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The questions asked dont really get at some of the objective points one would want to know about a vehicle before buying.
We all know that there is bias we hold after we have purchaced anything and I'm not sure we are the best judges of the choices we make.
As such I am not sure JD Powers data is the best to use. I would rather see short and long term tests by "experts".
No perfect system I guess but I think we need to take out as much subjectivity and personal owner bias as possible which is hard to judge.
We're interested in the Toyota Sequoia, GMC Yukon/Chevy Tahoe and Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. We've test driven both the Sequoia and Cherokee Limited and loved them both.
Yes, the Sequoia has a lot more room and drives great but it will cost almost $5,000-$7,000 more than the Cherokee Limited. We actually liked the interior finish of the Cherokee Limited better. We just wish it had more room. Plus, we got a great quote for a fully loaded Cherokee Limited with V8 for $33,500.
Ugh! I just wish we could get a Sequoia Limited for like $38,000 but I think that will be impossible.
I like the fact that the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe have more features on their fully loaded models and more horsepower than the Sequoia, and will probably cost less. If the Sequoia had 275+ horsepower then I think this would be a no-brainer.
Our budget is mid-to-high 30's. I just wish I could opt for the Yukon Denali ($42,000+), but I don't think my wife would go for it. Hell, if I'm spending $38,000 for a Sequoia, why not splurge and go for the Denali. Everything is standard and you get 320 horsepower.
Any suggestions? Advice? Help?
If one looks at the Carpoint Owner's (nonscientific)rating of their Sequoia, you can easily see how biased some owners can be, and it definitely goes both ways even for a Sequoia. Of course I am assuming that those who posted very negative ratings are actually owners of a Sequoia.
I think the bottom line is to look at different reviews and opinions from both owners and "experts". My problem with "experts" is that one biased opinion can carry a false weight.
____________________________________
Still waiting for my Desert Sand SR5
More here.
I always thought of the heavily advertised J.D. Powers car ratings as more of a marketing thing, myself, usually skewed towards short term quality (they call themselves a "marketing information services firm", fwiw).
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Most of the Sequoia Limiteds we've seen have sold for around $42,000+ and they're pretty much holding their sticker price. Dealers here in NJ have been tough to move on the price.
You're absolutely right about Toyota, though. It definitely holds its value. However, I've owned a Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler and contrary to popular belief I've had great success with American trucks. This would be my first "foreign" purchase.
One SUV I really wish had more horsepower is the Mitsubishi Montero Limited. What a nice truck! Lots of room and great off-road. But only 200 HP.
If some Toyota dealer is willing to give me a Toyota Sequoia Limited, please let me know and I'll be willing to plunk down the cash today.
There are also big regional differences in pricing and availability. I sell in VA and most of what we have coming are the SR5 4x4 models. I have over a dozen of them coming but only 3 Limiteds. Obviously, the Limited is not going to be discounted as much as an SR5. Things are probably similar in NJ.
Deming would have noticed this (but not JD Power)...
Actually on that topic, quality speaks for itself. Anyone looking at the back pages of an April (auto) issue of Consumer Reports, and who can tell the difference between red bullets (good) and black bullets (bad), can compare the long standing (10 year) difference between Toyota vehicle quality and that of other brands. And it's not just because of where you build 'em, it's because of how you build 'em.
But then there's those plastic bumpers... Do new Land Cruisers and 4Runners have plastic bumpers too??
By the way, thanks for help and advice.
"Enjoy and please dont shoot the messenger
ka..POW!!! Boy I enjoyed that.
I dunno why, but I got nailed with 4WD SR5's this last allocation. But, there's one way to fix that! Sell em out fast.
Gang, wondering: have you all seen these "sitting" at local stores? If so, what models seem to "sit" longest or be the most plentiful? I know ours sell fast here but across the country, I wonder what's makin' tracks the fastest too! Anyone have input?
-Di
I'm getting offers for all three (fully loaded) in the $35,000-$37,500 range. I'm digging that a lot.
I'm not spending $42,000+ for a fully loaded Sequoia. No way!
OTOH, $36K *will* buy a "fully" loaded Tahoe or Yukon. Don't know about a Suburban or Yukon XL at that price, however.
The bottom line is IF $36-7K is his true gag point, he needs to consider the options he's mentioned. And, at the risk of sounding heretical, they're not bad options; in fact, they're great trucks, got one myself. Personally, I been fortunate to have had wonderful experiences with every car I ever owned (2 toyotas in the mix), with one exception: Ford products. I've got lots of friends who've loved 'em, just not me...they were nightmares. Never again.
However, I'm contacting this Hollywood, Florida, Toyota place and speaking with Israel to see if he can hook me up, too. I might stretch the envelope to $38-and-change to get the Toyota. My wife really liked it.
Krisko, maybe I can get a similar deal. Who knows?
I think by this weekend we'll know what we're going to get.
I appreciate the heads-up.
After 2 months of ownership, we developed our first real problem.
We own a Seq. Lmtd. 4x4.
My wife usually drives the Seq. so she reports that there was a loud chattering
noise in the passenger rear quarter panel. She thought it might be mechanical,
like the brakes or maybe a VSC problem. The noise was so loud that it would
drown out the audio system.
When I first heard the noise I immediately thought they were electrical relays.
I took it in for service, and they confirmed that the problem was the rear
heater/AC unit that had gone bad. Had it replaced. Hopefully this is a one time
problem.
--Dianne
I am seriously considering a Sequoia as my next
vehicle (am in a 98 Expedition right now, coming
off lease in a couple of months). But I was wondering if someone can tell me if the Sequoia has full-time or automatic 4wd, or if it is only a part-time system. Also is there a low-range option?
Thanks,
--Robyn
Really I didnt write that stuff....go read the article, boycott them, send them nasty email and take pot shots at them.
I'll go away................for now.............
but I might be back.........
--Dianne
And don't give me that SR5 stuff, because I really don't like that two-tone appearance.
But, hell, I can get a Chevy Tahoe LS with the Z71 off-road package for $34,000. I'd be stupid to pass that up.
Plus, I know several people who have Tahoes, love them and have had no problems with them.
Chevy builds solid trucks.
I test drove a Tahoe and a Suburban today and I actually liked them both better. Too bad my wife's a little hesitant about the size of the Suburban, otherwise we would be getting that one.
By the way, Consumer Reports rates the Suburban as a "Best Buy."
I don't know what the fuss is about "foreign" over "American." I owned a Ford Bronco (160,000 miles) and it rarely had a problem. And I currently own a Jeep Wrangler with 127,000 and the only thing that went on that was a $3 water hose.
I have to say this, though. What's with the Sequoia sound system? It sucks! Toyota has to do something to upgrade that baby!
Until later ...
Herb Chambers Toyota of Boston. This is where I bought my truck from a guy named Bob VanWert. I would only deal with him. He is the internet sales manager and was very pleasant to work with.
Attleboro Toyota. I only dealt with them through mail and over the phone (guy named John White), but he was very responsive and was offering decent deals.
I paid $2000 under MSRP without any haggling and got a decent deal on my trade. Wherever you go, make sure that if you are trading a vehicle in that you absolutely know the fair trade in value. I used all the on-line services and was very realistic about wholesale value etc..., but most dealers are going to try to stick it to you on the trade. It's their job.
These were the good guys. Let me know if you want some advice on who to avoid.
-GOOD LUCK!
http://www.postgazette.com/businessnews/20010202wheels6.asp
And to Diane, we have not found any "soft" colors yet. We have not had any sequoias sit on the lot for more than 3 or 4 days.
http://www.postgazette.com/businessnews/20010202wheels6.asp
I THINK I WILL STICK WITH MY 98 LANDCRUISER UNTIL THEY IRON OUT A FEW OF THE KINKS THAT SEEM TO EVIDENT WITH THE NEW TOYO BEAST. NICE LOOKIN TRUCK BUT MAN IS IT SLOW :-(
GOOD LUCK
Yes to both questions. The Sequoia has a center differential, which means you can leave it 4WD all the time (which I do in the winter), but you can also select 2WD for a little better economy on dry roads if you want. The center differential also can be locked in low range - low gear, giving it a 29:1 crawl ratio.
We just experienced a three day snowstorm, and driving the Sequoia was a real pleasure. With 4WD, Traction Control, Vehicle Skid Control, M/S tires, and ABS, it is virtually flawless in snowy, icy conditions.
I wish I could say the same for the other drivers -- there were a record number of SUV rollovers in this storm. But it was not the vehicles (and not Sequoias) -- it was drivers overdriving their vehicles because they thought they could, and they wound up in the ditch. I just slowed down, turned up the CD player, and tries to keep a lot of clear space around my vehicle.
Slower than a Land Cruiser? I didn't think so. the only data I could find on 0 - 60 times was 9.4 seconds for a Land Cruiser and 8.9 seconds for the Sequoia. I'm not sure how other owners feel, but I don't find the Sequoia to be under powered or slow by any means.
Also, does the SR5 only come in the 2 tone paint?
Also, are build-to-orders taken from the dealership's or delaer's allocations? Or is it in addition to the allocation?
Thanks.
Face it, your wife is hooked on the SEQ and if you make her buy that GM bucket-of-sludge she's gonna give you never-ending he** everytime that piece-o-junk GM breaks down.
You're saying all those good things aout GM trying to convince yourself you're doing the sensible thing in buying the GM but DEEP, DEEP down in your gut you know the GM is a piece of CRAP compared to the SEQ.
Give in....let go.....surrender to the truth that the price differential between the GM and SEQ is stiff...but deserved.
cheers
The original parts filter their way from the dealer and on down the "pike" to the manufacturing site, and sometimes to the part supplier. Every step of the way the parts are poked, prodded and analyzed. They have just received the first shipment of warranty parts.
Have you seen any problems or complaints with the function of the third row seat? Please be as specific as possible. Email me at the lower address there if you have had problems as described with the third row seat...
--Dianne
email me at sequoia@dianne.net for this one. I am doing a favor for someone.