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Toyota Sequoia vs Chevy Suburban, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon XL
My family is looking into buying either a Suburban or a Sequoia. As of right now, we are leaning towards the Sequoia. We own and Echo, and we love it. We think that Toyota makes a good car. We don't have any experience with Chevy. Can you help us out???
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Before our Expedition got totalled my wife was complaining that only a burb/yuck-xl would do for the next car. After the wreck we were just about ready to get a yuck-xl (down to choosing colors and such) when we caught a little newspaper blurb about SEQ. The usability and fit/finish of the SEQ is so good compared to GM that as long as the the demo car didn't blow a head gasket on the test drive we decided that we were probably going to buy it. If you are a family of 5-6 or less and you think you need a burb, you mostly will discover that the SEQ will meet 99.9% of your daily needs without the extra fat and troubles of the GM. If your family is 7 or bigger then you need a Burb and a box of Trojans or your next vehicle will only be available in the color orange and seat 50 ;-)
cheers
Last week I went the auto show and must have jumped in and out of every SUV a dozen times. I especially was comparing the Seq to the Burb. I was more impressed with the Seq. The third row seat was adequate for adults and I liked the access via the "tumbling" 2nd row seat. Fit and finish was typical Toyota although the Ltd interior console in metal trim was not very pleasing. Cargo room behind the 3rd row was of course much smaller than the Burb. But realistically for a family of 4 or 5 the Seq seems to make more sense. In a pinch I always carry a few bunjee cords and can put a suitcase or something on the roof rack. But for most driving, being a couple feet shorter is more convenient in our garage as well as parking.
We have a Jeep Grand Cherokee which is a total piece of junk. Since we will keep this vehicle for at least 7 years or more we have put a lot more emphasis on realiability. The Suburban we felt had to have the extended warranty to compete with the Toyota and even then, the inconvenience of having to go to the dealer and be without a ride for even 1 day is a factor.
I was concerned that the Seq. did not have enough power for it's weight. Even though the Burb had about 40 more horsepower, the Seq actually had more torque. 315 lb-ft vs. the Burb's 290 (I may be corrected on the Seq but it is still more than the Burb) and it is torque that will make this vehicle feel good accelerating under normal and semi aggresive driving. Plus the Seq has several hundred pounds less weight to carry around.
Of course the Toyota dealer I visited here told me they were getting "over" invoice (about 2 months ago ) so I said "SEE YA!" So like everyone else we have a budget (mid 30's) and finally it will depend on the selling price. If anyone has any Houston area experience , would like to hear.
I live in Katy and have not seen any significant discounting of SQs yet. Have you considered an Acura MDX? It should be plenty adequate for a family of four. Of course there are no discounts on it either, but a fully loaded SQ 4WD Ltd (with dealer/port ad-ons) MSRPs at close to $43,000. One such add-on in the Houston area is the $795 window etching!! Acura does not do this, and in fact a fully loaded MDX w/ Navigation MSRPs at $39,450.
Toyota is bound to add fog lights for the SR5 next year, but until then, you have to order them as parts and then have them installed elsewhere.
1) It's a Toyota. Which means it's reliable, durable, and built of the highest quality materials for the interior and exterior. Fit and finish are also superior.
2) It's got the same engine used in the Land Cruiser and Tundra (i-force V8), which is Lexus-derived!
3) Typical Toyota resale value (very high)
4) The Toyota will barely be broken in after all of the domestics hit the scrap heaps. Plus you won't be paying out the [non-permissible content removed] for repairs after the warranty expires like you would with the American brands, 'nuff said.
I'm sure there are more reasons, but I'll leave it at this for now!
also, what you won't have to pay in repair bills later, you already paid up front in a high sticker price.
And as previously noted they are more (sometimes much more) expensive than the competition. Thus total costs throught the years may not be that much different from some of that competition.
Yes I agree that even Toyotas wind up in the shop. We still think the odds are that the SQ will have fewer problems than the Burb.
As far as the Acura MDX, without having any figures to support me, I felt a lot more confined -especially in the 3rd row. The SQ felt a lot roomier. Aesthetically, the MDX just doesn't do it for me (too minivan like). I'd also like to say that design wise the SQ is no big deal. I agree with eagle63 (#8) that the Burb is better looking. And as outlined in #'s 9 and 10 it's easier to swallow "the look" when overall the vehicle is so competent mechanically and safety wise.
The $795 window etching "add on" you refered to is something I never saw. Ultimately we have a budget and if the dealers play their typical games we'll look elsewhere.
By the way, I did check out Tuscaloosa Toyota's web site (http://www.tuscaloosatoyota.com) from a link at the other SQ forum. Several days ago they listed 18 SQ's with Invoice,MSRP, and Selling Price. For instance they had a 2001 SQ 4WD SR-5 w/leather : MSRP $41,749.00 Selling Price $37,146.00 or just $100.00 over Invoice. Of course I'm suspicious (those "add ons") - but who knows. Of course for $37k you can easily find a Suburban LT loaded although in 2WD. Last time I checked Tuscaloosa's site their was no more mention of Invoice or Selling price - just MSRP's. I'm seeing a lot of Suburbans for $5k less than MSRP so I'm still curious what the real bottom line is on both of these vehicles.
If anyone doubts this, check out the room behind the third seats in each. In the full-sized SUVS, it's 6-7 people AND luggage; in the Tahoe/Yukon/Sequoia/Expedition, it's 6-7 people OR luggage.
1. The overall build quality of the Toyota is significantly better. I think Toyota uses their perceived quality as a central marketing issue and they pursue it relentlessly.But things are more complex than that simple statement. The small block V-8 and the Turbo-hydramatic transmission are noted for their reliability. After all these miles, my 350 V-8 uses less than a quart of oil in 3,000 miles and the transmission has never been touched other than changing the fluid and filter. The other components of the Suburban - the body hardware tend to have problems while I think Toyota simply has higher quality components. To me the build quality concerns for the Suburban are not of a cataclysmic nature, but more of an occasional annoyance.
2. Even a high quality Japanese vehicle has problems. It is just that the Suburban is more likely to have more of these relatively minor problems which take a trip to the service department.
3. Overall, if Toyota built something with as much space as the Suburban and priced it competively, I think there would be no question which to buy. But the Sequoia is priced significantly higher on a real world basis.
I think the decision as to which to buys falls to one's set of values. For me the Sequoia does not represent that much of better value, given the price difference and I will be buying a Suburban/Yukon XL in the not too distant future. On the other hand, if my '91 Suburban keeps chugging along, I just might keep it for a few more years. That it has held up as well as it has for as long as it has amazes me.
I'm afraid your arguement for Suburbans based on longevity does not carry much weight. Not saying don't buy a Sub (vrs Toyota), but if you do I would find another reason for doing so.
They're just trucks folks, and it ultimately makes no difference whether it's a Toyota or GM SUV product. They both cost way too much money and are arguable over-kill for their intended use. How "smart" is that, huh?
So, let's tone done the invective and backhanded comments, and get back to the topic. As I see it, we just might help someone make a decision involving a lot of money. And there ARE reasons why both of these vehicles make sense, irrespective of what anybody says to the contrary.
2)You cannot get a toyota to fit your needs nearly as well as a Suburban, sequoia lacks options, on a suburban you can get locking differential, 5 differnt suspension choices, Engine Block Heater, trailering package, Z71, three differnt trim levels, 7 differnt seating options.
You will not be unhappy with the Suburban, but you will be if you buy it thinking you are getting a car because you are getting a truck. The suburban is one of the best selling SUV's, and probably the best selling of all times.
It is also one of the autos with the highest return buyers, if you buy a suburban you will be buying a suburban again so get ready to do some financial planning for that lol.
Let us write with facts and not emotions. If you want car-like trucks built by Toyota, then you should check out the RAV4 and The Highlander. The 4Runner, Sequoia and LC are all TRUCKS...
For someone considering the purchase of either a Tahoe or the Sequoia, the person should figure out what they want the vehicle to do and if cost, reliability, quality, handling, towing, resale, comfort, safety, etc.. are all factors that would tilt the decision one way or another, then they should weigh these facts from a careful personal evaluation of the two vehicles. Afterall, if you are going to plunk down $30K+ of your hard-earned money, you'd better know what you are getting...
But, pls chevytruck_fan, do not make statements you cannot back up...
2)You cannot get a toyota to fit your needs nearly as well as a Suburban, sequoia lacks options, on a suburban you can get locking differential, 5 differnt suspension choices, Engine Block Heater, trailering package, Z71, three differnt trim levels, 7 differnt seating options.
You will not be unhappy with the Suburban, but you will be if you buy it thinking you are getting a car because you are getting a truck. The suburban is one of the best selling SUV's, and probably the best selling of all times.
It is also one of the autos with the highest return buyers, if you buy a suburban you will be buying a suburban again so get ready to do some financial planning for that lol.
I am a stickler for quality and think Toyota has the best made high production vehicles in the world. However, I wasn't considering the Sequoia because I thought it would be too whimpy. Anyone know what a Sequoia 4x4 will tow? Anyone know what the K1500 Yukon XL will tow to compare?
I bought the Yukon because i've got 6 kids and need the interior room. The third seat in the Yukon has foot wells vs. the Toyota being a bench without a well for feet. there's no question that the Yukon has more room for a growing family, including the ability to get 9 passenger seating, more room behind the third seat.
My brother-in-law/coworker bought the Sequoia because he perceived there to be a quality difference. I encouraged him to look at the Yukon/Tahoe (not Yukon XL/Suburban), but he didn't even test drive it. He owned a GM product 15 years ago and will never own another. He uses the Toyota to tow a horse trailer and is somewhat disappointed that his Toyota didn't come with adequate trailer wiring (and the Toyota dealer wouldn't install it), and the truck doesn't have the towing capacity that the Yukon XL 1500 has.
I've driven both trucks and frankly prefer the Yukon XL ... it has much more room at the drivers seat (I'm 6'6") and the seats seem to adjust more. The Toyota seems smoother accelerating and braking and you can see better out the back window from the drivers seat.
The bottom line is that if i had it to do over gain i'd still buy the Yukon XL/Suburban and he'd buy another Sequoia. Personal preference.
Anyone want to factor the newest Ford Expedition into this debate?
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
1. Toyota
2. Honda
3. GM
Enough said !!!!!!!!!!!!
Ford, Chysler ? a bit farther down the list.
It's said isn't it ? A country as big and powerful as ours cannot build the best and safest cars in the world ! It is joke !!!!!!
ANd was this for all vehicles or just SUVs?
By the way, many GMs are assembled in Mexico too, as are Fords.
Just wanted to add those small details.
One more thing, if memory serves, Mitsubishis are assembled in Illinois, Hondas in South Carolina, Toyotas in California (?).
Customer satisfaction also has much to do with brand loyalty.
On that note, I say I cannot imagine ever owning another 'American' car, but I also cannot imagine ever owning another 'Japanese' truck.
It all has to do with the company and their company standards. It is not the workers fault American cars stink ! The American workers are great ! It is the company heads who skimp on their vehicles to increase their profits
Here's the ultimate difference ! GM takes Chevy parts and puts them into their Cadilac. Toyota takes Lexus parts and puts them in to Toytota.
GM trickles junk up, Toyota trickles quality down.
Sorry I cannot agree with you because I would like to. The Big 3 have earned their crappy reputation. I refuse to spend my money with a company that refuses to build a better vehicle. They flat out REFUSE ! They have taken advantage of the American consumer long enough.
I am sorry I refuse to spend $40,000 on a vehicle that has no road feel, poor workmanship, poor reliability, poor customer service, poor paint job, poor fitting panels etc. etc. etc.
They are in fact more powerful, I give you that! but that's as far as it goes.
Buy a Chevy buy the best, drive a mile walk the rest!
Now I know why thery equip their vehicles with OnStar. You need it to be located when your vehicle quits.
I suspect that a part is a part, if it happens to work in multiple autos then glory be to the mfr who just saved money in design by making one thing work in more than one place.
I further suspect that all makers have % of lemons, my sister owned a 80 something Celica, it was of all the cars in my lifetime the absolute worst vehicle any of us can remember.
Conversely, I owned a thrice used 78 Olds Cutlass Supreme, I got it a 87,000, and I rolled it over to a new total of 217,00 before I got rid of it, I did get the tranny overhauled/rebuilt that was it.
So I maintain that owner loyalty has more to do with 'who is best' in today's environment than anything else.
In fact (if my economics classes were at all correct), now all the auto makers employ a design through to manufacture and sale philosophy that is very similar to the Japanese model that resulted in savings to design and build.
Anyway, enjoy what you have, as I know I will, but I doubt seriously that you (or I) would come back and admit that what we have is crap -- even it proves to be so.
That is not human nature.
We family road trip every weekend for soccer tournaments, second row buckets are a must. We definitely got the dark gray carpet because of mud.
I loved my Tahoe, even with the minor problems you get with any car and the price was right for the upgrade. The burb actually priced lower than the new Tahoe. My wife LOVES it AND that means much more sex for me! (I really really like that part of the deal)
Jeff
tidester
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The Big 3 has the technology and work force to build the best cars in the world, they just flat out refuse to do it.
The only reason they are now TRYING to build a better car is because the Japanese (mainly Toyota) has kicked our butts as far as design, workmanship and production.
I hate to feel this way believe me ! But I will spend my hard earned money on a vehilce that will be traded in when I want to trade it, not because I have to trade it.
The Big 3 has gone out of their way to earn their reputation, now they will have to go out of their way to earn my business again. At this point they are nowhere near that level of quality.
Cars are too expensive to have it breaking down at 36,000 miles. I will buy Toyota until the Big 3 can prove to me they will build cars at that level of quality.
Today's drive just reinforced my opinion of the Big 3.
Ford, GM, and Chrysler all underprice their products compared to foreign competitors, and the demand for Toyota and Honda products continues to increase. Instead of worrying about quarterly profits, spend some money on developing higher quality components, and people will be willing to pay for it.
#2545 of 2552 New Owner w/Question by tom213 Aug 18, 2002 (08:50 pm)
Friday night I became the proud new owner of a Tahoe (Redfire Metalic)LT, 4WD, with a lot of other goodies and now have a grand total of 101 miles on the odometer. I couldn't pass up the end of model year deals and 0% financing deal going on. Anyway, I noticed a, for lack of a better term, a jerking motion when I was on the turnpike today. The engine was running smooth (RPM steady) and tow/haul mode was off, transmission seems to shift fine, and autotrac was not on (2HI light ON). I also took it on a highway that was recently paved to rule out it being caused by road flaws. When I got home, with the engine still running, I checked the transmission fluid and it was right at the very bottom of the cross-hash marks, so maybe this is the cause?? So I'm stopping by the dealer after work tomorrow to get some fluid added to see if this does the trick. Has anyone else experienced anything similar? It's not a severe jerking motion, but it is noticeable as speed increases.