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2008 Toyota Sequoia

145791039

Comments

  • carnutincacarnutinca Member Posts: 35
    I'm sorry for the negative connotation.
  • healthnuthealthnut Member Posts: 64
    I still haven't gotten the final, absolute word on the platinum when it comes to 2nd row bench vs captains chairs... I know its a new car but I need to get one before DEC 31st for tax purposes and am finding this late release rather annoying... Dealers also should have 100% of all the info they need by now. Also seems like the initial release is skimpy and I'm not happy with the choices with the initial release... Can't order one since I doubt I'd havea VIN number in time for tax purposes... I'd love to go in an order one but for tax purposes I think you need the vin number before the 31st...
  • toyota4lifetoyota4life Member Posts: 53
    Not that i dont care what happens to the planet,...... Just stop pretending cars are the only problem, This SUV looks great inside and out and i cannot wait to owne one,We currently have a 2002 4runner ,a 2002 Rav4,and a 2005 Sienna in our drive way and one of them will be replace with this great looking machine,..............Good job Toyota! :blush:
  • coupedncalcoupedncal Member Posts: 252
    I don;t think there is anything to sweat about. there is plenty of time to place the order and receive your VIN no before your tax deadline. though i don't think you will get the best price if you let the dealer know you need to close by end of the year.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    My advice would be to get the 2007 Sequoia Limited without the flaky NAV and luxury packeage. You should be able to get a 4X4 for about $38k. Put in the much superior Pioneer AVIC D3 NAV system and pocket the $10k to $15k you would pay to be the first on your block with a 2008 Sequoia. After seeing the pics on autoblog I am glad I saved the money by getting the 2007. My only regrets are the 2nd row captain seats, NAV and entertainment package. Toyota electronics are sub standard for the price.
  • healthnuthealthnut Member Posts: 64
    So I understand: you regret the 2nd row captain seats? I agree with you on toyota and all electronics included with factory options... The Harmon Kardon system in the BMW was a plastic computer subwoofer worth $2.00 In any case, I am interested in the fully loaded Platinum because it is a tax writeoff used for business. I had a Pioneer AVIC Z1 (still have it here) in my old 2002 SR5. Hell I even had a 15 inch screen in the middle, Dynaudio 3-way (4 channels), (2) 15 inch Aura Subs... etc... Problem is while I could do a great after market modifiaction, at least the Pioneer AVIC Z1 or the new Z2, I don't think you can do the tax writeoff so easy if you add the navigation system after you buy it... so I may as well get it fully loaded for tax purposes... Besides, nobody has seen the new Nav system in the 2008 Sequoia, so it may be ok... I agree it will not be as good as the Pioneer Z1 or Z2, but.... I just don't know. Sure, if I could add the aftermarket stuff and then add that cost to the vehicle cost for tax purposes, I'd consider it... But I just don't think that makes for a 'good' deduction... again, I just don't know. Personally, I'm all about Blu Ray, so I'd rather havea 1080p capable screen anyway... but again, in my case this vehicle is a tax writeoff (6,000 lb. vehicle).

    So does anyone prefer the captains chairs over the bench for the second row? Advantages vs disadvantages? the 2008 NAV is supposed to be new and improved by the way...
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    If you purchase a new vehicle every 10-15 years, you are not qualified to comment in this forum.

    I happen to know that Sirraf passed his entrance exam with flying colors and is fully qualified to post in any of our Forums.

    On the other hand, I have never been struck by an automobile driven by a drunk driver so I guess that would disquaify me from ever commenting on DUI. :P

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    a serious carbon footprint on the face of "eco-conscious" america

    No problem! We'll all just buy a few carbon credits and everyone will be happy! :shades:

    Seriously, if you want to discuss such matters head over to Are automobiles a major cause of global warming? or How Will Global Warming Concerns Change The Vehicles We Drive?. We're discussing the review article here and not Politics.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • mtufenkmtufenk Member Posts: 14
    I purchased a fully loaded 07 4x4 a couple of weeks ago. I initially felt that I would be better off with a bench; but opted for luxury package because the wood trim makes the interior much more luxurious. I so far like the 2nd row bucket seats because my kids have their own storage in the console between them and I like the look and feel of independent seats. Thats my opinion. I so far have also been happy with the optional Toyota DVD and NAV system.
  • healthnuthealthnut Member Posts: 64
    Thanks for the feedback... I am also tempted to just go ahead with the platinum and get the 2nd row captains chairs... not sure how the general market feels about he second row and how this would affect resale value.

    Anyone have all the exterior color choices yet? What color are you people interested in getting? I see pictures of a light silver and then I also saw some pictures of what looked to be a dark silver... Is there a dark silver? I do not leke the Blue or the Red, so that leaves Black and Silver for me... I was considering the white, but I just don't know... I'd probably prefer a dark silver first choice and Black as second choice. Although what interior choices do you have? Silver with Red Rock/Black? Silver with light charcoal interior? Black with Red Rock/Black? What color combinations are you people interested in? What would be your ideal choice?
  • gananganan Member Posts: 20
    Have any of you ( who are a Canadian resident) looked into importing the 2008 U.S. Sequoia into Canada ? I was told the savings on imprting a BMW X5 are about $ 16,000 so presumably there would be substantial savings on a Sequoia also.

    The difficulty in importing the U.S.Sequoia may be the new Canadian regulation that states that all vehicles manufactured after September 2008 for use in Canada must have an anti theft immobilization system installed.
    I note the Registry of Imported Vehicles website states the 2008 4 Runner is admissible yet the 2008 Sequoia apparently is inadmissible. I am not sure if the new regulation is the problem or something else.

    I am assuming that the 2008 Sequoia will be available in Canada (modified for Canadian purposes by Toyota) but do have some concern that due to the new regulations and the limited market here, that Toyota may not offer it in Canada due to the cost or inability to make the required modificatioons for this anti theft system

    Does anybody have any info on this?
  • healthnuthealthnut Member Posts: 64
    I was just in vancouver last weekend... I think you should become independent or join the U.S. as an independent state... Lower taxes, insurance, and all the same freedoms in addition to having your own state laws however you like... :)
  • regrahamregraham Member Posts: 26
    I have done some investigating and consideration of importing a vehicle into Canada. I talked to a Toyota and GM dealer in Washington state. They advise that the manufacturers will not alllow them to sell new vehicles to Canadians. Yes, it almost seems criminal that the manufacturers are allowed to place such restrictions, especially in view of our free trade agreements. They threaten to punish any dealers who do so and say there is no warranty on the vehicle. Apparently they can sell used vehicles and if over 12,000 km there is no warranty issue.
    I am seriously considering purchasing a 2008 Sequoia from a Canadian dealer, but I have decided that I will only do so if the price is within $1 - 2,000 of the US price, now that our dollar is at par or even higher than the US dollar. I will not pay $10 - 15,000 more than the US price. I would suggest to all potential Canadian purchasers of new vehicles, if they hold off purchasing a new vehicle until the manufacturers price their Canadian product the same as the US product, that it will probably only take a few months at most until they come in line. If they don't, or I don't like the new Sequoia once I actually see and drive it, my 2nd choice is importing a 2007 Escalade. I have been checking prices and can save $10 - 15,000 by doing so and apparently it is quite easy to do.
  • coupedncalcoupedncal Member Posts: 252
    Isn't the higher price in Canada due to higher federal and provincial taxes? If not, then I agree there needs to be a broad campaign against these car companies to bring their prices in line with US prices.
  • healthnuthealthnut Member Posts: 64
    Ok, so what color combos are people desiring?

    I'm leaning between the following:

    Platinum:

    1) Black ext, Red rock/Black int
    2) Slate (grey'ish) ext, Red rock/Black int
    3) Slate ext, Light grey interior
    4) Light Silver, Light grey interior

    To me, those are the 4 choices I'm considering, I'd be curious to know what combos people would choose?
  • regrahamregraham Member Posts: 26
    The prices I am quoting in my comments (#308) are not including taxes. Taxes, whether our GST, provincial, or state are all extra. When our Canadian dollar was equal to 70 - 80 cents/US dollar, these differences were understandable, but now that the Canadian dollar is at par or of greater value than the US dollar, the manufacturers are gouging if they want to sell their vehicles in Canada for $10 - 20,000 over the US MSRP.
    In answer to healthnut. I am considering the Platinum edition, black ext. and would prefer the sand beige interior, but according to 7/20 specs, sand beige is N/A with black, only in the Limited. So, if N/A, my 2nd choice is graphite interior. I do not like the red rock. It is too orange for me. Instead of red rock, I wish Toyota offered an interior color like the Ford King Ranch pickup. I also hope they offer the 2nd row bench as an option in the Platinum.
  • healthnuthealthnut Member Posts: 64
    Is there anything besides laser guided cruise control that you can't get on the limited? Seems like you can have the limited fully loaded to the level of the Platinum, except for the laser guided cruise control...

    I have to agree with you on the black/tan combo... some of the girls I ran the choices by also like that combination...

    do any of you like the Slate color? I think that is also the color shown in a few of the pics on auto blog... seems like a nice darker color...

    To be honest, all the dealers I talked to so far make it sound like they can't order one for me now and still get a VIN number before Dec 31st... I agree, I'd like to take one of somebody's lot, but for tax purposes, looks like I'm going to have to take one that is currently in the assembly stage... I guess that means I have to pay full MSRP? didn;t someone say the south cal dealers are doing some discounting? I'm mad these came out so late, I'm not in a hurry but I need to make sure I can do the tax deduction. If anyone has any further information or advice, please email me, it would be greatly appreciated.

    by the way, what is the difference in cost for a Limited loaded to the same level as a Platinum? If the vehicles are configured to the same level, wouldn't they cost the same? Do you actually pay more for Platinum even if it is identical to the Limited fully loaded? Is there anythign unique about the Platinum besides the option to get laser guided cruis control? What about the suspension?
  • stevedc34stevedc34 Member Posts: 25
    I have been waiting for the release of the new Sequoia for almost a yr now. I was convinced that this was the car I had to have...at first glance...very disappointed. The exterior seems average. It appears that someone ran out of time when designing the front end. Lights are too small for that size truck and the grill is offensive. The interior is equally concerning. I would expect that style of interior in a Pontiac (not that there is anything wrong with Pontiac) but not on a 50,000 plus vehicle. Possibly my expectations were too high? Maybe I need to see the truck in person? Anyone else feel similar?
  • murphydogmurphydog Member Posts: 735
    healthnut -

    I think the captains chairs are optional - however the challenge you will likely find is what is being ordered by the distributor for your area. This seems to be common with Toyota.

    FWIW, I like the idea of captains chairs... :shades:
  • jci1jci1 Member Posts: 34
    I think the air cooled seats are platinum only...
  • healthnuthealthnut Member Posts: 64
    I have to agree that they could do more for both the Limited/Platinum. If you watch the youtube videos someone already kindly posted, they do show some nice 'ergonomic' improvements. I too had some higher expectations of the interior and extrerior. I also had higher expectations in terms of cubic volume for cargo storage. I wish it was another 1-2 inches wider and 3-4 inches longer... As far as captains chairs, I too think the idea is growing on me...
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I do not dislike the captains seating in the 2nd row. We took our pastor and his wife for a long drive in the mountains last week. They said it was wonderful with the separate climate etc. I think the bench is more practical. It would also be nice if they folded flat for more cargo space.

    It sounds like Toyota has figured out how to integrate XM with the NAV on the 08 Sequoia. My biggest complaint. You may as well get it loaded if it is a tax write-off. I think it is safest that way.

    If you are looking for an Internet sales person with her act together. Email Poway Toyota in San Diego County. You can use my name, not that it will get you any better deal. Got my business because she was no nonsense and was on the ball with a great price by email. No, come on down and we will jack you around like most dealers.
  • healthnuthealthnut Member Posts: 64
    My understanding is that the 2nd row console is removeable and that the captains chairs do indeed fold flat...

    [quote] The exterior seems average. It appears that someone ran out of time when designing the front end. Lights are too small for that size truck and the grill is offensive. The interior is equally concerning. [/quote]

    LMAO!! I don't disagree, its just that I don't see a whole heck of a lot of good choices with full size SUV's... :sick: :lemon: :cry:

    I'd get a fully loaded Escallade ESV but I think it uses more gas than the new sequoia and doesn't really offer anything better except maybe a nicer looking interior? I don't think they get good resale either... All of the other fullsize SUV's have lots of negative feedback... I wouldn;t trust the Licoln Navigator either... there are lots of MEDIUM sized SUV's that are great choices, but not FULL sized...
  • daallisodaalliso Member Posts: 16
    Mine will be light silver, like the one debuted in LA, to match my Airstream..... :D
  • daallisodaalliso Member Posts: 16
    I guess technically it's called Silver Sky Metallic..... :)
  • healthnuthealthnut Member Posts: 64
    My old 2002 sequoia was the light silver... I am strongly considering Black vs slate... I want to see if I can get the Black/Tan combo in Platinum...
  • healthnuthealthnut Member Posts: 64
    I went to the San Francisco auto show for Thanksgiving since I had to work Friday and my family is on the east coast... They had a white Platinum with grey interior at the show. they had it roped of becasue it was "pre-production" so the 'auto specialist' from Toyota said the regional manager had the keys and he couldn't open it up. Well, we did take down the rope and looked inside as well as inspected it from top to bottom.

    We have to agree, it looks like they ran out of time designing the front end and yes, the back looks like a Durango. We actuall prefer the old Sequioa front end as the grill is not that attractive. The headlights are too small for that vehicle. Additionally, the 20 inch rims are barely adequate with other manfacturers using 21 inch rims and optional 22 inch rims. I cannot imagine this vehicle with less than 20 inch rims. When it comes right down to it, all the GMC full size suv's look like the same chassis... really not all that much different. For full size SUV's there are not a lot of great chocies. The Infinity QX56(?) looked nice, but I have heard lots of mixed opinions on that 'modded Armada'.

    That being said, I was very dissapointed not to be able to see the Red Rock. The San Francisco car show was fairly lame this year. BMW didn't even bother to have ANY "M series" cars... really lame. Really a lame show...

    So all that effort and I couldn't even see the new BMW M3 which was at the LA auto show. And further, they only Sequoia at the show was white... how stupid. As if that is helpful on decision making. You'd think they'd have at least two of them at the show, perhaps a silver or black, and at least one of them displaying Red rock interior... Really a lame show.

    On a positive note, the second row captains chairs and center console seem very nice... I'd get the Sequioa based simply on lack of other choices in the market. they also have made quite a few nice ergonomic changes to the interior...
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Was it the Pearl Blizzard White color? I thought that was the color I wanted until I saw one. I like the Desert Sand Mica that I got. Dark colors in So CA are just too hot in the Summer. I am not a nut about keeping a car wiped down either so dark colors are out for us.

    I would say with your time constraints on getting one by 12/31 you will be limited in your choices. I would have considered a new GMC Denali. I was not impressed. I did drive the Escalade and liked it. My wife does not like the looks. The Mercedes 7 speed turned me off on our first choice GL320 CDI.

    Wish you the best finding that special vehicle in time.
  • sirrafsirraf Member Posts: 55
    Interesting... at least you got to see a new Sequoia.

    I went to the Arizona International Auto Show and they didn't even have a Sequoia. The Toyota representative at the show said that contrary to what Toyota says the new Sequoia will not be available until late January or February.
  • healthnuthealthnut Member Posts: 64
    That is just not true... I have copies of dealer printouts saying the assembly date... some will be here mid Dec... Various dealers are sending me copies of their invoices... They have all the specs, options, colors, everything but the price...
  • nedzelnedzel Member Posts: 787
    You want 22" rims? I guess you don't want to go offroad and don't mind a bad ride, bent rims, and blow tires.

    Personally, I wouldn't go beyond 17-18".
  • healthnuthealthnut Member Posts: 64
    Everybody else is providing 20+ inch rims... the fact that Toyota is finally offering 20 inch rims speaks for itself... And yes, I would not want less than 20 inch rims on this vehicle. 17 inch rims on a Sequoia? Sorry but I don't believe you are giving any good reasons at all, just smoke... :confuse:

    That being said, the 20 inch rims could be a little nicer as well...

    If I had to get an SR5 (like I had previously), I'd order the 20 inch rims...
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I can see no practical reason for anything bigger than the 17" rims that came standard on my Sequoia Limited. Then I like the better ride and off road usability. I personally think most of the big rims on SUVs are not very attractive. Unless of course they have spinners. Then I understand the mentality of the owners.
  • autozoneautozone Member Posts: 1
    I mean i have one of it. It looks okay(kind of like the dodge durango front). Here is the link. .Small lights. :D
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Welcome to the Forum. I cannot use your link.

    Not many seem to like the new Sequoia looks. It and the new Land Cruiser look kind of like the Highlander which looks like a fat station wagon.
  • 4rider4rider Member Posts: 96
    Just saw the 08 at SF auto show. What a dissapointment. Compared to the current model ,the08 looks fatter rather than bigger. A lot of blings but not much look and feel of ruggedness.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    That is kind of what I was afraid of. I figured the 08 would be more expensive and by that time the 07s would be in short supply Kind of looks like a big Highlander which I really do not like the looks of. If lots of folks are turned off by the 08 it should be easier to deal on them. If the NAV has XM integrated that would be a big plus for me. I am not at all happy with the electronics in my Sequoia.
  • healthnuthealthnut Member Posts: 64
    Believe me, if I could order a Sequoia without any electronics or even speakers, and have all excellent aftermarket stuff added and still be able to use it for tax write-off, I would. Maybe someone else knows how tax-writeoffs work... How hard would it be to not order all the Toyota electronics (get minimum) and then get the aftermarket stuff added and still do the tax writeoff on the car + aftermarket additions? It is too bad Toyota can't do the aftermarket additions since it could appear on the purchase sheet... Why are stock car electronics 3 years behind aftermarket and why do they have to suck so bad :mad:

    On another note, has anybody expecting to buy one before they land getting any deals? In other words, has anybody gotten an offer like $1-2K above invoice? I'd hope not to pay MSRP just because I want to get one before Dec 31st... Because by end of Feb, or possibly even immediately (depending on gas prices, economy, ugly factor), these prices could be back to normal ($500 above invoice).
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    My gut feeling is a serious buyer will get a deal on the 08. Big vehicles are not selling well right now. They can pull your leg all they want and the bottom line is they are not moving off the lots. I would start right now emailing all the dealers in your area. I would email Poway Toyota in San Diego for sure. Just to get an idea of what you should pay.
    Good luck, and keep us posted.
  • healthnuthealthnut Member Posts: 64
    A few dealers want me to put down a deposit without having much to offer... I'm also getting lots of mixed info... I told one dealer I don;t feel like paying full MSRP for a vehicle that is going to be nothing special in 2 months... That I didn't want it right away for need but for.... anyway... I really don't know how important it is to have the vin number before Dec 31st (tax writeoff)... Anyone have good advice on the tax writeoff? My guess is that enough people will hold off from buying them until they see them in the dealers lot so that I can grab a fully loaded Platinum as it hits the ground or slightly before... The only reason I'm in any hurry whatsover is because I need it for tax purposes for 2007.

    I'll email Poway... I'll just call on Monday. Lots of dealers out there...

    Anyone see the Slate Grey? I'm leaning that way now, although admittedly a black/tan would look great too, but high maintainance... Some people told me they have seen the light silver and were not too happy with its look... Wish I could wait until I see all the colors, but apparently you can see these colors on other toyota vehicles... One of my girl friends saw the desert mica and liked it, but also felt the light tan interior gave no contrast... She disliked the Red rock interior a lot... hmmmm... Then another dealer said Slate grey wan't avail till March, but that makes no sense... There is just so much bad info floating around... Bottom line is I wish I knew what to do about this tax writeoff situation....
  • healthnuthealthnut Member Posts: 64
    I know that you can remove the center console in the second row... So I assume I am correct when you can fold the 2nd row captains chairs flat as well? Just want to make sure this thing can be as useful as the bench which folds flat for max cargo area when needed....
  • jci1jci1 Member Posts: 34
    "Anyone have good advice on the tax writeoff?"

    I bet an accountant would, call one and get the scoop.

    "One of my girl friends saw the desert mica and liked it, but also felt the light tan interior gave no contrast... She disliked the Red rock interior a lot"

    Evidently you have other girlfriends, best not to try and please just one, get what you like
  • nedzelnedzel Member Posts: 787
    Healthnut: 20 inch rims are for looks, not performance. The wheels and tires cost much more than 18" rims. The wheels are heavier, increasing unsprung weight. The increase in unsprung weight and the shorter, stiffer sidewalls reduce the compliance of the ride. The shorter, stiffer sidewalls reduce the protection for both the tires and rims, and both are more easily damaged by potholes on road and rocks offroad. The shorter, stiffer sidewalls reduce offroad performance on sand, where you need to lower your tire pressure to expand your contact area -- the stiffer sidewalls prevent the contact patch expansion.

    Sorry, but that's not smoke, that's reality.
  • nedzelnedzel Member Posts: 787
    I'm guessing you won't get deals right away. Give it a few months after they are released. Before long, I suspect Toyota will have to put $$$$ on the hood to move the new Sequoias, just like all the other manufacturers need to do to move their full size SUVs.
  • baseballmom97baseballmom97 Member Posts: 101
    Healthnut, have you considered buying a brand new 2007 Sequoia (at a big discount) so that you can take the tax write-off and then trading it in on a 2008 in a year or two when the prices come down?

    A lot of people think the old body style is actually nicer and the gas mileage was better as well. I loved my '04 and thought it was the perfect size.
  • healthnuthealthnut Member Posts: 64
    All very good points... Thank-you. I do like the ergonomic differences of the 2008 though... hmmm.
  • carnutincacarnutinca Member Posts: 35
    Gas is $3.50 all over So. Cal. As soon as a good supply comes in of the 08's I would bet there will at least be a dealer incentive of some kind.
  • 4rider4rider Member Posts: 96
    "A lot of people think the old body style is actually nicer and the gas mileage was better as well. I loved my '04 and thought it was the perfect size. "

    The old body is WAY nicer and it is an SUV looks like an SUV whereas the newer one is a SUV looks more like a mini van.
  • healthnuthealthnut Member Posts: 64
    We know the price on these will drop quickly... soon after the first batch. What makes me mad is that the ONLY reason I want one of the first batch is because of tax purposes.

    I dunno, maybe I'll look at the 07 rebates if the dealers want me to pay full retail on the fisrt batch... doesn't do much good to get tax writeoff when you overpay for the car by $5,000.00
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