Toyota Sequoia

irving4

Wondering if anyone has tlc experience with after market installation and use of "cockpit" adjustable shock absorbers? The Rancho AS 9000 5 way adjustable shocks and the Rancho 9700 remote ("cockpit") control system is what prompts the question. Looks great in theory . . . .

mjhammer

I'm not trying to be lazy here, I have searched to no avail & can't find this option in the specs., discussed on the board, or Edmund's newest review. Does the Sequoia have a Rear A/C unit either std. or as an option? Also interested if the one on the LC is now std. or optional. Thanks in advance, Cliffy, Diane, anyone.

nstoyota

They are a little black pieces of heavy gauge PVC that helps protect the painted door sill from scratches . They have Sequoia or Tundra embossed on them and it is non-skid . I have seen one vehicle at our dealership with them on it . They are fairly inexpensive , seems like a good idea , however I have recieved no feedback on them as of yet .

CATFISH

curious33

Thanks for the response of several dealers to my question re: leather & air bags (Post #1786). My decision will now be an absolutely simple one. I'm going for the PM package without a doubt in the world. I would not compromise the safety of my family for all the money in the world.

I do want to make sure that you dealers out there realize what a valuable asset you are to this page (even if a couple MISTAKENLY implied I was compromising my family's safety to save bucks on the airbags). You need to remember how carbuying is from a consumer's standpoint. Let me elaborate.

I first saw the Sequoia only one week ago (after NEARLY buying a Durango). My car broke down on the interstate and I happened to walk next door to the Toyota dealer while my car was in repair. I drove the Sequoia and fell in love. My husband came to pick me up and he also was impressed (this says volumes--he is not easily impressed--especially since this will cost us $5000 more!).

So in eight days, I have researched this vehicle to the best of my ability. I went immediately to Edmunds.com for vehicle information and I spent 4 hours on a Saturday night (into the wee hours after my little ones had gone to sleep) reading this town hall topic. I.E. I have tried to be as informed a consumer as possible so I can ensure my family's safety in my choice of a vehicle AND try to get the best deal as we are stretching our budget to buy this vehicle.

When you talk to as many dealers as we have as you try to get a good deal, you don't know who to believe. In fact, I have learned so much information from Edmunds.com and this forum, we knew more about some topics that the salesmen. However, this has still been a VERY frustrating purchase.

Back to my original purpose in this post...this town hall is an excellent way to "check reality." The dealers out there are so "convincing." Remember, it is YOUR product and the public is at your mercy in obtaining information about your product.

I wish all of you could talk to our local dealer and hear them DEMAND that they are right about this on-site leather. The sales manager asked our salesperson what was the holdup with us ordering this car. The hold-up was, we didn't trust what the salesman was saying and had to research it before we went along with him. Lucky for us we did! So dealers, bear with us when we ask questions that YOU think have OBVIOUS answers. We don't know!! That's why we are asking you in this safe, information-sharing environment. Several of you said..."all literature that has been provided to me says...." and "the Highlander manual says...." Remember that we don't all have access to the same information you do. So we ask for your input. And thank goodness for me, you will share what you know with those of us who are trying to make an intelligent decision/purchase. Thanks. I now know what I am going to do. PM all the way.

zinny2

Thanks for the info.

irving4

Wondering if anyone as experience with aftermarket installation and use of "cockpit" adjustable shock absorbers on Sequioa or Toyota Landcruiser 4WD vehicles? The Rancho AS900 5 way adjustable shocks and the Rancho 9700 remote control are what prompts the question. Sounds great in theory . . . .

Or . . .if anyone can suggest a better place to post this question, that would be helpful too!

Thanks!

Thanks . . . .

cliffy1

The rear AC unit is an option in the Sequoia and the Land Cruiser. In the Cruiser, it is included in the third seat package. Every one built has this option, but it is still considered an option.

geeper

Hi all,

Been lurking for about a week and must say there is quite a lot of great info on this board. Thanks to all who contribute, especially the dealers, who may or may not make a sale because of their efforts.

On to the issue at hand. I live in the Dallas area and have started research an SR5 2WD, leaning toward AC/AH/SR/RL/DR/CQ and some form of leather. Local dealers (Gulf States supplied?) state that the PM is not available and substitute a PS44 Leather upgrade (shown as an option on the build your own site) and CC (no luck on the radio, but no big deal). I am considering GY and wanted to know how this would be affected by the PS44.

Dealers, Any input?

Locals, any good local dealers or am I gonna have to drive/fly to get a great deal?

Thanks in advance,
Geep

cliffy1

The "port" leather is the same thing as dealer leather. I certainly would not combine this with side air bags. Any dealer, no matter the region, can order the PM package. Your task is to find a dealership willing to do it.

774

I read your post and you are right on target reguarding the out right untruths given to people by car salesmen.Iwas told by more than one dealership that I couldnot order the vehicle as I wanted it equiped.I was told that 300 under retail was a fair price. I was told that even if they ordered the vehicle it would take 4 months or more and they would not order the vehicle.I found the knowledge the average floor salesman had reguarding the vehicle to be limited.I did order a Sequoia the way I wanted it 2500 below retail.The vehicle doesnot have one option that I didnot want.The vehicle would take 6 to 8 weeks not 4 months or more to arrive.I also like you decided to go with the PM leather package as opposed to the port installed option.Knowledge of the vehicle works out well when you are dealing with in my case a fleet manager who happens to be a woman.I was able to come to an agreed opon price with in 20 minuets.The price offered was the same offer made to 3 other dealerships for the exact same vehicle that they would not order.I strongly recomend Sandra Molina of Toyota of Hollywood.

geeper

Thanks Cliffy. Did another check on the build yourown site, and GY is not even and option for my zip per this "tool". Not sure what it all means, but without GY, I guess the leather is ot really an issue. Correct?

cliffy1

Which web site did you use for that? Our dealer's web site has a "build your own" feature that I just checked. I looked at 2WD SR5 in the GS region and it does show GY being available. Any FACTORY option can be ordered by any dealership, no matter the region. It takes a few extra steps to do it, but it is not that complicated.

If you don't care about the side air bags, you are correct that where the leather is installed is a moot point.

If you want to try our site, go to www.kjtoyota.com and click on "showroom", then to "build a Toyota". This links in to a data bank that is very easy to use to configure a vehicle. It does not ask you to sign in and will not generate a contact from us when you use it unless you ask for it.

dianne4toyota

Great post, and understand your frustration. I have sold a lot of "PM" package rigs to folks who were mislead by other stores/dealerships/salespeople. I think that folks ought to take pride in what they do. And, am a staunch supporter of order-building to get cars the way the customers want, NOT stuffing folks into what I have just because I have it. But, that's clear from the boards how I feel and think. I just wish everyone did, really.. because they CAN. No psychobabble, but all sales personnel, from fleet/internet managers like me to the salesmen down on the curb...we're all free to be ethical and sensitive to our people's needs. Really, are we not? I sure hope you find what you are looking for, or find someone to build it!

Dianne

geeper

Cliffy, I went to www.toyota.com, then build your own and put in my local zip (75075). If defaults to the Gulf State toyota build site. My virtual garage is at www.shopatgst.com, which is the Gulf State site. No GY option listed, but Leather upgrade is listed. Funny, but the Preferred pkg is also listed, just been told by a local dealer that "This area is not ordering the vehicel with the preferred pagkage on them...." via email as a response to a "locate this vehicle" request.

Thanks for you help. Check out the www.shopatgst.com site to see what I am talking about.

ccham

Where can I find the correct option codes? I used the ones on this site but a few dealers were not familiar with all of the codes I listed. The Toyota site doesn't give the codes either. Thanks

crudeoasis

Post # 1823 by 774 got me to thinking that if you're not dealing with a straight-shooting salesperson like Steve or Dianne, this whole process can be a big pain. I agree totally on Sandra Molina of Toyota of Hollywood -- if it were not for her, I don't think I'd have my car. She gave me a great price, and I didn't even have to ask for the discount. She just DID it! And she was the only person I could find in S. FL to order the car my way. So the problem remains: find a local Steve or Dianne, which at least in S.Fl ain't easy! But with Sandra I actually enjoyed the transaction when I realized she was looking out for me -- she even Fed Ex'd my license plate and registration.

I'd like to mention one thing that's exceptionally easy in the Sequoia, which surprised me, and that's head-in parking. S. FL, like I guess most everywhere, has rather narrow parking spaces in all the shopping malls and centers, and I found parking even my small Camry to be a challenge at times, so while waiting for the Sequoia I was kind of worried in the back of my mind about parking. But the reality is quite amazing. I know the turning radius is 42' but there must be more to it than that because the Sequoia is just so easy to slot into a space. Another plus: because of the Sequoia's height, you'll never have a problem finding your car in the largest parking lot -- it's just literally head and shoulders above the rest (even Expeditions and Nagivators). I used to have a devil of a time locating my white Camry sometimes. It's just nice to come out of a store, face a sea of cars, and immediately be able to see yours.

adebisi1

"if you ask the salesamn to give it in writing and signed by the general manager you'll soon see the salesman return with top hat and cane."

Lol...GOOD ONE!

dianne4toyota

why a top hat and cane? The old song and dance? Hee hee!

toya2

Hi keeper I seen your post and I am interested in seeing who you might have been dealing with in the callas area. I live just north of you and would like to buy a vehicle in the near future. Today I finally got the chance to test drive a Sequoia and was quite impressed. I have been monitoring this board for a while and all the info has been extremely helpful from everyone who posted. Please em-ail me at GVPATT@aol.com

Thanks

toya2

My wife pointed out to the salesman today the black box under the dash on the passenger side housing the air conditioning unit. It seems like the box would get in the way if you stretched out your legs in the front. Has anyone had any issues concerning the placement of this box?

windyh

Hello all. I am new to the board and hope you can answer a question for me. I recently spoke to several dealers in NC regarding the Sequoia. After weeks of research and talks, I settled on a particular dealer. I was very pleased with the process until I got home and reviewed the tentative numbers. The dealer ordered me a 2WD limited but included the holdback money in the fees. I was under the impression from this site and other research that this was included in the invoice from Toyota and was pure profit for him since he was special ordering. Am I mistaken?? Or should I ask him to re-work the numbers minus the holdback money? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks, WindyH

dptbones

I'm considering a Sequoia for my family. I've read the forums here and at sequoiasolutions and feel I have learned alot. However, I still have a couple questions.

1. It seems that there is the suggestion that Southeastern dealers are less likely to negotiate on the purchase price as other areas of the country. Is this true? Any particular reason?

2. Have they solved the ticking problem? Is it always solved by the sound insulation solution posted at sequoia solutions?

3. Any one have any experiences to relate regarding south Florida dealers good or bad?

I'm considering the ltd 2wd. I'd like a moonroof, side airbags, and a few other extras. According to the pricing guide on this site I'm looking at 41,848 MSRP, and 36,955 Invoice. Where am I likely to end up? I have purchased two previous new cars. Both were very popular at the time I purchased them. I bought a 4wd 4Runner at $500 over invoice (8 years old and still driving it) and also a Lexus 300 RX SUV the first year they came out and I got that for $3500 under invoice (salesman told me they were getting $1000 over MSRP the first day that I test drove the car.) I'm very patient, though I don't like uninformed sales personell. I walked into a local dealership a month ago just to see the Sequoia. The salesman that approached me commented on how large it was. I told him that I was interested in the Excursion and I didn't think the Sequoia would be big enough (I was lying), he told me that the Sequoia was BIGGER than the Excursion... I left.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

David

zinny2

I do count his holdback amount when I calculate his profit. This usually is countered by some reason why the holdback is used to pay for advertising or interest expense, but at least it is a stake in the ground and a good starting point when negotiating the final price.

regards,

zinny

jbroyhill1

Is anyong willing to provide comments on their experience buying a SEQ SR5 4x4? My wife and I are interested in purchasing, but wanted to better understand what a fair price is on this SUV. We are considering the following options: AC, AH, CQ, DR, GY, RL, SR, PM. Any info provided would be of great help. We would prefer black with oak leather. We live in the suburbs of Washington DC.

We are also considering the MDX, but the laws of supply and demand are dictacting the price with this SUV. Everyone is basically quoting MSRP. Have any recent purchasers found Toyota dealers willing to negotiate? Just out of curiousity, what is a fair deal on the Limited SEQ with moonroof and side airbags?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

kullenberg

Contact Steve Clifford . His e-mail is sclifford@kjtoyota.com

Cheers

cliffy1

Not every dealership in the DC area is selling them at MSRP. I have the buyer's orders to prove it. I can't answer your other questions because the hosts would delete me.

crudeoasis

Today's N.Y.Times has a 3-way review of the Sequoia SR5, Chevrolet Suburban and the Ford Expedition. Sequoia comes in first, Expedition last. She (the reviewer) mentions "others might consider it [the steering] a bit too quick" but that's probably why I find the Sequoia so easy to park. She also mentions the lack of body lean as a big plus in the Sequoia, and I agree -- it's quite astonishing how flat the Sequoia stays in turns, even at speed. Hope this link works beyond today: http://www.nytimes.com/2001/04/01/automobiles/01AUTO.html

jbroyhill1

Can you elaborate on your comment? You can email me at jbroyhill@hotmail.com.

Thanks.

slickrock

OK, here's something for the gearheads -- a brief respite from all the "who's got the best deal" talk.

I was doing some light reading over the weekend in the Sequoia Service manual, looking for was a way to defeat the loss of ActiveTrac in Low/Low (I'm think I'm close -- I need to fool the ECU into thinking I'm really a Land Cruiser with a diff. lock switch), and I stumbled across the answer to the question Cliffy's posed way back in 1806 (the post, not the year), namely whether ActiveTrac applies any rev. limiting in 4WD .

The service manual says that rev. limiting is used for VCS, and it is used for 2WD traction control, but it is not used for 4WD traction control. In 4WD, it's all done with the brakes (which matches my experience). So Cliffy's suspicions were correct.

I also discovered that all the mechanical magic for the Sequoia is in the transfer case. The high/low selection and center "differential" are two sets of planetary gears in sequence, and the front wheel drive shaft is chain driven (!) off of the rear drive shaft.

There are three clutch control shift forks -- H/L Gear, Center Diff Lock/Free, and Front Drive Engaged/Free. The H/L is controlled by the console shift lever, and the other two are controlled by a single three position ECU-driven actuator (so locking the center diff. in 2WD is not possible).

There is also a front diff. disconnect up in the front diff. that functions as a hub lock in 4WD.

Reading the service manual is a bit challenging -- it appears to be English, but obviously was originally Japanese, and probably was translated to English by the Japanese.

cliffy1

I followed most of that. I'm glad to see that my suspicions on the rev limiter were correct. There is one member of this board who would be VERY happy if he could find a way to disable the rev limiter in 2WD as well. If you run across anything in your research on this, let me know.

lcd1

I ordered a SR5 with CF (floor mats) but later realized that all-weather mats are also offered. I'd like to know what areas the all-weather mats do cover. Also, I'd like to know if we would need CF option if we order the all-weather floor mats.

We have two dogs and plan to remove the last row of seatings to give the dogs more room. Does anyone know if there is any all-weather mat that is large enough for the space? Our salesman didn't have an answer.

lcd1

Please contact me at lcd@ureach.com and I'll share with you my purchasing experiences with local Wash. metro area dealers.

cliffy1

Will do Catfish! If you're ever in the DC area, I do know some great catfish holes on the river.

slickrock

I have the Sequoia "All Weather Mats". Check out:

     http://www.toyota-parts.com/parts.asp?categoryID=452&modelname=Sequoia
or see your local dealer.

There are two types of sets (in grey and oak), one type of set is made for the front seat, and the other type of set is made for the second and third seats (you need two sets of the rear mats for both).

I am not aware of any all-weather mat for the rear cargo area, with or withou the third seat.

By the way, they're very nice, and I really like them.

Cliffy, the 2WD rev limiting is done inside the ECU. I'm not sure how to disable it without losing basic traction control or VCS capability. But I'll try and check it out.

nstoyota

Cliffy .... Be careful what you invite people to do ... Next time there is a Southwest Special on airline tickets to DC ... I just might be on your front door step w/ Rod-n-reel in hand . You know you say CATFISH hole and my ears perk up . As I told you before , my knick name doesn't come from my business tactics it is purely a fishing thing .

CATFISH <- DC bound

krisko

I live in S. Florida and I'll answer your questions...1)I think the difference/problem with SouthEast Toyota is that they include a thing on Sequoias called ToyoGuard. This is basically underproofing and some kind of theft-deterrent thing where they etch the vin # on all the windows. It costs about $600 and it appears to be on every Sequoia sold down here. The only possible benefit I can see is sound proofing, I'm sure the coating helps a little (my Sequoia is very quiet), the detriment is obvious, you're out $600. 2)I've never had a ticking problem, I believe it is a simple fix from what I've read. 3)I bought my Sequoia from Toyota of Hollywood down here in S. Florida. It is a limited 2wd with only air bags and cd-changer options and I got it for $38K. My salesman was Israel Washington, he's the internet/fleet manager and it was a great deal at the time. Even though it was $3000 of sticker, I consider it to be $2400 off since I would never buy ToyoGuard if given a choice. I had a telephone deal worked out with Jermaine Toyota in Sarasota, forgot the saleman's name. I simply went to Hollywood to try to avoid the drive to Sarasota to pick it up, they beat the other guy's deal by $100. I would think a fair price to pay for the vehicle you quoted might be $38,500. You could possibly do better if the stories on this site are to be believed. Hope this helps.

lcd1

Thanks, Slickrock. A salesman recommended putting the all-weather mats on top of the capet floor mats (CF). I wonder if the CF option would be necessary if you use the rubber all-weather floor mats.

slickrock

Interesting, because the all-weather mat instructions advise you not to put them on top of the regular (CF) mats. I pulled out the CF mats from the front and center seats, but left the rears in because they were all part of one big piece back that goes back to the rear hatch.

I think the problem is all the rubber anti-skid fingers on the back side of the all weather mats -- it leaves indentations in the carpet. Also they may slip around more because of the extra height, and you probably can't anchor two stacked driver's mat with the clip they give you.

I like the all-weather mats, so probably won't use the front and center CF mats. You could forget the CF mats, and just get the all-weather mats, but then you need something to protect the rear cargo area floor.

They don't make it easy.

geeper

I need some input on the Blue Marlin color. The brochure (and Web) show what looks to be two different colors for this paint. I've been to three local dealers and cannot find a single vehicle with Blue Marlin Paint. Is there another name it goes under on other Toyota vehicles (I've seen Sail fin Blue, Foam, others) that I could see as an example, or is one of the pictures in the brochure or web pretty much dead-on?

comptech4

Chestnut is a color I have not been able to find on a lot. And I don't think I have ever seen it referred to on this board or Sequoiasolutions. The images I've seen in print are contradictory. Has anyone seen it? How does it compare with the brochure?

rredwood

That's a great color. It's close, maybe a little lighter/more silvery than the Bluestone you see on the Highlander. It seems to be pretty rare, too. Good luck!

geeper

Will probably have to order the Blue to get one. Have yet to see one. Did see a picture of a Tundra with what looks to be the color at http://www.hollandia.com/stratos/tundra_2001.htm (a site for sunroofs). If this is cloe, I like it.

dianne4toyota

No, that is NOT blue marlin.

THIS below is blue marlin!
http://carsontoyota.com/upload/sequoia/sequoia09.jpg

Now that is blue marlin.

(Clue, I have Sequoias there #1-48 I think. Changing the sequoia09.jpg to 01-48 = lots of photos of lots of cars... and changing the file extension at the end to .shtml (from the .jpg) gets you the complete description of each car photographed)
Dianne

geeper

Even better.... Your pic looks darker than the Tundra pic. Is this correct or just lighting. Tough to tell.

dianne4toyota

Chestnut isn't a color that my region orders at all. When faced with a mix of better looking colors, we decided to "lose" the chestnut in favor of more versatile colors. I have seen it on one car originally, and decided personally that when we got any more allocated, I'd just as soon turn them to silver or blues, like rumplestiltskin spinning straw to gold. :

Honestly, no offense to anyone with the chestnut, it just doesn't work for us here in SoCal. Too brown-ish.

Dianne

dianne4toyota

That's right on the button! That's what it looks like. That's a dusk photo with loads of light. I love the blue marlin color, personally... very versatile. Very distinctive, and different.

Di

jfuller001

I am considering the purchase of a SR5 (sliver sky, preferred package, sunroof, alloy, convenience, etc.) However, I have noticed fog lights are not offered as an option or accessory and the dealers tell me that Toyota has yet to offer a kit, to date. Dianne/Cliffy - is this simply a matter of time, or could I be waiting a long time and/or risking a complicated installation down the road. Have your dealerships successfully installed fog lights on the SR5 SQ to date and if so, how much should I be prepared to spend. I simply do not want to to spend the additional $$$ required for the limited, given the only substantive differences(in my mind) are the fog lights and heated seats.

dianne4toyota

...can't be that hard to add afterwards. Heated seats are more complicated. They require wiring changes, and compromise of the seating = compromise of the side impact/curtain airbags as well. Most of our SR5's have the curtain airbags, so forget the heater seats w/o a Limited. People have been adding fog lamps to Toyota products for years...so Sequoia can't be that different.

Dianne

thirdsuv

"Heated seats are more complicated. They require wiring changes, and compromise of the seating = compromise of the side impact/curtain airbags as well."

What does snaking a completely isolated heater wire from a seat heater have to do with the airbag wiring. Certainly the heater cord harness isn't combined with airbag wiring?

dianne4toyota

It states clearly in the Toyota owners manual to NOT MESS WITH THE SEATS or seat material (seat integrity) due to the airbags being set to deploy based on the seat.

It's not only involving the wiring, and it's possible to add heaters to a leather car or a leather-added car, but *NOT* with a side curtain airbag car. Seat structure and seat material integrity must be protected to ensure the airbags deploy properly.

Di