Toyota Sequoia

gkatz1

I'm going to check out the Nokians.

durangobuyer

Thanks to all of you for your interest and sympathetic concerns of my Sequoia woes on the "droning roars" of my '02 Sequoia. It's been 12 days and I finally got my truck back. The shop wouldn't release it until a certified TOYOTA engineer flew in from (who knows where?) to evaluate the transmission and give approval for a replacement. In the end after replacing everything but, it was determined that it was a defective RIGHT REAR AXLE. They didn't replace the transmission. I hope that's the solution, we'll see on the next highway road trip, since that's when the problem first appeared. I didn't pay for a thing, that's the good part. However, Toyota certainly is stingy with their replacement parts, I'll say that. Under Maryland Law, I don't qualify for the "Lemon Law", since I missed it by 3 months and 15K miles. This law states 15K and 15 months to begin the process. I really love the Sequoia. It's roomy and makes a nice statement on the road. I am only sorry that it has had this problem and with all good things we had to be patient in order to have the problems resolved. Best of Luck to all Sequoia owners and future buyers, may you never have to experience a defective axle! Signing off for now, unless.........

rcamserrot

I am looking to purchase a new Sequoia soon. Questions I have are as follows. I am wanting a two tone SR5 in White. Is adding the two tone color after purchase the same quality as from the factory? I was told that 2 tone is done after factory but do not believe that. Also adding a spoiler after purchase, does that get in the way of brake light in back and does it look like a add on? Living here in Texas with the hot sun is the Vehicle Shield package with the Lusterizing sealant(for paint) necessary? Also, wanting a good looking (Loaded Look) SR5 are the 2 wheel drives identical to the 4 wheels in size and height? With 2004 coming out soon is it best to wait and purchase 2004?? Thanks.

stever

That's wax, right?

Steve, Host

sequoiasoon

Previous years all, the SR5's had silver trim on fender flares and bumpers is this what you mean by "wanting 2 tone". Aftermarket spoiler covers brake light but most out there have the light in it also. Adding requires drilling holes through top of tailgate (possibly voiding paint/corrosion warranty). I added one but would probably have factory installed next time. Most people don't feel comfortable drilling 5 holes in their brand new vehicle. You can also check in photos thread for pictures of "reboulders" added spoiler. The sealant is a waste! Buy Zaino and get much better protection and real easy to do yourself. The 2 and 4 wheel are the exact same physical dimensions. The 4 wheel I think sits an inch or 2 higher due to suspension. Check here at Edmunds for specs in new car area. From what I read, the 2004 SR5's will have dual A/C and captain chairs standard instead of option (not sure how that effects price)Many dealers had incentives on 2003's to try and clear inventory

rcamserrot

Thanks for all your inform. The two tone that I speak of is: Two tone paint at the bottom 1/4 of the door to match the fender rails and bumpers. This paint on the doors is approximately 2 feet high. The 2004 dual a/c?? What is this? Is this 2 temperatures one for driver and one for passenger?? Thanks for all your help.

sequoiasoon

I have not seen any with 2 tone on the doors just fender flares, bumpers, and running boards. If you wanted that any good body shop should be able to match the color and paint to whatever height you want. You could probably also try to edit a picture on the computer (paintshop or other program) so you can see what it would look like. The dual A/C was an option on all SR5's (std on Limited) for all years. It is a one system for the front seat passengers and an independent one for the rear and third row. The rear can be controlled by the passengers in the rear or the driver. Highly recommended option to help heat and cool (think Texas heat) in the back of the vehicle.
If you haven't done it yet, you can download a brochure from the Toyota website with all the info.

z71bill

This one of the big Gulf States Toyota rip offs. It is also called VPP or vehicle protection package.

It has an "MSRP" of $200 , Gulf States charges the dealer $100 for it. IMO they do nothing to the vehicle - it is just an add on charge. At most it is equal to what you get at an automatic car wash when you get the "clear coat sealant" and "spot free rinse".

Gulf states also cheats its customers on 2 different protection packages.

X*40 Protection Pkg., Toyo Guard (PIO)
(Available Only in Southeast Region) (Std. w/Protection Pkg.-X*70) (This Option May Be Coded XT40 or XY40) Includes Exterior Paint
Sealant, Toyo Guard Sealant Cleaner, Undercoating/Sound Shield, Fabric Protector & Permavin/Glass Etch Theft Deterrent. Dealer cost is $159.00 MSRP = $619.00

  X*70 Protection Pkg. Plus, Toyo Guard (PIO)
(Available Only in Southeast Region) (This Option May Be Coded XT70 or XY70) Includes Protection Pkg. Plus Roadside Assistance. Dealer cost = $231.00 MSRP = $699.00

Adding these charges to a vehicle is pure profit for the dealer if they find someone dumb enough to pay for they. It can also help make a deal look better than it really is - a classic sales trick - add $700 to the MSRP - then agree to give an extra $350 "discount" customer thinks he did great - but really just paid $350 for something that is not worth $50. Everyone is happy.

bogotadave

Other than very nice cosmetics, is there an advantage to the rear spoiler?? I'm getting ready to order a Sequoia (w/roof rack), and am confused on the spoiler issue. I plan to haul a kayak, and am worried about the spoiler being a disadvantage when it comes to loading a yak. If there is anyone who has had experience with this issue, I'd very much appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.

stever

I saw one this morning and was thinking about that. I carry yaks sometimes but mostly solo and tandem canoes. The Sequoia is too tall for me to load a canoe or sea kayak by myself from the side. Usually I'd prop the bow up on the rear rack and then slide the boat up the rest of the way.

I think most any rear spoiler is going to get scratched up pretty quick with that method, but the one on the Sequoia really hangs out there over the rear glass.

Steve, Host

sequoiasoon

I added the spoiler to my Sequoia after I bought it. I find that the rear of the vehicle stays much cleaner now that I have it. Haven't done any kayak or canoe loading so can't help you there. The spoiler does sit up and out so pending how you load it could get in the way. I added it because it was driving me crazy having a clean truck but the back was filthy.

rcamserrot

Just spoke to Karl Malone Toyota dealers in New Mexico and they have a 2004 Sequoia! I wonder if all dealers will be getting 2004 this week. Any info??

petro33

I have one from REI, Yakamia is what I think the brand is. It works great for kayaks which I have a tandum. The only problem I have encountered is when the boat is on top and you open the rear lift gate the spoiler will hit the bottom of the boat. I already have one small scratch on the top of the spoiler where it hit the boat. You just have to be careful. Driving with the boat on top is no problem. The people at REI were very helpful with attachments. I also got one for my skis, and canoe.

blackdog4

How do you get your kayak onto the rack? How much does your boat weigh? Do you need a ladder/step stool? At present I have an Explorer so I can load the kayak from the rear of the vehicle, placing the bow on the rear support and pushing the boat up and onto the rack. In a few years my Sequoia limited with spoiler will be the main beach vehicle and I am concerned whether we will be able to get our two person kayak onto the rack. Perhaps it would be easier if I get two smaller, one person kayaks at that time and load them from the side. My wife, howver, likes to rest on her paddle at times, and I am not sure she will want to paddle her own kayak. Can this marriage be saved?

pschreck

Interesting question.

Opinions vary, but for the most part, the wife is a very good invention.

Have you considered removing the seats and sliding the kayak INTO the Sequoia? The wife should be fairly easy to tie to the roof rack and you will have the added benefit of silence inside the Sequoia. Heck, you'll even have control of the radio.

Of course, you might want to wrap her in something before you tie her down. She'd be more aerodynamic that way. You know, an open mouth and flailing limbs can create some drag. :^O

stever

I've always advocated solo canoes/kayaks. That way there's only one idiot in the boat at a time.

In the good news department, "Soon, Toyota buyers will be able to order any of the nine models Toyota makes in the U.S.--Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Matrix, Sienna, Solara, Sequoia, Tacoma and Tundra-- and have it delivered in two to three weeks." Forbes

Steve, Host

blackdog4

Thanks guys. It has been raining all day in this part of New England while we are on vacation and it is nice to go to bed still chuckling.

gedmundsc

Well here's one for the team to solve. While in Glouster, MA. I started the Sequoia 01 SR5 4WD and the Fuel Light was on and the gas gauge read serious empty, needle was in the middle of the E at the bottom. I had 1/2 tank of gas, so I immediately jumped out to see if I punctured the gas tank. I checked the trip meter it read 214 DTE. I started driving and after several miles the needle started to move from the middle of the E to the top of the E. By the time I reached my destination is was at 1/4 tank. The following morning when I started it read 1/2 tank, no issue with the gauges or light. So I assumed it was just a fluke. Well yesterday it did it again.

Does anybody know of issues with the Gauge sticking causing the light to come on? This is the same one I just paid $900 for a 45k servicing.

petro33

It does take two to get the kayak on the seq. I am guessing but I think the boat weighs 150 or so pounds. It is very easy for two to put on the car. You only need one strong person to lift the front high enough in the back of the vehicle to place it on the rack then slide it forward. In my case I am the weak link. I have one bad arm and cannot lift it over my head, so my better half or my son lifts it high enough to access the rack. Actually it is harder work putting the rack on the vehicle then the boat on the rack. Pay a visit to one of the stors that sell these racks, espically REI and the salesperson will show you what works on your vehicle. They will even show you the best way to load it. They did it for me here in Sacramento.

blackdog4

Thanks for the information.However, every time I look at that spoiler, I have visions of knocking it off if my muscles falter. As it will probably be about two years before the Sequoia is used for my kayak, I guess I will use the time to "bulk up".

stever

If it makes you feel any better, I dropped my canoe onto my driver's side mirror and cracked the inner housing good (nothing that regluing with epoxy every year or two doesn't fix). Most tandem boats rarely weigh more than 80 pounds btw, unless you have an expedition layup. That's still a lot of weight in a long package to try to maneuver onto a rack.

There used to be a rack with a sliding insert in the front bar - you'd slide that out, prop up the bow, then lift the stern onto the rear rack, move the front over and then move the sliding bar back in.

Moving the rear rack as far back as you can should help a little too.

Steve, Host

oac3

Take it back to the dealer and have them fix it, esp since you just paid them a royal fee for a scheduled maintenance.

I don't recall reading anywhere here of the same problem. Oh wait, maybe yes. Just did a search of this topic and found post #3431 (from notthemama) with a somewhat similar problem on an '01 Ltd 2WD. You'll have to go as far back as July 2001 for that post tho'...

Good luck and let us know the solution to the problem.

clpurnell

I live in the dreaded Gulf States Toyota region anyone know what the current incentives are on the Seqouia. I am getting prices of 100 under dealer invoice and want to know if I could do better.

jocigar

Are you talking 03 or 04 models?

I am not sure of the incentives, I believe that there is a 1000 off sr5 models.

Edmunds should have the new incentives posted soon I would think.

If it is a good deal depends on the year and any incentives. If there is a -1k incentive you might be paying 900 over invoice.

clpurnell

I am looking at an 03 right now. but if there is a 1k rebate I will target at least 700 under invoice.

quesera1

The recent tranny horror story post has me wondering what service everyone has had on their transmissions at what intervals? What did your Toyota service center recommend and did you go with them? Is there a specific recommendation from Toyota?

arcticman

under normal driving conditions my 2WD tranny never needs servicing. However the rear diff fluid is supposed to get changed every 5k if towing, etc. Sounds odd to me. I certainly don't plan to follow either recommendation but apparently doing nothing for the warranty period with respect to the tranny is good enough for Toyota. I will probably flush my tranny every 30k or so. As for the diff. maybe someone can explain why Toy. says to change it so frequently. Seems like overkill unless its a poor design, like the rear axle seal that already failed on my rig at 12K. I would like to believe the TSB on that issue will be effective. I wonder how often diff fluid is supposed to be changed on Expeditions, Yukons, etc?

femalebuyer

Watch out for any deal you get on an 03, because Toyota effectively lowered their price on the 04's. Dual Zone AC and power captains chairs are now standard equipment on the SR5, and they did not raise the base price. If the 03 you are looking at has these options (and most do), you are paying more for the 03 than you would an 04. Obviously, the cash back incentives soften that blow, but I was still able to buy an 04 with the exact same equipment (no cash back) for the same price as the 03 with cash back. Note: because of the standard power seats, the preferred package price has been lowered, too. It is now $1770 msrp (1416 invoice) instead of $2515 msrp (2012 invoice) that many websites are reporting (using last year's pricing). Happy hunting!

jocigar

femalebuyer, if you don't mind sharing, how much did you pay for the 04 versus invoice price.

femalebuyer

I paid $100 over invoice for the 04 (@37,500) for an SR5 with leather, sun roof, roof rack, JBL premium stereo, rear audio, dual zone AC, convenience package, alloy wheel package #2. I don't know that I got a GREAT deal, but I felt like it was fair.

steveb84

You don't think that $100 over invoice on a 2004 model is a great deal ?

What would it have taken to make you feel like you got a great deal ?

Just curious

femalebuyer

I asked the dealer for a "no haggle" price and that is what he gave me. I wasn't interested in beating him down. But I paid $100 over his invoice, which, from reading other discussion boards, some people feel should be negotiated down because of the additional charges the dealer adds on. So I think there was room for another $400 - $700 off, but I wasn't interested in pushing it because it was an 04. You know how you get what you ask for then worry that you should have asked for more?

buyer35

I have an 01 SR5 w/ Dual A/C and had problems with my A/C cooling for the last month or two. I had it into my local dealership and they agreed it was not cooling good, but said I'd have to bring it back another day. I attempted this several times and finally could not get an appointment there, so made another appt at another Toyota dealership. Since the problem is worse on 90+ degree days, the problem was not as bad the day I took it in (temp was ~ only 80 deg). We discussed the A/C TSB about the new suction tube design. They gave me a copy of the TSB and said they could NOT perform the TSB unless my compressor was bad. Since mine is okay, they said they can not do anything. I've gone back and read other posts on this problem and it seems everyone that has had A/C problems have had a bad compressor (or at least noises). Has anyone had the TSB performed w/o having a bad compressor? I've contacted the customer relations folks and have not got a response from them yet. Since my factory warranty will most likely be up before more 90+ deg days (summer 04), I don't want to be stuck w/ a $2k bill next summer, for something that needs repair now.
Comments/Suggestions???

raddboy41

If they don't want to perform the TSB, tell them to AT LEAST FIX IT TO WHERE IT COOLS!!! See what they find. I better it's the early stages of a compressor failure. If it's low on freon, don't let them just recharge the system and go on. Ask them "Where is the freon leaking from? FIX IT!! And while you're at it, address the TSB!!" Squeaky wheel will definitely get the grease. This is not the time to be timid. You're almost out of warranty and you need results. What about the dealership that wouldn't give you an appointment? Huh!! You're driving a Toyota that is under WARRANTY. THEY HAVE TO GIVE YOU AN APPOINTMENT!! IT'S BROKEN! They even agreed to that fact! Okay.... I'll go for the decaf. BTW - not that I would condone such an act, but there are ways to "help" a compressor fail, wink, wink.

robertbick

I have called two dealers in my area (Albany, NY) and cannot get an answer on when the `04 Sequoias will be in. Does anyone know?
Thanks,
Bob

femalebuyer

robertbick . . . I have ordered one. The dealer called me Tuesday and said it came out of production on Monday and should be here next week sometime. If your dealer does a locate, the 04's that are available should come up on his list. When he runs the details on a particular vehicle, the production date is shown. I was dealing with a dealer that told me he didn't have any concrete information on 04's -- because he wanted to sell me the 03 on his lot. Keep calling dealers until you find one willing to work for you! (Cinci, OH)

jocigar

I was also ready to buy the 03 and realized the 04 is a better deal even with-out the rebate. I just hope the sales rep. is willing to go $500 over invoice as he did with the 03.

I gave him the options and invoice price on the o4, but he keeps telling me that he does not have invoice pricing available for the 04, yet.? he has been honest so far.

robertbick

femalebuyer, Thanks! You are probably right. They would rather get rid of the `03 first.

wwest

When the OAT is that high it might be difficult for the cooling system to keep the engine water jacket below 180F with the radiator airflow already elevated after "cooling" the A/C condensor.

As the engine water jacket temperature rises, 185F, the control system will first activate the radiator cooling fans at low speed, if it then continues to rise, 190F, both fans will go to high speed. At 195F the control system disables the A/C compressor altogether.

Most commonly happens in stop-and-go or slow moving city traffic. The Sequoia is an extremely heavy vehicle so any "detuning" (clogged air filter, non-premium gas, etc.) of the engine would definitely contribute.

If it continues you can increase the efficiency of the A/C system substantially, decreasing the load on the radiator, by the following method.

Turn the A/C system to recirc (no danger of interior fogging in hot weather) "max cool" and use "low" blower speeds to regulate the comfort level within the cabin.

When you set it to, say 72F, the system airflow is first cooled by the A/C evaporator and the some of that cooled air is reheated and the recombined with the cooled airflow to prevent discomfort from TOO COLD airflow to the face and upper body.

You might want to have the dealer check that both electric radiator cooling fans are fully operation and quickly go to full speed as the water jacket temperature rises.

One of mine failed last month on a long drive and I used the above procedure so I continued to have A/C cooling, 2000 miles, until I could get it repaired.

steveb84

We had one arrive last week - I delivered it on Friday. Still a few 03's on the lot too.

pjwick

Are you able to remove the right side middle row seat in a '03 or '04 Sequoia? I'm hoping for easier access to the third row for young kids.

Thanks, pjwick

raddboy41

Yes, it can be done with a wrench. But why would you? The mechanism is SO simple and moves the seat WAY up for easy entry.

oac3

The Seq has the easiest entry to third row seating in ALL of the trucks in its class. A really simple mechanism moves the middle row seats up and away for easy of entry. Every seat in the truck reclines, and you can slide or fold the third row seats.

bluestar1

I am trying to trade-in my '01 Seq SR5 (2WD) for either an '00 LX470 (loaded with Nav), or a '04 Seq SR5 (2WD) loaded with moonroof, 6-CD changer, side+curtain airbags, alloy wheel package, convenience package, etc... Dealer is asking $33,9. Two weeks to arrive at dealership. The LX470 is listed at $29,9 with 59K miles.

Any one care to help me out here ? Which is the better car/deal ???

2heeldrive

In my opinion, the Sequioa has poor access to the way back seat because the flipping mechanism is very hard to operate. Where is the option for 2nd row bucket seats? It is also pain because you have to get out of the car to operate it (like all similarly configured vehicles) and I always worry that it will end up slamming down on someone's foot. If I had to use the way back seat all the time I would just hook the nifty little strap onto the grab handle and keep the single seat flipped up all the time.

rcamserrot

I just purchased a new 2003 SR5 and noticed a faint humming sound coming from the rear tire after I have finished driving. The noise can not be heard while driving. The suv operates fine. The humming is heard faintly, and then gets softer and softer than it is gone. Was wondering what this noise is and if it is normal.
Thanks.

gkatz1

I think that is the fuel pump you're hearing. My 2002 does the same thing.

2heeldrive

It's a normal sound....just the gas cap bleeding off pressure from the fuel pump.

ibmindless

Just thought I'd drop by with the epilogue of my saga:

I had an '02 SR5. Put about 17K miles on it in 19 months. Mostly short, around-town driving. I loved this SUV - it seemed so refined. Alas, it was no better than a broken-down Ford.

I replaced the A/C 3 times. Brakes (rotors & pads) 4 times. Alignment 3 times. Wheel balancing 2 times. The stereo had over-pronounced BOOMING bass. The rear speakers didn't have any volume when we faded the sound balance to the rear. The power windows started making crunching sounds, and we had 2 bald tires (Dunlops) at 14K miles.

We went without the SUV for more than 45 days - one episode was 30 straight days. I knew every mechanic by name. I tried Toyota Customer Service's 800 number, and they sent me papers to begin the arbitration process. I also called a Lemon Law attorney and decided to go that route rather than arbitration.

35 days after contacting the attorney, I gave up my beloved piece of junk and received all of my money back. All payments, down payment, taxes, etc. were refunded. Toyota paid my attorney. I am now the proud un-owner of a Toyota.

Good luck...

tidester

I am now the proud un-owner of a Toyota.

I guess that makes you a DISOWNER! :-)

tidester, host