Toyota Sequoia

rob139

we bought a 2004 sr5 sequoia 4x4 this summer. i looked for quite a while.
 i read too many horror stories about initial armada probs with fit and finish. looks were odd, liked the power. it also did not come with split fold down rear seats (as compared to expedition).
 ultimately since our third row is not used by humans usually (dog often) the ability in the sequoia to slide forward and back creating hatch room for groceries, stroller, stuff i found to be more useful than fold flat (can have stuff and third row for kids/dog. the seats are heavy to slide out, i havent except to put car cover seats on them, but the room is greater when you do this than with fold flats. the 2nd row tumble forward in the sequoia, very easy and convenient but not flat to floor. ( they theoretically can come out too but have to unbolt them- not practical) The sequoia also (2004) does not have full time 4wd/awd but the the limited system has worked great ( im in maine and we have had snow)

i also looked at the durango and was surprised at the level of refinement for dodge- but ultimately found it was just not styled right for me and was a little narrow. reliability i was concerned with as well as resale.
The expedition had the features but it was a little bland and fit and finish bothered me.

I like the tahoe/yukon exterior- its dated but i still find it very stylish. the back 3rd row was awful though (less leg room then sequoia) did not fold or slide back or forward and with them in their was no rear (hatch) room. in the suburban there is no room problem, but it is big. Finally the interiors of both i found so dated that they were personally unexceptable for the money.

Ultimately i have been very satisfied with the sequoia, and i am one to second guess myself.
my last word (as i know i have rambled) for negotiating is to do it online . if there is a rebate to the dealer include it in your invoice calculation against the dealer (subtract it). there was no rebate when i bought mine and i simply offered invoice, got some rude remarks from some dealers, but had 1-2 offers to sell me one. dealers also keep a holdback amount which varies so always ask for invoice at least, if there is a rebate ask for under invoice whatever the rebate is my opinion. i wouldnt wait personally for a 2006.

mcelduff

Can you actually get a TOYOTA dealer to order the exact vehicle? I got a good price now excuses as to delays, why not choose a limited etc and even if order no certain guarantees hence I am not ordering at this point
Thanks

shelbydog25

Purchased a new 05 SR5 for the wife, our 1st Toyota. Paid $200 over invoice, loaded with everything except NAV. I found, after researching on this forum/site, you can almost get the same options as the LTD but for $3K less (thanks). I read somewhere on this site that the 05's powertrain is the same as on the LC. Sound accurate?

flyfish4life

Order is kind of a loose term. The dealer is typically allocated a certain # of vehicles with popular option packages, etc. Depending on what's in current production run at the factory will have a large impact on what you will be able to "order." I was fortunate in that at the time people Toyota was producing a fair number of "loaded" SR5s. Talk to your dealer and look through the allocation with them to see if one is in the pipeline that suits your preferences.

husky92

I'm not an expert here as I didn't order my vehicle, but I've been reading this forum since we bought our SR5 back in '03. You CAN order exactly what you want and I'm not talking about having the dealer check already allocated units. I'm talking about having the exact features you want built for you. The dealer may not be all that willing to work with you, but it is certainly possible. I remember regretting that I didn't do this because while I got a fairly loaded SR5, I didn't get the JBL stereo and 6 disc changer. You'll have to wait for it. Some have mentioned that it could take a couple months to get what you want. Also, they won't let you get an SR5 with EVERY option. There is a hard limit on the number of options you can get on an SR5 and of course a couple that are only available on the Limited (memory seats are one). This is how I'll buy my next car.

sequoiasoon

After PLENTY of BS from the local dealers who were not able to(wouldn't?) order what I wanted I went to a different "region" that was MUCH more cooperative. No questions, no hassles excellent service. Dealer told me straight out he could order as I wanted (I only wanted a couple options) and it would take 15 weeks. $500 deposit and he ordered it next day. 15 weeks later I flew to North Carolina and picked it up (and still saved money over NY!). He explained to me (as well as same story from cliffy1 here at edmunds) that many dealers don't want to order because MANY customers change their mind and don't want to wait anymore. The dealership is now stuck with a potentially hard to sell vehicle because YOU wanted the 2wd, leather interior but nothing else (better stereo, sunroof, airbags etc and you live in Snow country where they don't sell 2wd SUV's)

ttc

anyone know whether the leather trim (in terms of quality, finish, etc..) for Limited and SR5 (with option PT) are the same?

flyfish4life

Same, except door panels are trimmed in cloth.

stailor

Has anyone had a problem with the rear defrost. I have a 2004 Sequoia SR5 and the rear defrost has alway been weak. At best, it leaves narrow clear lines in the window, even after being on for ten minutes. I took this to the dealership and they said that something rubbed up against the line, reducing the defrosting capability in that area. None of the lines (electrical elements I presume) is broken. He also said that it is not covered under the warranty because it was caused by an object rubbing up against the window and that I would have to replace the window at an approximate cost of $500. We don't haul much in the back other than groceries and a stroller which is folded up. I think that the rear defrost was defective from the dealership. Has anyone else experienced this problem? If so, would appreciate learning how you went about getting it resolved, either under warranty or out of warranty.

oac

One key reason why many of us bought this truck is because we expect it to be more reliable than some of its competition. This truck is in its 5th year of release hence there should be plenty of data from owners on its reliability. Adding more impetus to this is a new research recently released which placed the Sequoia at the top in terms of resale value. Since one can draw some rough correlation between higher resale and higher reliability, the question is: how truly reliable is the Sequoia ? Hence this poll (unscientific) to find out our owner experience with this truck.

 

For response, please indicate year (purchase date if inclined to provide this), trim, current mileage, service and repair history.

 

Here is mine:

 

Year and Trim: 2001 Sequoia SR5 2WD

Current mileage: 58K miles

Purchase date: Dec 2000

 

Repair history:

@ 1K miles: New CD player (factory unit malfunctioned)

@ 10K miles: Alignment

@ 22K miles: Front brake pad replacement

@ 25K miles: Front brakes replacement (Toyota recall)

 

Service history:

15K miles

30K miles

Oil change every 5K miles

 

That's it !!!

 

This poll should (hopefully) be of help to those who may be looking to purchase this vehicle. It may also help current owners as well, since there may be those with similar issues.

ronstoy

I had a similar problem with my defroster, except that two complete lines did not work. The lines were not adjacent. I purchased the vehicle in the early Spring and obviously did not use the defroster until 6-7 months later.

 

I was told the same as you by the dealer when I tried to have the defroster fixed under warranty. Something rubbed up against the back window, etc. We only carried items that never went higher than the bottom of the window. They did try to "repair" the lines with some type of kit, but they still did not work.

 

I called Toyota customer service and they talked to the dealership and came to the same decision. I was told by the dealer that I should look into contacting my insurance about having them pay for a replacement window. I never did. We just live with the defroster the way it is and will try to test to make sure the next one works before we buy.

 

If it is non winter months, we would have to find another way to steam up the windows ;-)

kennynmd

Don't know where exactly to post my question, but since I have a Sequoia I'll post it here. My wife and I are expecting our second child soon. My first is still in a car seat. My wife curently drives a Lexus ES300. Can anyone suggest any cars or SUV's(not full size like the Sequoia), no vans, that can fit 2 car seats in the back while also being able to sit an average size adult comfortablyin the back seat. Thanks

kumar

Hi,

   I am a new owner of '05 Sequoia 4WD SR5, Could someone tell me what kind of 4WD system is in '05 Sequoia? can I always engage in the 4HI mode even in high speed driving? would that harm the drivetrain or engine doing so?

   Thanks you in advance for any advice!

kumar

anyone could share your experience on installing backup sensor/camera on a Sequoia? what is the most suitable device? what would be the fair price to install a backup sensor / camera in a local shop?

husky92

Yes. It's full time. I tried to solicit opinions from people on whether you actually get better mileage in 2WD v. 4WD and didn't get any clear answer. Possibly you get 1 MPG better mileage in 2WD. Unless a potential minor gas savings is a big deal to you, you can just leave it in 4WD Hi and forget about it (w/ center diff open).

txbuyer

My wife and I are looking to buy a new SUV. This would be our first one and are looking at the Sequoia. We both like the residual value and feel that our previous Toyota's have always been good.

 

I'm afraid though of buying a new '05 Sequoia and then all of a sudden there being a total redesign of the SUV within 1-2yrs. Can anyone tell me if they are looking at redesigning the Sequoia? and if so, when?

flyfish4life

Here is mine:

  

Year and Trim: 2001 Sequoia SR5 4WD

Current mileage: 85K miles

Purchase date: June 2001

  

Repair history:

@10K miles: rear hatch cover (inside plastic) was "re-glued"

@ 30K miles: New CD player, amplifier and rear speakers (very low volume coming from rear speakers); front/back brake pad replacement and turn of rotors; rear right axle seal replaced

@ 40K miles: Alignment

@ 60K miles: Front/back brake pad replacement; rear left axle seal replaced

@ 65K miles: Alignment

@ 85K miles - Will have dealer check A/C fan in passenger side floorboard as it is making a buzzing noise. Also, in reverse, have observed a clicking/light thumping noise. Finally, on cold start-ups, hear a humming noise emitting from the drivetrain until car warms up.

 

  

Service history:

15K miles

30K miles

60K miles

Oil change every 3-4K miles

gkatz1

My first Sequoia was a 2002 SR5 which I traded at about 20K miles. Never needed anything but routine maintenance.

 

I currently have a 2004 LTD which needed an engine change at 5500 miles due to an internal "knock". Other than that it's never been in the shop. It has 16K miles. I'm the only one I've heard that got a bad engine, but it was fixed without further issue.

kennynmd

i have an 04 SR5. As noted here, at 9k, the oxygen sensor had to be replaced. Now I have 11k on it.

 

Also, I just noticed that the "air circulation" button for someone reason turns off when I restart the car up. In other words, I psh the button on when I get in. After geting out the button is off again and needs to be turned on by me. I never noticed it before, is this normal?

kumar

what do you mean by "center diff open" ? is that the big button on left side of console?

shelbydog25

Any notice on startup the rev races to about 1400 rpm's then settles down after warm up? My 05 SR5 does this. Reminds me of the Expedition I just traded in... funny thing is, my Acura never does this....

4rider

I believe it is programmed to do so for warming up the engine. My Toyota does exactly the same. I told my wife that she should wait for a few seconds until the revs is down, which means the engine is warned up and ready. In reality, she shifts into D right away and never even bother to know what RPM means.

kouser

Just bought 2005 seq sr5 with all options except heated seats for 37500 So far it drives great

Wanted to get a back up camera does it hae any utility

Does Sr5 has curtain airbags or not

Is is ok to use regular gas

kumar

my 05 Seq also have higher rev on startup, I shift into D after a few seconds starting up, and drive slowly to warm up the engine.

kumar

My SR5 has curtain airbags, seat side airbags, using regular (87) gas. do you plan to install backup camera by your own? how much would that be?

wassallj

Just bought a loaded 2005 SR5 about a month ago. One thing that bugs me is the rear window button on the remote. I think it is great I can use it to lower the rear window but it will not raise the window. Does anyone know if it can be programmed to raise the window too?

kouser

I was told by my dealer approx 500 for back up camera

How do i know mine has curtain and side air bags

I have a SR5

 

h

kouser

It should go up or down mine does

wassallj

I have tried it every which way and the remote will not make it go up. The manual says the remote can be used to open the window but says nothing about closing it. It does say to see the dealer for setting different options with the remote. Does anyone know if it can be reprogrammed to close the rear window?

joelnova

Just bought a 05 Seq SR5 last night. This morning, I noticed the rear end of the glove comparment where the hinges are (if you look down), has a gap so that you can actually see the wires and other metal stuff. I took it to the dealership and the manager said it was the first time he noticed it too (yeah right). He showed me another brand new Seq on the lot and it has the same gap. This really puzzled me.

I know this is just the glove compartment but I thought it was very poorly done. The fit and finish was just awful. And this is for a vehicle that costs a lot.

Does anyone else has this 'problem'??

zebramoray

Kouser,

 

Was that 37,500 out the door? SR5's have side curtain airbags as a $500 option. I would say about 90% of the SR5's I have seen have them.. It's on the MSRP sticker.. You should also see a tag on the side of the seat that says SRS or something like that (supplemental restraint system)

zebramoray

Anyone test drive or buy a Sequoia with this $339 dollar option. It's suppose to have a sound shield, which is a foam that is sprayed on the frame to reduce noise vibration, plus some fabric protection, etc.. Anyone think this makes a difference?

flyfish4life

I have noticed you may get 1-2 miles better in 2WD and better steering in low speed situations such as parking lot manuevers, etc., otherwise no real harm in having in 4WD hi.

jj35

My Sequoia is a 2002. My remote only works to lower the window. It is annoying. When I want to unload packages using the window, I can lower it, then I must get back in the car to raise it from the inside switch. I hope this is something that has been improved upon on newer models, but somewhere I heard that the the ability to raise it remotely was a safety issue.

husky92

You can raise it with a key in the rear hatch. You can't raise it with the remote because you could kill or maim a human or animal with their head sticking out the window if you choose to close the window remotely out of view of the vehicle.

kouser

37500 is without state taxes and tag

My Msrp sticker doesnot say it has side airbags

but the dealer says it has how do i confirm

smurf2

I just purchased a new 2004 Sequoia Limited and have experienced the same problem from day one. Returned to the dealer, had the tieres rotated and balanced twice, dealers said it was the Dunlop tires. Had the tires replaced with GOodyear Wranglers and the problem persists. Trying to work the issue with Toyota Motor Sales USA but appear to be getting the run around. Vibration is in the steering and even with the new tires no luck. Dealers suggested I pay him $1200.00 for new michilens but this did not seem reasonable since the vehicle did not have 100 miles on it when I first brought it to their attention. The dealer now claims it is Toyota's problem not theirs. Any further suggestions or recommendations?

pschreck

I can't seem to find bp3959's post that you seem to be refering too. I do seem to remember something like this posted in the past on this forum. It may have had to do with the driveshaft. Try doing a search of the board and maybe you'll find some information. Good luck and Happy Holidays.

sportseye

Sequoia owners:

 

I have done extensive research on the Sequoia. I have also considered other very popular SUVs such as the Volvo XC90, the Acura MDX and the Honda Pilot. Each obviously offers something different. I currently have a 2003 Jeep Liberty and want more room and the highest IRS tax deduction possible, which led me to the Sequoia SR5 (along with Toyota's reliability record).

 

The bottom line, is that I am only hesitant to buy due to the gas mileage, which seems to be only slightly lower than these other brands. PLEASE shed some light with your advice on obtaining this vehicle, its ACTUAL fuel economy, reliability and overall size. I must add that due to the end of the year, I have had some VERY attractive pricing this weekend that is making such a purchase very enticing.

 

Thanks in advance!

wassallj

We had a Pilot and used to get somewhere between 16-20 mpg in it. We wanted more room so we bought a 2005 Sequoia a couple months ago. We now have 2k miles on it and have been getting 15-18 mpg with it.

I have been very pleased with the mileage considering the size. The Pilot had a smaller tank in it too so we needed to fill it every 250-300 miles. The Sequoia can go over 350 miles on a tank.

sportseye

Thanks much for the info! Very interesting!

kumar

My '05 Sequoia got average 18.2 mpg (showing up in the trip computer) she now has 1500 miles on the mileage.

If your speed is around 60, mpg can be around 20,

but if you go up to 75, mpg will down to around 14.

my 2 cents info...

keikoe55

does factory running boards come with lights?

thank you

gkatz1

No

gregwgr

Colorado toyota parts..

The SEQ 4-PC AutoMats PT908-0C050-02 are on

backorder for three weeks...

 

Only two of the three manuals are avail..

Do not yet know the break down on the manuals,

Does any one know how the three manuals are

structured?

 

Any body else run into these issues ??

rlerman

Picked up a new 04 sr5 w/25 miles on it about a month ago. last 04 on the lot. Got what I believe is a great deal. $34,100, roughly $1200 under invoice and $2200 under TMV. Pretty much loaded, side airbags, sunroof w/deflector, cloth interior, 17" wheels, auto dim mirror. Drives great after 1200 miles.

erichk

i bought the 3 factory manuals for my 2003 sequoia, i think they cost my $250+. expensive to say the least. they are just "ok" and provide most of the info i was looking for, but for some reason not everything is covered, which is typical for a toyota fact manual. i wish they would print one as good as the bentley repairs manual. they dont miss a single detail. if your are not an experienced auto repairer i would not spend the money, they are way too technical.

the 3 i have are a general manual which includes maintenance, prep,service specs and diagnostics, a general everything including engine, brakes, transmission right on thru body parts etc. and a wiring diagram manual.

chuck5

You can put the window up by inserting the key in the back lock.

chuck5

My brake rotors seem to be warped. Has anybody received a replacement from Toyota. Also, what are some good aftermarket brakes?

kumar

how do I wire a backup camera (installed in the license plate) to a windshield monitor? should I route the wires through underbody, or go from the ceiling? anyone has experience to share for such installation? appreciate....