2008 Toyota Sequoia

donnydjr

Mack - I just went on a ~2500 mile family roadtrip with my '08 Sequoia, and quite honestly, I'm extremely disappointed with the Navi / Audio / Rear Entertainment areas of the vehicle.

Any idea if there's a technical support person (and phone number) at Toyota to advise of the problems and suggest functionality changes?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide,

Don D.

shark715

Mack, perhaps it's because they just have not sold that many? I have not seen an '08 on the road since February, and as of Sunday the dealer by my house (a reasonably high volume dealer) appears to have not moved one unit in a full month (the exact same units are sitting on his lot versus one month ago). As has been well publicized, times are awful in the vehicle business, especially for those models that use a lot of fuel.

hdfatboy

Mack,

I've got about 2000 miles on my 08 Plat Sequoia and have done a number of short and longer trips with as many as six on-board. I can honestly say I am very satisfied with the vehicle. More so than any vehicle I've ever owned including various BMWs, Toyotas, Chryslers and GM products.

Our family has found all of the seats extremely comfortable and in fact my younger son likes riding in the 3rd row with 2nd row down for watching videos.

I will say that as a driving I have really come to appreciate the power and handling of the Seq. I'm not sure I would say the same if it weren't for the Plat's adjustable suspension. I tend to prefer using the sport suspension setting in most conditions other than staright highway where I use the comfort setting.

The power is truly remarkable and while I didn't think I'd use the manumatic I now find that I use it more than the automatic setting, particularly for curvier roads where being able to dowbnshift before a curve makes for a more enjoyable ride (at least for my driving style).

That's not to say it perfect. There are some minor and not so minor issues that Toyota needs to address.

I've come to like the Nav unit and its integration with my BT phone however if it weren't for the Nav Pulse Generator I installed to enable full functionality while driving, I might have wanted to rip the unit out. For anyone who hasn't installed this unit...its an absolute must. Toyota...if your listening....get your lawyers to grow up and join the rest of the industry and stop resticting the use of your NAV units while underway.

The power mirrors are an exactly idea. Its just a shame the engineer that designed them was only half smart. Geez...would it have been that difficult to keep the mirrors powered after shutting off the engine. If you forget to fold the mirrors before shutting down the engine, you have to reinsert the key and set it to accessory to fold the mirrors...lame design. Even smarter engineering would have been to have a manual setting and an auto setting. In auto the mirrors would fold when the ignition is turned off and unfold when the ignition is turned on. You would still have a manual setting if you wanted the mirriors unfolded with the engine off.

How about adding a simple mute button to the audio controls on the steering wheel. Seems like a pretty simple yet user friendly feature and given the other controls would eem like a commonly used function.

I don't know if its just me or the climate control engineers were asleep at the wheel. Howis the user suppose to set the mode of the vents other than random trial and error. There are no pictograms to set the vent mode to other than the digitial display after moving the control until you find the one you want. How hrd could it have been to place the pictograms around the knob to avoid randonly trying to find the setting you need?

So far those are the only real issues I have to share and in total the vehicle is truly outstanding. I'm very satisfied with the purchase.

ganan

I have about 500 miles on a Limited. I am generally satisfied with the vehicle at this early stage except for the feeling of the steering. I find it too light and I don't have a good feel for the road unless it is a straight highway. I had an 01 Limited with about 190,000 miles on it and the steering, even after that many miles, felt tighter and I felt far more comfortable on both highway curves and secondary road curves. It felt like the vehicle tracked the curve once it was set up at the beginning of the curve.

I didn't expect the new vehicle to drive like an Audi Quattro, but compared to the 01 vehicle the steering and road feel on curves is very disappointing. I seem to have to make small corrections when negotiating curves since the steering is so light.

I assume I will get used to it and perhaps should not be surprised since this is a truck platform. In addition, I am hoping the Michelin LTX M&S tires I will put on(when the current Bridgestone ones wear) will make a difference in the handling.

The only other issue I have with the vehicle is the phone. About half the time when I try to call out, I receive an error message saying the call cannot be made and to check the phone. When this occurs I note that the signal strength indicator does not show any bars. However the signal is strong since I can call out using the cell phone itself without using the steering wheel controls.

Some of the positives include: Lots of space and storage areas; smooth ride on the highway, quiet transmission and good power.

tsfan

Hi all gurus and experts, I need your guys's thoughts on question: will Sequoia have a better incentive in May?

Currently Toyoto offers finance incentive for Sequoia, 1.9% for 36months, 2.9% for 48months, and 3.9% for 60months. The current inventive expires on 04/30. I have been researching the new Sequoia for a long time and read all post in this forum. Think it's a good time to buy but just wondering whether next month Toyota will come out a better incentive such as 0%. If wait until May, also worry about whether current inventive will be gone.

Any good thoughts, buy now or wait till May? thanks!

stever

That's a difficult question to answer.

You'd think that incentives would continue and maybe get better since SUV sales are down all over.

But the Detroit News reported a week ago that Toyota cuts production at Indiana plant. The Sequoia is made at that factory.

So, with production cut, Toyota may think they can safely keep incentives where they are or do away with them completely.

Food for thought.

mackabee

Donny, what type of problems did you experience with your Sequoia? You can call the 1-800-GO-TOYOTA number and speak with a representative. What they will do is document your comments and suggestions and pass them on the the engineers. They love to hear from the owners since they are the ones driving the product. You may find that they may put you through to a product specialist and he/she may solve the problems. Let us know what happens.
Mack

mackabee

That could be one of the reasons too. Sales are slow all the way around. Prius sales are going through the roof the more the price of gas keeps going up. I got back from vacation yesterday and stopped at the dealership today (day off) to check on a couple of vehicle arrivals and checked out our incoming allocation and we have 3 on the way. Usually we will have a good supply on hand and on the way.
The other reason is production has been cut back which I mentioned in an earlier post and our gracious host has also brought that point up.
As I drove through the lot I could see a lot of the vehicles in the same spot they were in last week. I just hope it picks up soon.
Mack

mackabee

HD, those are great suggestions. I would suggest the same thing I did to Donny. Call the 1-800-GO-TOYOTA and tell them about your suggestions. They do listen to their current customers. This generation Avalon was developed with lots of current Avalon customer's input.
Mack

mackabee

The new Sequoia has electric power steering which takes a bit getting used to. On the Bluetooth issue make sure your phone is enabled for the Bluetooth function. It may be a brand that is not compatible with the system. I had a customer last week that after I showed them how to pair the phone to the system and make and receive calls they called me after they got home to tell me it was not working. Their phone was not compatible so she got another phone and now it works fine. This may not be what's wrong with your system but try pairing it again and let me know what happens.

Also, for everyone on this thread there is a website that has just about everything you need to know about using the nav and bluetooth systems. Here's the link: link title

mackabee

I predict they will keep the same incentive as April or make it better for May.
Mack
:shades:

tsfan

I do hope so. I share some same thoughts as Steve's - Toyota is cutting back production of Tundra and Sequoia, not sure whether that cut will translate to a bad news for new purchaser like me. i think i need to make a call whether I want to gamble, buy now to secure the 1.9% incentive, or wait for 2 weeks to hope get 0% but risk losing even the 1.9% deal. tough one

tsfan

Does anyone whether we can find Sequoia sales volume national wide?

hdfatboy

Here's a link to all of Toyota vehicle unit sales nationally.

Sequoia unit sales for March 08 were up +19.8% vs Mar. 07 and Sequoia unit sales for 1Qtr 08 were up 14.6% vs 1Qtr 07.

http://www.pressroom.toyota.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2008040198482

vernschillinge

I predict they will keep the same incentive as April or make it better for May.

Mack, are incentives regions specific? If so, how do I determine the incentives available in the SET region? Also, where are you guys seeing the financing incentive folks are talking about. Thanks.

mackabee

They are region specific. Go to www.buyatoyota.com and input your zip code or local dealer and you can find the current incentives there. Usually SET has better incentives than the rest of the country. May be due to the fact that they are a privately owned distributor.
Mack

vernschillinge

Got it. Been frequenting that site for inventory info, but never took the time to look for the incentives. Currently same financing offer and cash back on 2007 sequoias. Thanks much.

tsfan

these numbers are interesting. thanks! The data was posted on 04/01, and on the same day Toyota started the finance incentive for purchase (previously the finance incentive was for lease only). I am wondering if the data shows such big sales jump than 07, why they offer incentive. i guess their production are way more than sold.

vernschillinge

Just noticed that SET is also offering 0% for 24 mths. Mack, you're right on the money.

shake202

I ordered mine through local dealership almost 2 months ago. I pick it up tomorrow.
Kind of glad it took so long, will take advantage of the special financing. I got it for $5900 off sticker, no trade in. I wish they would offer a rebate in leiu of the fianancing, but what the heck. I ordered it because I couldn't find a Limited without the 20" wheels. Who needs 20" wheels with 55's on a truck?

hdfatboy

I believe Toyota will be offerring some incentives throughout the year because the original forecast for the new Sequoia in 08 was about 60,000 units. Given their sales for the first qtr 08 and assuming continued ramp of sales throughout the year, my guess is they will have a tough time breaking 50,000 units. Even though the sales are up nicely over last year they are behind their original production forecast which explains the recent production slow-down.

They may not need "deep" incentives if sales going forward are in alignment with their newly revised production forecasts for the rest of the year. Just my $.02

bjb4

I just got my Limited and overall really like it. I did plenty of reserach and this forum has been by far the best source of info.

I know there was a previous thread about the computer being set incorrectly with fuel level. I found this out right away - it was telling me I was on empty and when I filled up it only took 20 gallons. Mack, do you know if Toyota has any plans to fix this? Although it's depressing to fill a 26 gallon tank from my wallets perspective, it defeats the purpose of having such a big tank if I don't have a true gauge after 20 gallons.

lou88

I am in NJ and plan to buy 08 Sequoia SR5 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A) model with the following combination packages from dealer's lots, but the Toyota website/brouchue and Edmunds.com give me conflicting information regarding the combination of packages without special order. Can someone help me out???

Options---EY, SO, PE, RB, CK, DJ (AM/FM stereo with 6CD changer), LF, RF, RL.

Accessories---Backup carera with monitor, Auto-dimming mirror, TRD performance air intake, sport pedals, shift knob.
Thanks in advance

mackabee

I noticed the same thing on a Tundra. If enough feedback is provided to the engineers they will correct it. We'll see with the 09 Sequoia.
Mack

mackabee

Looking at the options list I can tell you this: The EY or DVD entertainment system is a PIO/DIO port installed or dealer installed option. SO skidplate is also port installed so if you are getting an incoming unit that has it, the dealership can delete that option before the truck gets to the port.
All the accessories can also be added at the dealership. You may find the auto dimming mirror already installed on some vehicles.
Have you tried any of the dealers in Delaware? Seems like you are in my region of CAT (central atlantic toyota)
When looking at www.buyatoyota.com are you putting in your zip code before going to the "build your Sequoia" section? This website is the most accurate as far as telling you what vehicles are being built for the region.
Mack

lou88

Mack, thank you for the information. I am in New Jersey.
I did try http://www.buyatoyota.com and put my NJ zip code, but no EY (rear entertainment system) is on any options(option A thru C), and each option also include the tow package and moonroof which I don't want. Per Toyota's hardcopy brochure, the options/accessaries which I selected are available without combination of other packages, such as moonroof or tow package, but the Toyota website"build you Sequoia" section totally "disagree with" its brochure...

mackabee

Lou, you can try and order it without those options. Don't know how long it will take but make sure you get someone at the dealership that knows what they are doing or they could drag on the process indefinitely. Like I said the EY can be installed at the dealer.
Mack

lou88

Mack, thanks again !!!! I will try to order it per what you said.

Lou

df4801

Many options such as the DVD player can be "factory" installed, but some regions just order all vehicles without, then install them at their "port". Here in atlanta, their "port" is in atlanta. A big install center, where they install as many options as they can. I guess its a profit margin thing.

I would get the dvd player installed yourself afterwards. Save hundreds. either way, even if factory installed, you cant insert a dvd in the cd player. Apparently toyota's factory unit doesnt even do that. So no benefit to a factory dvd IMO. You can get a dvd player installed at circuit city with a 4 year swap out warranty for under $700 installed.

You can special order any sequoia. I was told a 4 month wait time.

rtribble

If you go for the aftermarket DVD player you will loose the rear 110 volt plug in, head phone jacks/volume controls etc in the rear of the center consul along with some control features from the front seat.
Otherwise aftermarket are ok, thats what we did but didn't realize these little differences.

jason973

I am planning on getting a Sequoia in July, and I currently have an Escalade. Are people putting Regular unleaded in this vehicle as I do with my Current truck?

gldwing

I use regular (87 octane) -runs great.

hdfatboy

The Toyota 5.7 is designed for regular. That's all I run and its an extremely fast and powerful motor on regular. I'm not sure how Toyota pulled it off without high compression and premium fuel however its definitely one of the major advantages of the Sequoia over the Escalade, Denali, QX56, MB GL which either recommend or require using Premium fuel

3rd4rnnr

I agree with you hd on all counts. I have around 6,200 miles on my Platinum and love it as well. Same beef with NAV. Also similar issue with HVAC. I also don't like when I "synch it" up to match the two temps in the front that it automatically turns on the rear. Then I have to turn off the rear in what ends up being a three step process. Not a big deal but the NAV is the huge pain for me. What is this pulse thing, where do I get it and can I install myself ??? Also my old garmin in the 4Runner says street names which I liked and my Seq NAV seems to only voice major highways. Can this be set differently b/c I can't figure out if it can. By the way, I am amazed with how often I am on 78 and not yet spotted you in your Black Platinum in or around the exit 24/26 area... you are near Tewksbury right ?

3rd4rnnr

Who makes the best floor liners ? In terms of fit, durability and looks ? I use to have Husky liners for my 4Runner, but they get grungy quick, color wsnt a good match and don't have a very good fit. Any suggestions ?

mackabee

Try WeatherTech. link title
Mack

rtribble

I like the WeatherTech but they only make the front (Tunra) mats.

hdfatboy

"I agree with you hd on all counts. I have around 6,200 miles on my Platinum and love it as well. Same beef with NAV. Also similar issue with HVAC. I also don't like when I "synch it" up to match the two temps in the front that it automatically turns on the rear. Then I have to turn off the rear in what ends up being a three step process. Not a big deal but the NAV is the huge pain for me. What is this pulse thing, where do I get it and can I install myself ??? Also my old garmin in the 4Runner says street names which I liked and my Seq NAV seems to only voice major highways. Can this be set differently b/c I can't figure out if it can. By the way, I am amazed with how often I am on 78 and not yet spotted you in your Black Platinum in or around the exit 24/26 area... you are near Tewksbury right ?"

Unfortunately the Toyota Nav is multi-generations behind Garmin. There's no way for the Toyota to say the name of the streets or POIs like the Garmin because it doesn't have TTS (Text-to-speech) software.

Regarding the ability to use your Toyota Nav while underway, I found the installation of the following unit an absolute "must". The biggest decision to make is where to install the switch. I used a rocker and placed it horizontally above the cigarette lighter (under the climate controls). I used a rocker switch that when rocked to the driver side the Nav unit operates as designed by Toyota and when "rocked" to the passenger's side, the Speed Pulse Generator is activated. When its activated, the Nav unit essentially "thinks" its standing still and therefore all phone and Nav features become function fully. The switch location I used is ideal as it can't be seen but its still in a very convenient location for both the driver and the front passenger to engage.

Without this capability I would have replaced the Nav unit with an OEM. As it is now with the SPG installed, I am pleased with the BT calling and Nav functionality.

Here's the link to the unit. It takes about 2-3 hrs to install if you're really taking your time and you have wire connectors and the few tools you'll need ready. Let me know if you decide to install the unit. Its relatively easy however there are a few tips that make it easier. http://www.pinemountainfirearms.com/pmf/tundramods/NavSpeedPulse.aspx

BTW, my trips to the office are not always consistent. Sometimes I use rt22 and sometimes I use rt78 from exit 24 to get to New Brunswick. I get on and off 78 at least 2-3 times a week. I'll keep my eye out for you.

vernschillinge

Mack, any word on incentives for May? I may close on my vehicle as soon as tomorrow. Am going to capitalize on the 0% for 24 mths available in the SET region, but was wondering if there is a chance that we might see a cash incentive in May.

Thanks

tsfan

I am in Virginia and already decided to buy a limited 4WD, now betting Toyota will have better or same inventive in May. But who knows, even the current inventive of 1.9% for 3 years might be gone.

mackabee

There may be. I won't know until May 1st or 2nd.

Mack

vernschillinge

Thanks. Oh well, still want to capitalize on the the 0% for 24 mths, since, as Tsfan said, the APR incentive could be gone (though I doubt it). Having the 0% interest saves me from paying any interest expense and actually allows the building of some interest income on the money that would have gone out the door. Hopefull this makes us for any cash incentive that i might leave on the table.

3rd4rnnr

Thanks for the info. The Weather Tech looked good on their site so I ordered them. They said the 2nd and 3rd row liners are coming in approxd 6-8 weeks as they needed specific dimensions of the new Seq to mfg them. Looks like they will fit snuggly which is great. Thanks again.

3rd4rnnr

Thanks for all the info HD, seems like a great deal for just $50, however although i consider myself somewhat handy I think opening up my dash and pulling all that out would make me pretty anxious. probably a stupid question but would it work to just disable or remove the toyota speed sensor all together ? Is that possible and would it have any other negative ramifications ? I would be fine with it permantly it active mode while driving.

hdfatboy

Its really rather simple to open the dash. Believe it or not there's really no screws holding most of the dash together. There's just clips that allow you to pull up on the cup holder for instance to remove it (which you're going to want to know how to do anyways in order to clean spilled coffee). The cup holder is a good place to get a sense of how the dash is held together. The cupholder is designed to be removed and you can get a sense of how the rest of the dash is held together from the cupholder. Be careful not to lose the yellow clips that hold the cupholder and the rest of the dash together. I lost one and was able to get a bag of 10 for a couple of $ from the local dealer.

As I recall, once you lift out the cupholder and center console, there's only 1 screw that needs to be removed behind the shifter. With that screw removed, you can then lift the console around the shifter. Once that's been lifted its relatively easy to unclip the right side of the main dash in order to "pull out" the center climate control module. Once that's been unclipped you can access the 4 screws holding the nav unit in place to remove the nav unit to access the connections on the back.

You'd have to take all of these steps even to unplug the speed sensor, however I think without the speed sensor connected the nav unit is automatically deactivated, that's why you need the speed pulse generator to have the nav unit "think" the speed sensor is connected but that the vehicle is standing still. The SPG generator then gives you access to setting a destination or finding a phone number from your phone book to make a call which otherwise would have been disabled while moving.

By having a switch you can leave it in the Toyota mode the majority of the time, but when you need to make a call or find a destination while driving you'll have the capability to switch on the SPG and activate all functions.

The downside to having the SPG being active all the time is that the Toyota Nav system uses the speed of the vehicle through the speed sensor to accurately place the vehicle on the map and ensure smooth movement on the map. When the SPG is engaged the NAV unit is only moving the vehicle on the map from the Satellite reading, which can result in less than smooth motion on the map and sometimes a delay at inopportune moments such as when needing to make a turn while following the guidance.

The best arrangement is to have the vehicle run in "normal" mode 95% of the time and engage the SPG only when needing to set a destination or make a call other than the ones in your speed dial directory. After the destination is set, I engage normal mode. For me, this has been an ideal setup and was without question worth the $50 (and alot more to me) along with the bit of anxiety I had while taking the dash apart.

The biggest anxiety I had was not taking the dash apart but making the small opening for the switch. Fortunately I chose a location where a minor slip would never have been visible, but as it turned out the project came together perfectly and was definitely worth the effort.

lou88

Is this DVD system installed at headrest ??
If the DVD is installed on the ceiling like the one from factory, any chance to "damage" wiring or scratch the ceiling cover during installation???
How about the quality/size compared to the one from factory?? Any input is appreciated.

3rd4rnnr

lou, the factory DVD on the ceiling is working great. the screen is actually pretty good size and visability is very good even on a sunny day. (I had headrest screens in a 4Runner previously and sunny days sometimes made viewing not so good)

3rd4rnnr

HD awesome info thanks a lot , I think you may just have inspired me ! By the way I was at Exxon on 22 west near the Kings plaza (by Merck) today and a guy driving a Range Rover (maybe an 05 or 06) came over and was asking me about my Seq. Said he loved the way it looked, took a peak inside and was literally shocked when I told him I was packing 380 horses and 10 lbs towing ability. I urged him to dump the RR and grab a Seq asap. He also said his gas milage wasn't as good. Times like that certainly take the sting outta writing a check for $56k+ when it wasn't for a sexy German stud-mobile.

hdfatboy

You probably saw my Denali XL for sale in the parking lot of Kings facing rt22. I use that Exxon for gas frequently. Recently their prices for gas are the best around which is surprising for Exxon. I think Exxon may be keeping their prices down to avoid Congress getting involved in pas prices or setting a windfall tax for the large refiners.

Its rare to see a brand name as big as Exxon as the lowest price gas dealer in the area.

ratomlinson

I am going into a dealer on Monday to have a Sequoia Platinum ordered from the factory directly. The dealer has agreed to invoice plus $250.

For those of you who have done this type of order before, do you have any advice on what I should have in the contract to protect me and assure that everything comes in as expected? I am thinking of any future dealer incentives that might come out between now and when the vehicle arrives, I am concerned about port installed options, etc.

Also, what accessories/option have you found most useful?