002 model year Sequoia vehicles with rear A/C, a new refrigerant suction tube is now available. If an A/C compressor is being replaced, the new suction tube should be added at that time.

adebisi1

Anyone know how to disable the DRL's on the Seqouia?

lksshu

I just bought 4x8 plywood last Friday with my Seq. It fit with the back door closed. I folded the two back row seats and push forward the front seats all the way including the back support. I was driving with my chest close to the stirring wheel, but hey it works and I was pretty happy with it.

pemarsh

I dont know about everywhere else in the world...but I can say from personal experience that you can not order a PM package with an SR5 in the midwest USA...period! My order was rejected after 2 weeks. Multiple Toyota dealers in the midwest I have spoken with have said the same thing. According to most dealers I talk to, Toyota is simply not making SR5's with the PM package...period. How long will this last...who knows.

Steve Bissen...thanks for everything!!

lbimike1

Just to follow up on my post concerning the AC Compressor seizing problem I had back on April 19th with My 2002 Sequoia, It was repaired on May 10th. The compressor was replaced, drive belt and new retro kit, which is the improved lubrication lines. If I had not sent those certified letters to Toyota USA and Regional Rep, as well as filed arbitration and lemon law changes against them, I would still be waiting for parts. Toyota Regional Rep did direct pay for a rental SUV (@ $65 per day) for 18 days the truck was on dealer lot waiting for parts. Toyota also gave me a 100000 diamond warranty (bumper to bumper, $2500 value) and picked up 1 month of my payments. More importantly I will be issued a letter of apology from Toyota concerning the failure and the customer service situation. To get this I had to drop the arbitration case against them. I agreed. Truck is running great and the dealer detailed outside and inside, which was fine since the vehicle only has 2900 miles. I am happy with end result, and they assured me the fix works. If problem arises again, I can always file arbitration again, so it is win win situation. Like I told the rep, Toyota should issue a recall and get owners upgraded with new lubrication tubes rather than waiting for $1000 compressor to burn up. Just makes no sense. Any questions on this whole situation let me know.

misejh1

Did the AC ever smell like a "burnt hair in hair dryer" smell? The reason I ask is because I get this smell only after hard acceleration and have just noticed it. I checked the belt it looks fine.

I also checked the TSB AC001-01. It looks like I have the new suction tube they are talking about. Trouble is it will be another week or so before I can go to dealer as I will be on vacation.

sbell4

PM is not available for the rest of the model year

nvc

Do you think a 5-speed auto is in the works?

willfl

Just curious when did you buy your 2002 Seq. and/or when was it manufactured?

pemarsh

better be quick and grab the existing sr5's with PM's while they last!!!

devoke

You might try http://www.toyotapartsmall.com for the sunroof wind deflector. They have ones there that will fit the land cruiser, so they may also fit the Sequoia. Their site is not extremely user friendly, but they do have an e-mail address for questions.

Good news about the plywood sheet fitting in the Sequoia with the door closed. Thanks for that!

slackers

Are Sequoia paint jobs clear coat ? I have a 2001 White Limited.

2heeldrive

DRL's can be disabled by simply unplugging a connector. The connector is located on the fender next to the battery. It is gray and has two white wires running to it. There is a little locking clip that will have to be pushed in to allow the connector to be unplugged.

I think it's a whole lot easier to just leave the hatch open a little bit and tied down, than to try to squeeze in with the seats all the way forward when fitting 4x8 sheets inside. I have also found that 12' long boards and pipe are easily carried by rolling the back window down and letting them stick out the back. I use an old woven throw rug to protect the interior.

I wonder if Toyota is making a marketing decision by suspending the SR5 PM package to push customers up to the Limited.

adebisi1

Thanks 2heeldrive. Now do you know if the automatic lights will be affected by me disabling the DRL's?

trdsctwo

Thanks for the info on the sunroof wind deflector! I also have now found one at "Toyotaguys.com" Also looking for door-sill protectors that will color-coordinate with interior colors (either oak or grey; not black). Does anyone know if they are available? My big question is: Why disable the DRL's? In Canada they have been manditory equipment for atleast the last 7 years and I have never had a problem with impaired vision from an approaching vehicle with DRL's. Is there something that I am missing here??

adebisi1

I plan on replacing my factory headlights with HID's. If the DRL's are not disabled then my HID's will be on ALL the time. I do not want that. Why? Because then they'll burn out sooner than expected and the bulbs are expensive to replace.

sandersbr

I was trying to get someone's opinion on the rustproofing options. Can you get rustproofing after the purchase of the vehicle?

slackers

Let's hope '03 is better than '02, huh ?......and I got to be the first post of 2003 !!!!!!!!!!

devoke

I also have a White Limited and it is clearcoated. The Zaino polish works the same on light colors as dark colors, but the difference REALLY shows up on dark colors. My SC430 is black and really looks like a mirror and the Zaino polish can be used on the plastics, rubbers, chrome etc. It doesn't leave the white residue that wax leaves on anything not painted. The Zaino on the white looks better (awesome) than anything else I have used it on, but the black glows . . . Where I really appreciate the Zaino products the most on the Sequoia is on the inside. The leather products work on leather AND the plastics with no residue and leave everything looking and "feeling" new. Good stuff. Sorry to harp on it. It's just the easiest stuff I have ever used to do a car and it looks the best. Those two don't usually go together.

714cut

I'd like to know what you are considering for your H.I.D. lights (what kit, type, others who may have done conversion). I would go very slowly and carefully and if you haven't already done so check out www.philips.lighting.com for info. There are some real conversion horror stories out there.

2heeldrive

I have an SR5 which has the auto off feature but not the auto on, so I can't tell you if the Limited's auto on function will work. The auto off feature works fine.

As far as why disable -- well, several reasons: one I like to make my own decisions when to use my headlights -- I guess some Toyota engineers understand this since the new Camry has an extra position on the headlight switch for DRL. If I am sitting in the car after dark in a parking lot for example, I don't want to advertise to the world that I am there -- kind of a security issue. Running the lights puts an additional load on the electrical system, wasting energy, however slight. And just because they do it in Canada, where it's dark longer (northern latitudes) doesn't mean it's right for the rest of us.

raddboy41

If you are sitting in the car after dark in a parking lot, set the parking brake. This disables the DRLS.

charlieliu

Is that like something Rear Drive 5-speed? But all SEQ's are automatic.

iftam

I purchased my 2002 Sequoia back in late February, and the AC compressor went out on Tuesday, 5/14. I immediately took it to the dealer but it was too late in the day and they will not be able to look at it until the next day. Well, I drop the car off the next day and while I was in there, they changed the oil on the vehicle. They told me about the AC compressor problem they are experiencing when I pick up my vehicle, and of course, I can leave my vehicle in their lot until the part comes, however, the dealer told me there's another vehicle sitting in their lot for over 2 weeks waiting on parts from Toyota, I decline to leave my car in the lot in light of the wait. The dealer will not commit a date when the parts will arrives, to make matter worst, the VSC malfunctioned today. I immediately call the dealer back and I was told they were very busy and will not be able to get with me until late next week. Out of the blue, I decided to visit this website to see if other people experience the same problem that I am experiencing. Sure enough, I saw the message from lbimike1 about his problem with the compressor and what he had to do to get Toyota to owned up to their mistake. I sure like to find out from him how he contact Toyota USA and the regional rep. Also, I like to know how to file an arbitration on this and other matters.

strager

compared to Pilot EX-L, Honda just released pricing today. Pilot is $32K MSRP (with leather), including additional dealer markup. Sequoia invoice for a comparable truck(Limited) is $40K, MSRP is about $44K.

We expect to use the truck occasionally for skiing trips, the rest of the time it's going to be in the city, sometimes to Home Depot. Have no plans to go off-road. I'm thinking, to transport a family of 5 in a SUV, why spend that additional $10K for the Sequoia?

Any opinions?

lutz572

The Sequoia doesn't seem to match your needs, so why do you care if it is overpriced? For someone with 4 kids, a dog, a travel trailer and horse trailer, it fits the bill perfectly.

strager

I was looking for a Toyota or Honda SUV with a third row. The MDX and Sequoia were the only ones that fit the bill, and between those two I was leaning to the Sequoia, until now.

cliffy1

Why would the Honda get your interest if the MDX was already leaving the picture? All the Pilot is, is an MDX will less equipment.

strager

It's nice to have the 8 seatbelts and the Pilot is supposed to be roomier than the MDX because of its upright styling. I'll reserve judgement until I see one but that $8-10K savings is making it hard to justify the Sequoia. People on boards like this can give you a different perspective, that's why I was doing some loud thinking in my original post.