The MDX and Sequoia are comparable in price only (actually, the MDX is slightly more). I looked at both before buying, and here are my thougts. The MDX is the obvious winner in the luxury department, nice wood inside, smooth car-like ride, better sound system. The Sequoia is the winner in the size department, more functionality, feels more solid, safer on the road. Also, styling is better on the Sequoia, MDX looks too styled and minivan-ish. In the end, I got a Sequoia for about $4000 less than the MDX and feel I compromised on luxury only a little bit.
In reference to the Expedition/Sequoia issue. The Expedition is a fine vehicle for $29,000 (anybody curious as to why Ford is blowing them out?), but it isn't in the same class as my $38,000 Sequoia Limited. I've spent a lot of time in an Expedition/Navigator (a friend owns one of each), and I can say the Sequoia is better in every category from the seats, the fit and finish, solid feel, and luxury touches, etc. The only categories the Expy wins is the engine and maybe the radio becuase of the crappy Sequoia JBL "premium" system. I bought the Sequoia over the Expy because of these reasons, a)I owned an Explorer and am familiar with the "Quality is Job 1" philosophy, b) I plan to keep it for 7-10 years, c)I want to be able to find it in the parking lot (not so many on the road). To me, $9000 is a fine premium to pay for the peace of mind. Plus, when I sell it I am positive I can get at least $2-$3000 more than a comparable Expedition.
As posted before, it is kind of pathetic that you are still lurking here after buying another product. I tend to frequent boards of the cars I am considering purchasing, once I buy, I figure I've made my bed and I might as well lie in it. Perhaps it can be explained this way, a)buyer's remorse--move on dude, the Expy is a good car, b)nothing better to do--turn off the computer and get a girlfriend, c)you are 11 years old and don't even drive yet--Anticipation is sometimes better than the real thing, you'll be 16 before you know it!, or d)You are an "agent provacateur", or a paid Ford consultant--I have a feeling this might happen more than people know, I know for a fact it happens on investment sites. Just my 2/100ths of a US dollar.
We have an effective filter here; skip the post and read the next one:-).
As far as non-owners "visiting" other discussions, it happens (Questers irritating Odyssey owners comes immediately to mind). The trolls will go play elsewhere if they are ignored. Steve Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
I agree with you, and when you read his profile, it's clear he's here for no other reason than to antagonize and not add constructively. I mean, I absolutely hate Ford Explorers and Expeditions. But, I don't sashay around the Ford SUV areas and tell people what a horrible car my 97 Explorer is. It's so friggin awful in so many ways, I can't sell the thing in good conscience. I let it sit and collect dust and wait til I can get it to the auction so no one knows where I live! But, I am not raging on in that forum with my poor experience. Now, Ford doesn't care whether or not I ever buy another car from them, and I never will, but there are definitely a few different types of people in the world, poop-disturbers being one of them. When you realize that it's what drives Rick5, you'll take his comments with the proverbial grain.
I was off yesterday and missed all the fun. I do want to point out that wheel locks are nearly a requirement in the Washington DC area. Our dealership is in the suburbs and we have had several sets of wheels stolen. We would come into work and find a couple of cars on cinder blocks. We now order every car that has alloys wheels with wheel locks.
We even had a situation in our used car department. A customer had traded in a heavily customized Integra. We found it one morning completely stripped. Stereo, seats, door panels and everything. Everything except the wheels. They even took off all the other lug nuts but couldn't get through the locks.
They put the car on blocks for you? Wasn't that nice! ;>
Low crime rate in my neck of the woods. I think the WL's are not a bad investment for the price. Especially where the crime rate is low, they become a piece of mind issue for the times you travel outside the area you are comfortable with!
cliffy1: you gotta move out of that neighborhood, quick... it is dangerous for your health. imagine coming to work every morning not knowing whether your office is still where you left it the previous night. you better be getting paid plenty for working at this job :-)
tloughr/rickc5: fixing of the sequoia's engine noise has been well described re-post #1348 by ... i think i gave this in a previous post which may be lost among the clutter here...
That noise is pretty common. An owner in OK had the zone rep trace it down. It turns out, it is the injectors. A bit of extra insulation and the noise was gone. My Tundra makes the same noise and it is not a longevity nor reliability issue.
ac seals relaced 3 times as the design of the snap fitting doesnot work, I beam out of alignment from factory causing front tires to wear out at 18000 miles even after rotating tires.Electronics controling fuel injection replaced 2 times under warranty 200 plus bill to Ford each time.Electric motors for power windows replaced 2 times. Internal gear made of plastic replaced 2 times in electric motor to power windows. Relaced 4 thermostats that froze one water pump. Replaced two fan switches to ac as they ceased to operate the fan. One fan motor to the ac. Replaced one ac compressor one evaporator that was leaking. One alternator that caught on fire that had to be put out by me with water .These are just a few of the joys of owning a ford. I got to watch my neighbors F150 pick-up which was parked on the street burn to the ground caused by an electrical short. I also went to the scene of a house fire related to my employment caused by an electrical short in a Lincoln Towncar that was parked in the garage. The Sequoia has to be better than this.I was also told by several people in the business of selling parts that electrical shorts and alternators catching on fire are common in ford products with the 5.0 engine.FORD IS GARBAGE.
Can anyone in the Chicago area tell me about their buying experiences, good and bad and what dealers to recommend or avoid, prices paid, etc. Thanks!!!
Just to add some fuel to the flame. My husband is and I was (up until 10 months ago) a FORD employee. We are able to purchase FORD products a greatly reduced rate. We purchased our Toyota Sequoia last month becase we both felt that it was a much better made vehicle for the money we would be spending through out the years. We are owners or a 94 Camry, a 2001 Sequoia, and are trying to sell our 88 Ford Bronco.... no bites yet.
I just bought my sequoia 4 days ago and I love driving it! My whole family loves it so much we decided to take it on a roadtrip to Washington D.C. next week for the kids' spring break. But what you just said about crime out there on your lot scared me. I don't want to change our plans and try to fly (impossible anyway) so I need your help on how to safeguard our new Sequoia. I did not get wheel locks, but I did get the Limited, so it looks kinda fancy (in black) I ordered a hood protector, but it has not come in yet. Should I expect it would get stollen, and should I get wheel locks? Better, could you tell me what part of town should we look for a hotel? I don't know anything about the area, but I did plan on leaving the Sequoia at the hotel during days of sightseeing in town with the kids. I heard traffic is difficult and it would be easier to use the taxis, trains, busses, etc. I would just like to return to our Sequoia in the parking lot with the wheels still attached! In what part of town should we stay, or how far out of town should we stay? EEEKK!!
My father was a Ford employee MANY years ago, and he used to get a company car (new every year) - he used to say they let him change it every year because they didn't last much longer than that. The only one I really liked was a Mustang convertible (which I wasn't allowed to drive, of course). I learned to drive on a Ford Torino (I think that's what it was called...I'm dating myself...) This was long before they're "Quality is Job 1" slogan - and believe me, they've only gotten worse from what I hear!
Congratulations on your decision! I can tell that it was a very long and difficult decision, but I'm sure you will be very happy. I know that I am.
If you decide that you really need wheel locks, then you should be able to get a set at any well stocked Toyota dealer for ~$50, maybe less.
You can also get a set in any auto parts stores, but since they must correctly match the wheels (see what happens if they don't at http://www.mrlugnut.com/installd.htm), I'd still suggest the dealer.
If you wanted extra security (like if you were parking on the street in a risky neighborhood), then you could also get a Club steering wheel lock.
Actually, the Sequoia offers some theft protection, if you lock the car. It can only be opened with a key that has the same electronic transponder code (kinda like the security codes on a garage door opener). Any other attempt to open the doors (including from the inside) or the hood will set off the alarm and immobilize the engine (via the on-board computer) so it can't be started.
Maybe they can break in or tow it away, but they can't start it.
I'll leave a description of the neighborhoods to Cliffy
Actually, Springfield is a pretty mild and quite suburb of DC. Violent crime is low, but property crime is too easy and seldom punished. Just buy yourself a set of wheel locks and keep yourself aware of your surroundings. That is good advice no matter where you live or travel.
Up until a couple of years ago I had placed Washington, D.C. and New York City in the same category (high crime rate, dirty and dangerous and unpersonal). I was wrong. After a recent visit to D.C., my wife and I are very fond of our nations capitol. It seems that there is a campaign to convince visitors that it's a safe and friendly place. Evidence includes a bus driver that went out of his way to get us back to our hotel safely at 11:30 one night, a businesswoman who, after seeing us looking like two lost bumpkins on the street corner, came up and asked if she could help. She politely waved over a "courtesy officer" who was dressed in uniform and badge but no gun. The courtesy officer was extremely helpful in assisting us in finding a couple of addresses we wanted to visit. At each of the main attractions such as the Mint, FBI Building, Smithsonian,etc. every person was helpful and courteous. By nature I am usually a suspicious person and was a little leery when strangers offered help, and realize that one should not completely drop his guard, but we were delighted at the hospitality we received in D.C. I would, however, recommend that you find a hotel on the outskirts of the city within walking distance to the Metro and use it for getting around. They did offer a discount for visitors -$5.00 for all-day rides after 9:00 am. Cliffy or someone living near there can offer much more info and can perhaps more accurately assess the safety factor, but for two country folks from the mountains of North Carolina, we will have no reservations about going back to Washington.
I know this site is should be used for commentaries about Sequoias, but I thought I help out a fellow Sequoia LTD owner. For a hotel, I can recommend:
Washington Marriott 1221 22nd St. NW Washington DC, 20037 (202)-872-1500
It is within walking distance to Dupont Circle and Georgetown, areas that one can walk about in the evenings after a full day site-seeing the statues, monuments, and museums. Both of these areas are full or restauants and stores. Hotel is also within walking distance to Washington Hospital where you can take a direct metro (forget name)to downtown museums. Hotel also has underground parking (for a daily fee of $15). Union Station is a must to see, but don't walk around there a night.
Thanks, Cliffy, Monoauto, Montanafisherm, Slickrock, for your advice on D.C. We are heavily investigating options with more wisdom now as we make our plans.
Now back to Sequoia talk....new buyer question. When I start the engine and put into drive, it seems the low gear of the transmission is too low, too long before it begins to automatically shift upward. The engine is not cold, at least I don't think so because our weather is around 45 now, but this happens even when I do a quick errand and return to an already warmed up engine. Is this normal? I used to have a Chrysler with transmission problems and this feels ominously similar.
I am not in a cold climate area by far, but I also have noticed this about the Sequoias when it's cold.. but same with a few others... they take a few secs to warm up when it's cold.. and 45 degree is cold! (well, it's cold in SoCal!)
I tried to find your e-mail address but it's not listed in your profile - at least I couldn't find it. If you're still around, let me know how to contact you. I also live in the Mpls area. I probably won't buy until this fall, but a good contact for the future won't hurt. Thanks in advance.
Traveling101 - Up until recently I had to travel to the DC area very week for business. Don't worry about it. If you're going to be in the tourist areas and don't get too adventurous exploring strange neighborhoods in the middle of the night DC is great. I never had a problem there and most decent hotels have garages for the new toy.
Seqlady - Now there's a flashback. My dad was a pretty loyal Ford customer (He even bought a Fairmont - YEEESH) My first car was 70 Mustang, but my favorite was the 74 Gran Torino Sport. It was about as 'sporty' as my Sequoia and probably had a couple of pounds on it. Those were the days, when I actually had a lot of time to do my own maintenance.
Cold Starts - I have had my Sequoia out in weather up to -15 f. It's a little slow to warm up and does feel a little sluggish at first, but hey I'm the same way in the cold. I don't think this is a problem.
I spoke to my service rep about insulating the fuel injectors. He said that he would do it but it is still not a "sanctioned" Toyota fix. He also expressed concern about heat and the possibility of premature "death" of the injectors. I sure would hate to have to replace them if they wear out, especially if not under warranty. Does anyone have info on the overheating issue?
I am getting ready to buy a Sequoia and will be moving to Minnesota. Does the Sequoia have an option for an engine heater? If not, how difficult would it be to get one installed? Thanks.
I don't know of another manufacturing industry that has it easier than car makers when it comes to free and abundent amounts of immediate customer feedback and suggestions that websites like these provide.
It astounds me that these companies couldn't have ONE person that scans the assorted top car forums and comprise a weekly "HOT" list of topics for each model and forwarded to engineers/management for evaluation.
With todays extensive communications capabilities how can any company not be accused of being a lumbering giant when one area of the US has apparently diagnosed and implemented a fix for a significant problem on a 40K$ HIGH PROFILE new car while the rest of the service/dealers are bouncing around in a fog???
How hard is it to enter this problem into a national (and obviously worldwide) accesible database that is available to service personnel. Obviously the DB would have a history log that shows the proposed fix is in a "pre-approved evaluation" state until the engineers approve it to a "sanctioned state"
First of all your service rep sounds like a dingbat trying to cover his ineptitude about your original ticking problem. I think he needs to find a new job over with the domestics where his wild a** guesses will have a much more likely chance to be correct.
Secondly, if my "piston slapping" Sequoia lasts as long as a "piston slapping" LC, I'll be most satisfied.
Picking up SR5 4x4 on Saturday (White, AC, AH, CC, DR, RL, SR, M5), just found out that keyless entry is not included on SR5 without CQ option. Anyway, need recommedation on how to add keyless entry option. Are they any aftermarket options that work with the Toyota Anti-Theft or will I have to dig even deeper into my pockets for dealer to install. I have installed alarms systems myself before, anyone know of an internet source that sells Toyota keyless entry option to add to the existing alarm system.
"no PE worth his salt would put his stamp on anything like that"
Well you're running with the assumption (with input from a dubious source) that it's a bandaid for piston slap. Since I'm an engineer also, I don't understand how putting a piece of foam insulation on an injector would quiet a heavy slapping piston inside a big hunk of iron. To me it is much more logical that a piece of foam is quieting a ticking injector. Since I know very little about engines however, I'll yield to people with more knowledge.
OK, heat buildup is another matter, but why wouldn't it be CORRECT for Toyota to provide an INTERIM fix of insulating the injector until they can find out how to quiet the injector without long-term heat related problems. This makes the customer happy and if the injector dies early due to heat buildup then it's Toyotas problem to fix.
As someone said before about arbitrations, I believe it is YOUR burden to prove that the ticking sound is harmfull. I don't know if that is true, but if it is, you got to come prepared when Toyota service experts will say that the ticking isn't a problem
Your posts have raised a number of red flags with me. There is a world of difference between injector noise and "piston slap" and I have a very hard time believing anybody from Toyota would use those words. You may or may not be on the level, but you seem to have an agenda and I am very suspicious of some of the information you are posting.
The Sequoia Limited comes with P265/70R16 tires whereas the LandCruiser is a (slightly) smaller vehicle and comes with P275/70R16 tires. To me the tires appear too small and are out of proportion with the overall size of the vehicle. Am wondering if others share this view and if anyone has moved up to larger sized tires.
BTW, I've been lurking on this board for over a month and have finally taken the plunge and ordered a Black/Tan Limited. Thanks to all those posters sharing their views on the Sequoia. I feel confident I made the right choice.
Can anybody tell me how secure the spare tire on my Sequoia is? On previous trucks I've owned I've always put a spare tire lock on it. The Sequoia requires the rear door to be opened before the spare can be lowered but I wonder how safe this really is. Can't a thief simply crawl under the vehicle and break that spring that holds the wheel in place? Thanks for any response.
thank you for your thoughtful, articulate post. I completely agree with what you are saying. In this day and age you wonder why they would not respond. I really find it hard to believe they are not aware of these sites and postings and their content. I'm a big Toyota fan and am very happy with my Sequoia, but I have to admit some of the postings about "the ticking noise" have me nervous and raise some good points. I live in Northern B.C. and it can get very cold. The aforementioned noises are present when engine cold but goes away when warmed up.
Why would you think somebody has a hidden agenda IF he is a legitimate owner of a problematic Sequoia? Or a problematic 4Runner? Unless, of course, if tloughr is assuming another identity.
Icedawg,
I used to live in Edmonton for 6 years. Never had problems with my little Toyota Van, except for the radiator getting dirty with mud on the outside during winter and spring (which essentially comprise most of the year). I paid C$40-50 for a block heater that they screw into one of the coolant drain ports. I'm not sure if that's the term because I'm not an engineer, for a change. I hope you got a 4WD Seq.
I just wanted to introduce myself. I posted here a few weeks ago asking for some info on the Sequoia 4wd system.
Anyhow, I am now the owner of a new SR5 and in general I am very happy with it. But I have to say that Toyota could take some user interface advice from Ford (I used to drive an expedition) when it comes to how you put the vehicle in the various 4wd modes! The sequoia system is a pain to use and doesn't take effect immediately. On the ford you just turn a little knob and it's done. Why did Toyota have to make it so complicated?
I have a few other minor user-interface bitches. In particular, if I lock the rear windows, I only want the kids not to be able to use them; I should still be able to use them using my controls! Also the reading lights and cup holders are not reachable by child-sized rear seat passengers.
robynk, I agree totally that the procedure/controls for getting into 4wd are bizarre, but I can overlook it because I'm going to keep it in permanent 4wd high mode.
Sequoiafan, definitely looking to change tires. I was less than thrilled to receive Bridgestones on my truck. Currently I do extremely low mileage puttering around town, but there's a good chance I'll return to Calif. from S. Florida, and no way am I driving across the deep south in the heat of summer on Bridgestones in a truck that weighs 5,300 pounds! If I were to change tires today, I'd go with the Michelin's new "Cross Terrain SUV" tires. But I'm hoping to get some local miles on the Bridgestones before I switch.
Would you mind calling or e-mailing me? I suspect you probably have an agreement to not discuss this publicly, but I really would love to hear more about this situation. I both own and sell these things and your posts have stirred up a hornets nest with a few of my customers. I would just like to be able to look them in the eye and give them honest information about how this was resolved. My e-mail is sclifford@kjtoyota.com and the toll free number is 800-TOYOTA-4. Ask for Steve Clifford because our operator hasn't made the connection that Cliffy is short for Clifford. I also understand that whatever you tell me may be privilidged information.
I just bought my Seq 5 days ago. I also do not like the size (for looks) and the ride of the tires. I asked my dealer about switching to a cushier ride perhaps with Michelin or Pereli Scorpion tires and he knew nothing about tires. I don't know anything about tires either, but my brother-in-law was guessing these names of tires might be better. I want a softer ride than what the Bridgestones give. But would it be better to have the stiffer riding tires, Bridgestones, for the family roadtrip (8 hrs away) next week? or should I try to change before then for a more comfy ride. I don't want to sacrifice handling since we will be driving through the mountains. Any advice?
Hi Cliffy, do really think tloughr will call you? Makes me nervous about which Seq I'll get: the ticking one or the quiet one. If tloughr is indeed happy now and agreed to keep quiet, I hope Toyota is not hiding something serious. The phrase "good luck" really means something to me now.
A distant plan of mine is to upgrade to an 18" wheel, something macho looking, perhaps in a grayish chrome (I own a Thunder Grey) mated with a 245/75R18 wheel. I know, I know, it sounds racer boyish, but the dealer had a Sequoia with this package and it simply looked badass. The dealers price on the package was $7000, I figure I can do this for about $3500. This will happen either when I come into some money (bonus!!??!!) or I have to replace the current tires (40,000 miles?). I don't see a quality problem with Bridgestone tires at all. Bridgestones are OEM for many autos from Kias to Lamborghinis. I've driven on them on at least 5 other cars and never had any issues with them. As is true with most things from Japan, they are defect free as far as I'm concerned.
The Sequoia has piston slap!!! The Sequoia has clicking injectors that will overheat!!! The Sequoia has bad valves!!! Testing has shown engine will self-destruct in under 50K miles!!!!
Hey Toyota, I'll delete my post when you call me up and tell me what you told tloughr.
Comments
In reference to the Expedition/Sequoia issue. The Expedition is a fine vehicle for $29,000 (anybody curious as to why Ford is blowing them out?), but it isn't in the same class as my $38,000 Sequoia Limited. I've spent a lot of time in an Expedition/Navigator (a friend owns one of each), and I can say the Sequoia is better in every category from the seats, the fit and finish, solid feel, and luxury touches, etc. The only categories the Expy wins is the engine and maybe the radio becuase of the crappy Sequoia JBL "premium" system. I bought the Sequoia over the Expy because of these reasons, a)I owned an Explorer and am familiar with the "Quality is Job 1" philosophy, b) I plan to keep it for 7-10 years, c)I want to be able to find it in the parking lot (not so many on the road). To me, $9000 is a fine premium to pay for the peace of mind. Plus, when I sell it I am positive I can get at least $2-$3000 more than a comparable Expedition.
As far as non-owners "visiting" other discussions, it happens (Questers irritating Odyssey owners comes immediately to mind). The trolls will go play elsewhere if they are ignored.
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Di
We even had a situation in our used car department. A customer had traded in a heavily customized Integra. We found it one morning completely stripped. Stereo, seats, door panels and everything. Everything except the wheels. They even took off all the other lug nuts but couldn't get through the locks.
For $31, I'd take 'em.
Low crime rate in my neck of the woods. I think the WL's are not a bad investment for the price. Especially where the crime rate is low, they become a piece of mind issue for the times you travel outside the area you are comfortable with!
Di
tloughr/rickc5: fixing of the sequoia's engine noise has been well described re-post #1348 by ... i think i gave this in a previous post which may be lost among the clutter here...
krisko: lay off rickc5, will ya ?
posts in here and especially tundrasolutins.com
is a heck of a lot easier then an arbitration.
Print them out and stick it in the face of the
area tech rep and ask him why you have to do his job for him.
cheers
Once again I say.... " You get what you pay for"
If you decide that you really need wheel locks, then you should be able to get a set at any well stocked Toyota dealer for ~$50, maybe less.
You can also get a set in any auto parts stores, but since they must correctly match the wheels (see what happens if they don't at http://www.mrlugnut.com/installd.htm), I'd still suggest the dealer.
If you wanted extra security (like if you were parking on the street in a risky neighborhood), then you could also get a Club steering wheel lock.
Actually, the Sequoia offers some theft protection, if you lock the car. It can only be opened with a key that has the same electronic transponder code (kinda like the security codes on a garage door opener). Any other attempt to open the doors (including from the inside) or the hood will set off the alarm and immobilize the engine (via the on-board computer) so it can't be started.
Maybe they can break in or tow it away, but they can't start it.
I'll leave a description of the neighborhoods to Cliffy
By nature I am usually a suspicious person and was a little leery when strangers offered help, and realize that one should not completely drop his guard, but we were delighted at the hospitality we received in D.C. I would, however, recommend that you find a hotel on the outskirts of the city within walking distance to the Metro and use it for getting around. They did offer a discount for visitors -$5.00 for all-day rides after 9:00 am.
Cliffy or someone living near there can offer much more info and can perhaps more accurately assess the safety factor, but for two country folks from the mountains of North Carolina, we will have no reservations about going back to Washington.
I know this site is should be used for commentaries about Sequoias, but I thought I help out a fellow Sequoia LTD owner. For a hotel, I can recommend:
Washington Marriott
1221 22nd St. NW
Washington DC, 20037
(202)-872-1500
It is within walking distance to Dupont Circle and
Georgetown, areas that one can walk about in the
evenings after a full day site-seeing the statues,
monuments, and museums. Both of these areas are
full or restauants and stores. Hotel is also
within walking distance to Washington Hospital
where you can take a direct metro (forget name)to downtown museums. Hotel also has underground parking (for a daily fee of $15). Union Station
is a must to see, but don't walk around there a
night.
Bon Voyage
Now back to Sequoia talk....new buyer question. When I start the engine and put into drive, it seems the low gear of the transmission is too low, too long before it begins to automatically shift upward. The engine is not cold, at least I don't think so because our weather is around 45 now, but this happens even when I do a quick errand and return to an already warmed up engine. Is this normal? I used to have a Chrysler with transmission problems and this feels ominously similar.
Di
I tried to find your e-mail address but it's not listed in your profile - at least I couldn't find it. If you're still around, let me know how to contact you. I also live in the Mpls area. I probably won't buy until this fall, but a good contact for the future won't hurt. Thanks in advance.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
Seqlady - Now there's a flashback. My dad was a pretty loyal Ford customer (He even bought a Fairmont - YEEESH) My first car was 70 Mustang, but my favorite was the 74 Gran Torino Sport. It was about as 'sporty' as my Sequoia and probably had a couple of pounds on it. Those were the days, when I actually had a lot of time to do my own maintenance.
Cold Starts - I have had my Sequoia out in weather up to -15 f. It's a little slow to warm up and does feel a little sluggish at first, but hey I'm the same way in the cold. I don't think this is a problem.
that has it easier than car makers when it comes to free and abundent amounts of immediate customer feedback and suggestions that websites like these provide.
It astounds me that these companies couldn't have ONE person that scans the assorted top car forums and comprise a weekly "HOT" list of topics for each model and forwarded to engineers/management for evaluation.
With todays extensive communications capabilities how can any company not be accused of being a lumbering giant when one area of the US has apparently diagnosed and implemented a fix for a significant problem on a 40K$ HIGH PROFILE new car while the rest of the service/dealers are bouncing around in a fog???
How hard is it to enter this problem into a national (and obviously worldwide) accesible database that is available to service personnel.
Obviously the DB would have a history log that shows the proposed fix is in a "pre-approved evaluation" state until the engineers approve it to a "sanctioned state"
This ain't rocket science!!
a dingbat trying to cover his ineptitude about your original ticking problem. I think he needs
to find a new job over with the domestics where his wild a** guesses will have a much more likely chance to be correct.
Secondly, if my "piston slapping" Sequoia lasts as long as a "piston slapping" LC, I'll be most
satisfied.
Well you're running with the assumption (with input from a dubious source) that it's
a bandaid for piston slap. Since I'm an engineer also, I don't understand how putting a piece of foam insulation on an injector would quiet a heavy slapping piston inside a big hunk of iron. To me it is much more logical that a piece of foam is quieting a ticking injector. Since I know
very little about engines however, I'll yield to people with more knowledge.
OK, heat buildup is another matter, but why wouldn't it be CORRECT for Toyota to provide an INTERIM fix of insulating the injector until they can find out how to quiet the injector without long-term heat related problems. This makes the customer happy and if the injector dies early due to heat buildup then it's Toyotas problem to fix.
As someone said before about arbitrations, I believe it is YOUR burden to prove that the ticking sound is harmfull. I don't know if that is true, but if it is, you got to come prepared when Toyota service experts will say that the ticking isn't a problem
bad day.
#2) I hope he has his bicycling shorts on because he is going to be doing a lot of backpedaling
Am wondering if others share this view and if anyone has moved up to larger sized tires.
BTW, I've been lurking on this board for over a month and have finally taken the plunge and ordered a Black/Tan Limited. Thanks to all those posters sharing their views on the Sequoia. I feel confident I made the right choice.
I'm a big Toyota fan and am very happy with my Sequoia, but I have to admit some of the postings about "the ticking noise" have me nervous and raise some good points. I live in Northern B.C. and it can get very cold. The aforementioned noises are present when engine cold but goes away when warmed up.
Why would you think somebody has a hidden agenda IF he is a legitimate owner of a problematic Sequoia? Or a problematic 4Runner? Unless, of course, if tloughr is assuming another identity.
Icedawg,
I used to live in Edmonton for 6 years. Never had problems with my little Toyota Van, except for the radiator getting dirty with mud on the outside during winter and spring (which essentially comprise most of the year). I paid C$40-50 for a block heater that they screw into one of the coolant drain ports. I'm not sure if that's the term because I'm not an engineer, for a change. I hope you got a 4WD Seq.
Still waiting for my Seq.
I just wanted to introduce myself. I posted here a few weeks ago asking for some info on the Sequoia 4wd system.
Anyhow, I am now the owner of a new SR5 and in general I am very happy with it. But I have to say that Toyota could take some user interface advice from Ford (I used to drive an expedition) when it comes to how you put the vehicle in the various 4wd modes! The sequoia system is a pain to use and doesn't take effect immediately. On the ford you just turn a little knob and it's done. Why did Toyota have to make it so complicated?
I have a few other minor user-interface bitches.
In particular, if I lock the rear windows, I only want the kids not to be able to use them; I should still be able to use them using my controls! Also the reading lights and cup holders are not reachable by child-sized rear seat passengers.
But I love the ride compared to the expedition.
--Robyn
Although I don't think you will (or can?) reply,
what did Toyota do to make you so happy??
Simple question...do you still own the same Sequoia and engine VIN#
Sequoiafan, definitely looking to change tires. I was less than thrilled to receive Bridgestones on my truck. Currently I do extremely low mileage puttering around town, but there's a good chance I'll return to Calif. from S. Florida, and no way am I driving across the deep south in the heat of summer on Bridgestones in a truck that weighs 5,300 pounds! If I were to change tires today, I'd go with the Michelin's new "Cross Terrain SUV" tires. But I'm hoping to get some local miles on the Bridgestones before I switch.
The general concensus was:
Michelin LTX M/S for low noise,ride comfort, and traction for highway and light off-road
Michelin LTX A/T for heavier duty, little stiffer ride, heavier sidewall, more capable off-road
Goto tirerack.com for some other customer feedback and ratings (take with grain of salt)
The Sequoia has clicking injectors that will
overheat!!!
The Sequoia has bad valves!!!
Testing has shown engine will self-destruct in under 50K miles!!!!
Hey Toyota, I'll delete my post when you call me up and tell me what you told tloughr.