Toyota Sequoia

petro33

I tow a trailer whose unladen weight is about 5,000 lbs. I estimate when I put all my stuff in it it is around 5700-6000. I don't carry much. Usually fill up with water when I get where I am going. It is a 22 foot Komfort. I have had no problems. I only find that the warning lights for the VSC go off sooner when going around corners. Makes me go slower (not a bad thing). I only tow about 2-3 times per year. The Seq is a better tow vehicle that my previous '93 Ford Van. But if you are going to tow close to the limit and tow a lot it is worth considering other vehicles with greater capacities.

This site is littered with discussions on towing. I remember some good ones about six months ago.

formy3kids

We are very interested in purchasing a 2003 Blue Marlin Pearl with the Silver Sky trim SR5 2x4 with the TRD package (love the seats!). Has anyone seen this color? Does anyone on this board have this package? Do you like it? We live in North Carolina and no dealers around us have ever gotten this color in. Comments?

sbell4

for the rest of the country that doesn't have access to the TRD package you are describing:
Exterior:
BBS 18" Alloy Wheel
Performance Tires
Borla Performance Dual Exhaust
Custom Chrome Grille
Special Edition "TRD" Badging
Color Keyed Bumpers, Flares, Lighted Running Boards

Interior:
Preferred Suede Perforated Seating
Carbon Fiber Appearance Dash
Leather Wrapped/Carbon Fiber Appearance Steering Wheel
"TRD" Embroidered Door Panels
The TRD package can be equipped on any of the Blue Marlin Pearl Sequoia SR5 in the region. You need to go to your local dealer and let them locate the color in "dealer stock". Have them go to that dealer's website where you can see the digital picture of the actual car so you can see what it looks like. Only around 7% of the Sequoia are in the Blue Marlin Pearl color but I have sold some. I hope this helps.

junr

I have read from several posts here about the armrest being too short, and I also have the same discomfort when I drive my 01 SEQ LTD. I was thinking about having it replaced or maybe adjusted to make it locked about 20 degress lower. I am also thinking about having a wider, higher custom center console done by an auto upholstery shop.
Has anyone on this board did modifications to the center console or the armrest? Any feedback will be highly appreciated.

formy3kids

Thanks for the info. A dealership in Winston-Salem is getting in that color later this month. Hopefully another dealer will not get to it before I see it. It may be worth the hour or so drive to go look at it. Anyone have any clues if there are any new options for the 2003? We are waiting for that model year to come out.

raddboy41

Looks like Rice Toyota in G'boro is due one near the end of the month too. I've got a 2002 2wd SR5 Desert Sand Mica that I purchased from them. You can see pictures of it with self-installed entertainment system here http://www.tundrasolutions.com/photopost/index.pl?user=5564&cat=500&thumb=1

If you choose to contact Rice Toyota, insist on speaking to Derek Mosser. He's the most laid back and respectful salesman I've ever met.

couper

Thanks for the replys to my "Gas Cap Noise" question. I kinda figured it was normal but it is a little unique and the fuel system should be pretty well sealed off. Looking at the gas cap there is a little rubber pressure valve in there, and I guess it is doing its job.

One other little item, the Sequoia is my wife's, so I don't ride in it all that much. But last weekend we went for a 150 mile trip and even though the truck drives and handles beautifully, there is a certain harshness in there somewhere that starts to get to me after awhile, the roads around here don't help much either. I understand there is a tradoff between handeling and ride. We had a '94 Suburban prior to this, and it really did ride like a truck, but it also had more isolation of these medium? sized bumps that the Sequioa seems to let through. I have the tire pressure at 34lbs now (Suburban was 42lbs) and I really don't want to go any lower that this. I have been in other vehicles with taught or sports suspension. It is amazing as to how some do a very good job making the ride confortable while others knock your teeth out, yet both ofter similar overall handeling.

Anyone else feel some of this harshness I feel? I believe there is some room for fine tuning things here. I am wondering if new shocks might help, but hate to spend the money to end up with the same ride or worse.

Ironically almost every review I read on the Sequoia comments on how smooth the ride is, I think they may be mistaking the quiet for some of the smoothness. Also it seems smoother in the driver's seat than the passengers seat. Maybe I'm just overly sensitive!

pemarsh

Personally, I am very pleased with the ride quality. Just drove an 800 mile round trip, and it was perfect. I have had a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and a Ford Explorer. The ride quality of the Sequoia is far superior and nearly car-like in my humble opinion...especially for a full size SUV.

crapgame

I agree with pemarsh. Have driven a few 500+ mile round trippers in my wife's Seq (have had up to 7 others in the rig as well), and the ride has been nothing less than superb.

Just as smooth as my in-laws Suburban, and in my opinion, a touch quieter to boot. However, when fully loaded, it doesn't have the ooomph that the in-laws suburban with the big detroit iron under the hood.

dansonnemann

I guess I can't get the TRD package put on my '01 Blue Marlin Pearl Sequoia SR5 4x4. Maybe I will just have to trade my '90 Grand Prix in on a new Blue Marlin Pearl Sequoia SR5 4x4 with the TRD package. Can I get it in the Washington DC/Baltimore area?

trdsctwo

Although I am very happy with the "Jade" green color of my vehicle, I would have taken the red
or blue color if it had been available in the Ltd. package. Why are there so few color choices
in the Ltd package? I am not planning to trade it in, but I am curious if and when Toyota will
add to the number of colors available (especially the primary colors) not just variations on the
shades of grey and brown. (Here in Canada an SR5 is not available with leather or a few of the other
option upgrades that are available in the USA)

buyer35

I own an 01 Blue Marlin Pearl SR5 and like the color. I do not have the TRD. I live in TN and know what you are going through, by trying to see one before you decide on the color. I too had the same problem...they just didn't exist. I finally saw one on the lot in a Detroit area dealership while on a trip up there. I called about it one day, showed up the next and they had just sold it and it was in the prep area, so I got there in time to see it.
This may not have helped you much, but I do like the blue color and have received other compliments on it. One thing I like about it is the fact that no one else around has a blue one. I have yet to see another blue one driving around anywhere, and I've had mine for just over a year now.

kelly523

formy3kids, we have an '02 SR5 4x2 Blue Marlin Pearl w/gray cloth interior. We also got the alloy wheels package, rear air, DRL, fog lights, etc. - MSRP was $35,800, we paid $33,800. We had to order ours - as someone else mentioned, this color is extremely hard to find, particularly with certain options. However, it arrived in 6 weeks and we've been very happy with it so far. There aren't a lot of them around - I've seen one other one in our area in the last 6 months. Hope this helps.

formy3kids

Thanks for the info. One of the reasons why we want the blue is because not many other people have it. We have yet to see one in Charlotte, NC. I am going to set up a test drive for the day next week for a TRD, as we have yet to drive one! I'm afraid that once I drive it I will not want to wait for the 2003 or until we can afford the huge payment! Around here they are at MSRP but we have found some dealers who will go $500 over "their" invoice. The final price will fall around $36,000, ouch!

ibmindless

Some of you interested readers may recall that my A/C blew (hot air) 6 days ago. A couple of days later, they estimated that it would take 4-5 days to find out when a compressor would be available, as they are on back order. Today, I received more bad news.

The compressor is supposedly not available in the USA. They supposedly have no spares. I might see a new one in 10 or more days. Meanwhile, I'm limping around in a very mini-Sequoia (RAV4).

Happy summer.

norwesterner

Am I the only one that thinks TRD is a gross language barrier mistake. There's not a chance in hell I'd drive around with the initials TRD on my vehicle!

paisan

TRD is known around the world as one of the best in-house performance upgrade shops. I don't even like Toyotas but respect what TRD can do to them! Why are you sooooo concerned what others think? Are you that shallow?

-mike

tidester

Am I the only one that thinks TRD is a gross language barrier mistake.

Apparently.

tidester
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mtm13

Cliffy1 - I noticed several posts back you were discussing the Platinum extended warranty. Since it appeared that adding this was part of your job, could you tell me exactly what the Prepaid Maintenance Program covers and how much it is for the Sequoia? I am very soon going to be turning in my Jeep on it's lease to get a Sequoia, and I have always purchased similar maintenance plans through Jeep to cover all my oil changes and scheduled maintenance. The price of the plan upfront is more than worth it, as usually the 30,000 mile service on my Jeeps has been more than this plan. It was the only thing that I was going to miss now that I had decided to switch to a Toyota, and then I saw it today on the Toyota website. Any info you could give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

norwesterner

No, nor am I an idiot. TRD phonetically is Turd, I just am not interested in having that imprinted on my vehicle. I didn't question that Toyota makes great racing parts but why not TR for Toyota Racing instead of TRD. I can't believe I'm the only person that thinks it strange.

tidester

TRD phonetically is ...

TEE-ARE-DEE. In English, we don't do phonics on abbreviations. Otherwise, a pound would be an ELB (lb.) and speed would be EMMF (mph).

tidester
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fairway13

Have been lurking on board for sometime, but this is my first. Have decided to cancel order on Honda Pilot EX-L DVD in favor Sequoia SR5. Dealer wanted 34500 for Pilot which does not include a passenger power seat, no six disc changer, no sunroof option, no sidesteps/running boards, no rear mudguards, no rails on roof racks plus some other stuff that is missing from a vehicle of that price range.

So have always wanted a Sequoia since its release so began reading this board. Today I decided to cancel order for Pilot and Went to Toyota dealer and ordered a SR-5 with the following options:

Preferred Package, Convenience Package, Alloy Wheel Package, Sunroof w/wind deflector, Rear Spoiler, Driver/Pass Side Curtains, Door Panel Upgrade, Dual A/C, Fog Lights, Running Lights, Keyless Entry w/Security Upgrade, Roof Rack, Carpet Mat w/Doorsill Protection.

Haggled down to 36500. Out the door for 37500 was to get 4.75% from my bank. Not to mention all the other standard features of the Sequoia, plus the V-8, bigger, more 3rd row leg room for golf buddies on golf outings, more cargo behind 3rd seat when in use.

No one has posted on the Prices Paid board lately so was just curious if this is a good deal.

tidester

Welcome aboard! Judging from the posts on this board, you're going to be really happy with your decision and you'll find Sequoia owners here to be most helpful!

tidester
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ibmindless

Dealer called yesterday & said the compressor was in - I wouldn't have to wait for another 10 days. Picked up the SEQ today - of course it was filthy - they don't wash the car after servicing like Acura does. Anyway, drove it for about 7 miles. The A/C worked beautifully - it was freezing inside. And then...

The same old situation. The A/C light started blinking, and warm air started blowing in. Took it back to the dealer, they couldn't find a fail code on the computer diagnostic. Oh, and unbelievably, the A/C started to work again as I approached the dealership. They're going to give it a closer look over the weekend. This is starting to get me hot.

cole88

Just bought my wife a 2002 Sequoia SR5 this week for her birthday. It was fully loaded with Alloy Wheel package, Convenience package, sunroof, keyless entry, fog lamps, rear temp. control/AC, etc...(pretty much everything). Price - $34,500. I also went with Classic Soft Trim ($1250)to add leather seating (Edmund's long-term test did it) and it looks great. Also added 18 inch chromed wheels ($2000). $37750 total. We got the Silver paint and light gray leather interior. She loves it (and so do I). It is a really nice driving, solid car. I too have been lurking around here reading reviews, comments, likes and gripes. Thank you all for your help!

cliffy1

I also sell the pre-paid maintenance agreements and I'll share my thoughts on them. If you are buying a Corolla, they generally are not worth it unless you just like knowing your maintenance costs for the next 4 years. On the Sequoia, it is another issue.

Sequoia oil changes can get expensive. Because of the high quantity of oil used, expect to be paying between $30 to $35 for an oil change. The 30K maintenance can get expensive as well. Figure $350 to $400 for that.

If you get the "Premium Plan" (don't get the Classic. Its a waste of money), all maintenance is paid for up front. You get 11 oil changes, three tire rotations, your 15 and 45K service, plus the 30K. You also get road side assistance. Retail price is $995 and there isn't a lot of mark-up in that. A good deal would be $895 for the 4 year/55K plan.

Strangely, prices are the same for all Toyota models. That makes the plan much more attractive for V8 owners and not such a great thing for Corollas and ECHOs.

formy3kids

Well, we finally drove the TRD pagkage today. Kids said too loud, we agreed. We went back to the dealer and got a loaded SR5 for a few hours. Loved it and felt like I was pulling our house! Unfortunatly we decided with the stage we are in a van is still needed (three kids under 9). So we are going to wait for the 2003 Odyssey to show up.

cliffy1

May I recommend waiting a bit longer for the minivan? In March, the 2004 Sienna will be out. It will feature a 3.3 liter engine (up from the current 3.0), longer, wider and a split hide away third row seat.

formy3kids

This is what I was afraid of, I find what I am looking for and something else comes along! We were going to wait until early 2004 if we can anyways. Do you know if a DVD player will be available? When will the specs and information be ready for consumers to get a hold of to "build your own"? You have piqued my interest. Thanks for the information.

stever

longer, wider... you say that like those are good things, Cliffy.



Steve
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cliffy1

I don't know when more detailed information will be out. Over in the Sienna topic, there is a participant named Rward99 who works at the Georgetown plant and he has been my source for good information. The new van will be built in Indiana along side the Sequoia and Tundra. Normally, Toyota is pretty tight lipped with details of new products so it may not be until it is very close to arrival that complete details are out. Keep an eye on Rward99 in the Sienna topic for good insider stuff.

cliffy1

"wider is better" as they say.

fairway13

Does anyone know how many watts the stereo system in the Sequoia SR-5 comes with. In particular the one with the preferred package with the 6 disc changer and 10 speakers.

slackers

Appreciate you on this board. Is the warranty offered on toyotawarranty.com what you can get from a Toyota dealer ? They say they are not affilliated with Toyota Motors. Do I assume correctly then that the waranty from the dealer is different and backed by the manufacturer and not a company that provides extended warranties ? Thanks.

gregfocker

Does the Platinum extended warranty through Toyota require maintenance records for your 15K, 30K, 45K, etc. services? Say I do not do the 15K and 30K service and my tranny goes out. Will the Platinum warranty cover the replacement of the tranny even though I did not do the interval services?

paisan

Hairdryer and fishing line, will take the TRD Logos off in about 30 minutes if that.

-mike

mtm13

Thanks for the info and it actually priced out better than I had hoped. $900-$1,000 seems like less than you would actually pay for all the oil changes and maintenance services if you paid for them separately -- I will research that though.

Does it include any routine maintenance besides the 15k intervals -- or are there just not any on Toyotas. I have been used to 7,500 mile intervals on the Jeep with 3,000 mile oil changes mixed in, so I guess 5,000 mile oil changes on the Sequoia is standard?

Thanks for all the help.

semantics

The biggest change to the Sequoia is the addition of a rear seat entertainment system as an option. It will feature a DVD player located in the center floor console and a LCD screen located just behind the sunroof opening.

A different option will be a rear seat audio system. This will feature a separate radio tuner display located just behind the sunroof opening with headphone jacks located in the rear of the center floor console.

The new dark silver (Phantom gray) (1E3) looks fantastic. There are a few other color changes, like a few of the colors... and thunder gray is bye-bye. The new salsa red pearl on SR5 looks great!

cliffy1

1. I believe the warranties offered by the above mentioned web site are genuine Toyota warranties. If I am not mistaken that web site is run by a Toyota dealership in Nebraska. Only Toyota dealers are allowed to sell Toyota warranties. Their prices are good, but not unbeatable.

2. As with any warranty, you must still maintain the car. If you don't do what the book tells you to do with the transmission and it fail, the warranty is void on the neglected part.

3. As for pre-paid maintenance, the "Premium" plan pays for only what is listed in your maintenance book. Some dealers will "up-sell" maintenance beyond the factory recommendations. This isn't always a bad idea, but the book is all you must do to maintain your warranty.

nvc

Where did you get your info on 2003? Do you know when they will hit the ground at dealers?

kotrt

Since semantics has piqued our interest on the 2003 Sequoia models, does anyone have any further information such as Base Price (increase from 2002?), options, availability, etc. I'm currently concluding my hunt for the perfect SUV (this site has been unbelievably informative) and just when I'm about to drop $40k for the SR5 4WD in Silver Sky Metallic, I'm jarred away from my nirvanna-state with the thought of just what the Phantom gray color may look like, not to mention the entertainment system. A wonderful stimuli for the brain to think about. Calling all sleuths with insider information - what's the good word out of Princeton, Indiana??

physiochem

Let me say thanks in advance for any advice that any of you guys might have concerning this matter. I own a 2002 Sequoia Limited 4X4. The other morning, after idling about 5 minutes, I noticed that I had no oil pressure. In fact, the gauge needle was at the "rest" position as if the engine was not in operation. After a few moments, it returned to a normal reading. I immediately called the service department and they informed me to bring in the truck. During the drive over, the gauge reading varied from rest to high and eventually returned to normal, where it stayed until I arrived at the dealership. As you might imagine, the gauge did fine while the technician was trying to diagnose the problem. He checked the oil pressure directly, the sending system and the gauge itself and all were fine. Of course, as I was leaving the dealership, the problem returned. This time, however, the technician was able to witness the gauge reading. The final decision was that the gauge or sending system must be bad and should be replaced. (Although, he tested the gauge earlier and said that they were fine!) He suggested that I could continue to drive the truck as normal until the part arrived. (I did get this in writing just in case!) This problem started shortly after my 15,000 mile service and never happened before. It seems to happen at idle, at speed, A/C on or off - basically, anytime. I am concerned that the oil pressure is indeed falling below normal intermittently and was not detected by the test done at the dealership. I do not want to do any long term damage to my engine, of course, and I want to act quickly if, indeed, I have a lemon on my hands. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Scott

mechengr1

Just my 2 cents. You physically checked the oil level right, you have oil in the engine...? Low oil will cause funky readings. I'd also check the sensor itself. Make sure it's tight, and the harness to it is also tight. My old 96 Chevy Blazer (junk) had the same oil gage jumping, and the sensor was loose in the socket, so oil was squirting by the sensor causing funny readings...

NL

seqlady

Just wondering what people are paying for the 15K maintenance and if you think it's worthwhile.
Thanks

petro33

here is another 2 cents. I had a ford van that the oil gauge and the temp gauge would occassionally go bonkers! Way up or down. It turned out to be an electrical problem. Nothing wrong with sensors or engine.

raddboy41

For me and my normal driving about $35....

$30 for 7 quarts of Mobil 1 Synthetic
(around $10 for 7 Qts. of regular motor oil)
$5 for the oil filter.

Rotate the tires.

If you have a 4WD, it is recommended to have the propeller shaft lubed and bolts re-torque.

stever

The Edmunds Maintenance Guide will tell you what we think it should cost.

Steve
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raddboy41

Hmmm..Edmunds Maintenance Guide needs some improvement! I selected a 2002 2WD SR5 Sequoia and for some reason it thinks that it has a front AND rear differential! That would be 4WD!

bolker

Hey all, I'm interested in what will be coming in '03 and beyond in the Sequoia size. I read through this thread but I'm still not sure when the larger V8 will be coming to the Sequoia. Also, it looks like the Sequoia is getting more luxury oriented components. Does anyone know if they're going to make a full-fledged luxury version any time soon? I realize it could impact sales of the Landcruiser, but the Landcruiser doesn't have the interior room I need. Any news would be appreciated.

Ron

paisan

I heard it will be eliminated from the lineup due to the heavy import tax from Japan combined with the non-crumple zone construction that doesn't pass 04 accident requirements.

-mike