Toyota Sequoia

tidester

I could not locate my original post...must be getting old or I might have been deleted...

I have no record of your post being deleted and I doubt you're all that old! :-)

tidester
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marsha7

I am about to turn 50, and I come from that time when we used to say "don't trust anyone over 30" and 30 was a l-o-n-g time ago...plus, I need some disclaimer for the fact that some of the posters may have responded to my query in great detail, but I am unable to find anything, so I am re-posting in a manner which I hope will not get me flamed...

tidester

I am about to turn 50...

Hey, the big FIVE OH isn't as bad as they say - it's WORSE! Just kidding!

Besides, who on earth would want to go back to adolescence?

I hope someone here will be able to help you answer your question.

tidester
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jimb22

Willis,

I would take your car to another dealer. If your car vibrates when applying the brakes, the TSB apply to you.

norwesterner

I think xyz is going back to adolescence in which case I wouldn't care to go either....or maybe he's just going back to improve his "writting" skills.

tidester

Let's not make it personal and move on - thanks!

tidester
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mentor34

We've got a 2003 Sequoia on order, and I was quite surprised to discover, after reading the above "discussions," that it does indeed state in the Sequoia manual "Do Not exceed 45MPH when towing over 2,000lbs." That, in abscence of a better word, stinks. I understand that people tow much more, comfortably and sucessfully, but woe be the family that gets involved in a collision towing their 3,000lb runabout boat, and the other parties lawyers are savvy to this clearly stated limit in the Toyota manual. Any thoughts out there on this???

marsha7

yes, one quick thought from a plaintiff's attorney...try not to make it so easy for me to win by towing an amount well over the weight limit...I cry when cases are that easy, makes me feel like I am not "working" for my $$$...LOL

714cut

don't confuse the 45mph thing with towing capacities. The towing capacity of the Sequoia is 6200 lbs. (4x4).

2heeldrive

U-Haul trailers have stickers on them that state the towed speed limit is 45MPH. Ever seen a U-Hual being towed on the highway at 45MPH?

Marsha7 - the issue is not towing over the WEIGHT limit but over the Toyota cautionary SPEED limit. There is NO REFERENCE to weight in their statement. Toyota's 45MPH limit is just an attempt to cover their backside in the irrationally litigious country that we live in.

Here is the exact statement from the 2002 Sequoia owners manual: " ! CAUTION Do not exceed 45MPH or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is lower. Because instability (swaying) of a towing vehicle-trailer combination usually increases as the speed increases, exceeding 45MPH may cause loss of control."

The Toyota manual is exceptionally comprehensive in towing information and recommendations. The 45MPH statement looks like an afterthought and IMO should have been left out -- it is a worthless recommendation.

714cut

Best forget all the vehicles you are looking at in your previous post asking for comparisons then. The Sequoia has the highest towing rating of the bunch so I'm sure all of the others will have the speed restrictions as well.

mjohnr99

Lost my 2002 Sequoia brochure. I don't like the look of the two-tone 2003 SR5s (monochromatic 2003 Limiteds are fine). Wondering about the 2002s now: are both the 2002 SR5s and Limiteds BOTH all monotone (i.e., collor-keyed bumpers, cladding, running boards, etc.)? I think the two-tone thing is brand new for 2003 SR5s. Can anyone confirm. THX!

shek3

I think the two tone thing is OLD.....last year had it, unless you bought the silver......the bumpers and wheel flares are silver......mike

mjohnr99

I agree; we hate the two-tone look as well and are dissapointed to learn that the 2002 Sequoia SR5 had it (as well as the new 2003s). We had been waiting for a new 4Runner but the new look of the 2003 Runners (read the townhall board) is atrocious - the SR5s and Sports are covered in plastic and our former saving grace (i.e., the Limited) turns out is NOT monochromatic . . . it has silver roof racks, silver running boards, and silver bumper "accents" which look more like racing stripes . . . U - G - L - Y.

So, is our only choice the 2002 underpowered but monochromatic 4Runner (plus a supercharger perhaps)??? Lookin' at options here.

Can't do a 2003 Sequoia Limited due to price, but maybe a 2002 Limited Sequoia for year-end 40K price? (roughly the price of the new 2003 4Runner Limited).

Tell me, 1) does the 2002 Sequoia Limited have a monochromatic paintjob in colors like black, red, etc.?

And 2) here's the big question: because almost every 2002 Sequoia Limited came with a spoiler package (now an option on 2003s) - is it possible to remove that spoiler without damaging the body or leaving an unsightly mark on it? Any experts out there - let me know! THX!

714cut

All SR5's for 2001 and 2002 were two tone. Only the Limiteds were monochromatic. The exception to this, and the way around it was to order the Silver Sky color. It was the same color as the trim, leaving it looking like a Limited. All of the Limited colors are monochromatic for both years.

mjohnr99

That confirms what I thought. You don't happen to know whether the rear spoiler was a standard or optional feature on the '01 and '02 Limiteds do you? (May be a moot point if that's the way most were built at the factory, regardless of whether standard or an option.) Looks like for the '03s it's an option.

trdsctwo

What is your opinion of Toyota Canada's new marketing program "Access Toyota"?
Have you taken a look at the wide range of available exterior and interior colors for the 2003
model year? The new available features seemed to have bumped up the MSRP considerably!

714cut

Spoiler was standard on all Limiteds for 01 and 02 (at least here in Canada). You were not able to order a spoiler as an SR5 option.

sequoiasaurus

I know for a fact that on the 01 Limited the rear spoiler was an option in the US. I had mine put on by the dealer. It was a port install option in my area.

If it is removed it will expose holes in the upper door area where it is attached. Could be removed but may be costly to cover up.

norwesterner

The 2002 spoiler is an option also. I ordered it for my limited because it directs the air turbulence away from the rear window, leaving it cleaner and directing the exhaust away when the window is open.

mjohnr99

Thanks sequoiasaurus and norwsterner. Since it sounds like you guys both "ordered" your spoilers, maybe there is a chance I can find a 2002 Limited on the lots that has not had it installed yet (doubt it though . . .). Looks like you guys are in the South and Northwest - I am in the Central Atlantic and it seems that all the Internet inventories out here have their remaining '02 Limiteds with the spoiler. We really are a 4Runner family (no kids, etc.) but as I said the 4Runner styling travesty has us considering Sequoia given plans for kids in 3-4 years. Problem (totally subjective of course) is we don't like the spoiler look at all (one of the problems with the new Runner) . . . hmmmmm . . . but I don't want holes either. I just can't seem to win here with Toyota - even though they have 5 SUVs in their line-up!

P.S. I do agree that the MSRP on '03 Limiteds seems awfully high compared to the leftover '02s - and the only difference seems to be the new 17" wheels.

raddboy41

Under no conditions should the rotor WARP!! Wear, yes...WARP, NO! The TSB was specifically issued to address rotor warpage! Rotors will typically warp when they overheat. Depending on your driving habits, this does happen on some Sequoias. An inordinate number really, thus the TSB. The change to the calipers is that the pistons are larger, thus better distributing the pressure on the pads, thus avoiding overheating and WARPAGE! The smaller pistons on the original calipers placed the pressure on too small an area on the pads thus excess heat and WARPAGE! The TSB includes replacement of the rotors, calipers and outer wheel bearing. Tell your stealer to get honest, and step up to the plate for his customers. Or have him call the regional service reps who are aware of this problem and will OK it for warranty replacement.

norwesterner

Washington to be exact. $41,300 for a fully loaded limited. The 03's have an entertainment system option I understand. My wife drives the Sequoia but I used it yesterday because I needed to transport a paint sprayer (something I said I wasn't going to do but the old work van wasn't around) after a long day at a rental and driving home late I was amazed at how nice the ride was and very, very quiet, comparable in many ways to my 3 year old Q45. I'm very pleased with this vehicle and would highly recommend it to anyone who looking in this arena.

bmolloy

I'm an English guy moving to Los Angeles shortly and looking for a good reliable SUV to help me in my proposd house renovation business. But the question is which SUV ?

So I thought I would ask you guys. I know that Toyota have a good reputation here in England and so I'm thinking of the 4Runner or the Sequoia. I wont need 4wd, 2wd is adequate. I just need reliability, some nice creature comforts, occasional use of towing a trailer maybe, good residual values and of course nice styling.

Looking around this site, the Ford Expedition and Chevy Taho seem to get good reviews too.

Can you help me choose ? Also, where would be the best place to buy from, a local dealer or an internet source ?

Thanks
Bill

stever

Hi Bill/Bmolloy, welcome to Town Hall and to LA. You may want to kick the tires of a full size van too - lots of tradespeople seem to drive them as well as the bigger SUVs. But you'd have to overlook the styling :-).

Our Comparison Tests may help in your search.



Steve

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lcdrkev

Just bought a new Limited and will use Mobile 1 synthetic in it. Plan to do a break-in oil change at 2K even though it is not in the manual. Any thoughts on when I should start the synthetic. I have heard discussions about letting the engine "set-in" with regular oil first.

xyz71

Or did you just find out your $35K "Full size" SUV is limited to 45MPH when towing 2,000 pounds?

I have beaten this to death - I may stop back in a few weeks but its time to move on to other topics.

I did enjoy the conversation -

Good luck with your trucks!

doudoudid

Congrulations! i'm sure you can sleep better tonight

hockeymom5

Thanks to all- Blackdog, Pemarsh, Marksue1 and one other response I couldn't locate from a guy who also bought the Michelins, but slightly different one, and he bought the larger size because they look "donuty." I bought the Michelin 265/70/16 Michelin Cross Terrains because, like Pemarsh said, I couldn't find anything bad anywhere about them! Good reviews on Tire Rack, liked the specs and UTOG rating. I was not too sure on the larger size because the truck is already pretty high and I didn't want to increase the center of gravity. I bought white letters for a white ltd to jazz it up a little.

I got 32,000 miles out of my OEM Dunlops, but rotated them very frequently, and do mostly highway. There might be another 5,000 left if you really worked on it, but I am very conservative on new tires (lots of kids in my car).

I'll let you know about them next week. I also will try to find that Freznel lens thing mentioned earlier. That seems like a good idea. I run with deer whistles all over my car- I had a deer come right next to me then turn and run, so maybe they work? Thanks again. Hockeymom

tidester

I also will try to find that Freznel lens...

Actually, it's Fresnel and the "s" is silent.

tidester
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SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories

714cut

I know this is a Sequoia forum but I had to share this with you.I cut and pasted this from the Chevy truck discussion. Special hello to xyz:)

I'm with you Oby, every one here works and deprogramming from the HPIII and dragging this thing into the dealer takes time. Fortunately lately I've just saved it all up and made a list. Let's see, @ 19K mi just back from 5500 mi summer vacation -- brake pipe recall, air bag program recall, way noisy HVAC fan motor, engine cold knock, left rear door won't close when cold, odd rear suspension clunk on throttle on turns, loose/clunky steering shaft, squeaky steering wheel/shaft when ambient hot, driveline clunk, and last but not least intermittent "service 4-wheel drive" light now. Guess maybe I've just been spoiled by my Honda passenger cars. I basically like this truck, but my first month build '93 V-8 Jeep Grand Cherokee wasn't even close to this annoying.

csi35

I would wait until my first schuduled oil change before using Mobil One. You also might use their oil filter. I had to buy them over the net.

raddboy41

Personally, I changed the oil after the first 1,000 miles with regular dino juice. My next oil change will be at 5,000 miles at which time I will change to Mobil 1 synthetic. I believe that the engine is sufficiently broken in at that point with enough heat cycles and cylinder bore crosshatch worn down.

714cut

http://www.minca.cz/suzuki/

arcticman

I have 6700 miles on my '02 and I'm using Toyota OEM oil filters and dino oil at this point at 3000 mile intervals. I'm thinking about switching to synthetic but my concern is that the OEM filters won't continue filtering as well on extended drain intervals. I'm also a bit surprised at how small the OEM filter is in size in relation to the engine. I also want to install a bug deflector that will compliment the styling AND be durable. Any suggestions?

raddboy41

Sure, the toyota filters are just fine. All oil filters meet or exceed OEM specifications, but if you're choosing to extend the drain interval I would choose one of the following filters..Purolator Pure 1 PL10241, Amsoil SDF57 or SDF15 (oversized), AC Delco Ultraguard Gold or Mobil 1 M1-102. Choose any oil filter really. I find the oil filter to be an almost neglible factor. There are only TWO to AVOID. Fram Extra Guard and Fram Double Guard! I believe that you'll find Quaker State and Pennzoil brand oil filters to be the same as the Fram Extra Guard so avoid them as well. Research ( http://www.frankhunt.com/FRANK/corvette/articles/oilfilterstudy/oilfilterstudy.html ) supporting this decision can be found all over the internet. Surprisingly, an inexpensive Walmart SuperTech oil filter is quite good with strong construction and semi-synthetic filtering material! Some people can't get past the name though. It is however made by Champion Labs for Walmart. STP, Mobil 1, Baldwin (Amsoil), Duetch, even a Fram Tough Guard are part of a long list of acceptable filters.

norwesterner

There is some great information there. Thanks for taking the time to post it.

seqlady

Just after purusing all the tire discussions, don't you know that today my Bridgestone tire blew when a 6" stick somehow got driven into it! Yes, I was driving through a gravel parking area when a loud bang popped from my left rear and then a hissing sound. I got out and saw this 6" stick (about 1/2" in diameter) actually inserted into the sidewall like a knife. I pulled it out (it was very hard to get out), and sure enough the tire went flat as a pancake. Then to my dismay I discovered that my extended Toyota Gold warranty does not include roadside assistance and of course, the regular 3-year warranty doesn't cover it either. The dealer seems to think this was just a fluke and could have happened with any tire....I'm wondering if anyone thinks I have any sort of a case against Bridgestone. I mean, this is a huge truck and I ran over a small stick...something doesn't seem right. Any opinions would be helpful. Also, where can I learn to change a tire so I'm not at someone's mercy!?!?!

oac3

real sorry to hear what happened to you, but I can understand... had the Dueller blow up too with my wife driving a couple of weeks ago, but the insurance took care of the towing. Have you checked with your insurance yet ?

I don't think you have a case against Bridgestone. It could happen to any tire, IMO. A heavy truck (> 1 ton) running over a sharp stick can deflate a tire, unless you can prove that it only happens to Bridgestones..... I don't think you should be considering litigation or threat of it, it just won't help. At 3oK+ miles, the tire should be about ready to change anyways.... seems what many of us with the Duellers are finding out. Just get a better tire replacement and move on.

714cut

Here in Canada all Sequoias come standard with 3 year roadside assistance. Not so in U.S.?

paisan

1st, a 6" stick could easily puncture a tire, no matter what size it is unless it's like a Goodyear MTR or some other Offroad tire. 2nd I'm suprised Toyota doesn't have roadside assistance! Even my cheap Isuzus have it for 3/50K miles! It's funny how people want to sue or be reinbursed all the time, welcome to America.

-mike

seqlady

Please don't get me wrong...I'm not trying to sue anybody. I'm just wondering if this would happen to any tire or if the Bridgestones were junky to begin with. If it weren't for all the bad publicity re: Firestone recalls, I would never had considered it to be a tire problem - just bad luck. I was shocked to find out Toyota doesn't cover roadside assistance, though...I think that really stinks...especially for such a pricey vehicle! And yes, every new car I've ever owned covered roadside assistance during the warranty period - except this one. Time to call AAA??

paisan

I have both AAA and the roadside assistance (AAA mostly for my 2nd car). The Bridgestones are decent, not sure which particular tire yours came with. Most OEM tires are at least 1 grade down from the same make/model tire bought from a tire place to begin with. I've had Dueller 684s on both my Rodeo and Trooper and done some extensive offroading with them, w/o much issue. I recently upgraded my tires on the Trooper to Pirelli Scorpion ATs in a larger size though and they seem great so far.

-mike

mentor34

We've got a '03 Sequoia coming that is supposed to be built the end of October, any info on possible produciton slow-downs at the Indiana plant due to parts not making it through the closed Ports in California? I read in the USATODAY that Toyota and Nissan and Mitsibushi are all experiencing problems geting cars and parts through their normal shipping channels.

charlieliu

A month ago, one Sunday morning I found that the reas driver-side tire was 3/4 deflated (not totally flat). I called TOYOTA and found out there is no roadside assistance for any new vechicles. I was told there is one for certified used cars. But that doesn't help here. Talked to a GoodYear tire shop and was told to have the truck towed and don't even try to drive it. Originally, I thought I could drive it to the tire shop. I went ti KMart and bought a pump($10). I pump air into the tire and have not had any problem ever since. So far, I still don't know what cause the tire deflated.

seqlady

The dealer towed my Sequoia to their dealership (about 3 miles) late afternoon yesterday and had my car ready for pickup at 9 am today (GREAT service!). They even picked me up and drove me home. They're trying to get the towing covered by my extended Gold warranty - I'll know later today if that works. If not, I'll put the claim in through my insurance co. I decided to just replace the blown tire with a new one (it is the Dueller 684) - the other tires only have 18K miles so they're in real good shape.
Does anyone have the e-mail address for Toyota Customer Service in the USA?? Thanks

paisan

Not sure if you use the AWD part of the 4wd system, but most systems require you to have no more than a 1/4" circumference difference between all tires. @ 18K miles I bet the worn ones have more than a 1/4" circumference difference.

-mike

shek3

ARE YOU PEOPLE AT EDMUNDS EVER GOING TO GET DEALER COST ON THIS VEHICLE?????? CMON!

tidester

I'm not sure that is possible but I'll pass your question along.

tidester
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mechengr1

I too lost my tire (driverside rear) at only 5k miles. I was tooling on the highway and hit something. No control problems or anything (this was when the exploders over at ford had issues).

no warranty for my tire either. I have dudlops on there.

NL