Toyota Sequoia

nighter50 · May 2001

I just picked up my new SR5 4X4 tonight! I have read that you are looking to reduce the noise in your truck. My drive home seemed quiet compared to my old truck (except tried the sunroof and got the flutter when it was fully open). But I would appreciate it if you can keep us informed here about what you find out in regards to noise reduction. Thanks. Happy truckin'

mmcgregor · May 2001

A good grip with finger tips will do it. It has plastic clips molded in and it will pop out and snap right back in. If you can't get it out try a screwdriver (carefully). Say hi to your rear AC unit while you're in there.

rruck1 · May 2001

Page 22. - It's the fold out page that lists the SR5 Option Packages.
"Preferrred Package - Includes leather trimmed interior (seats and steering wheel) with power adjustable heated front captains chairs with adjustable headrests and JBL Premium 3-in-1 AM/FM ETR/Cassette/CD with 6-disc CD changer and 10 speakers"

on the next page it states (in VERY small print)...
"Specifications, standard features and available equipment are based upon information available at the time of printing, are subject to change without notice, are for mainland U.S.A. vehicles only and may differ in the state of Hawaii and in other regions"

BTW - Toyota's website does not list heated seats as part of the package.

I didn't get this option, but I would be pretty upset if the dealer handed me a brochure and didn't alert me to this issue when ordering the vehicle. It is their job to know if something has been changed. If they didn't know or Toyota didn't tell them then they should install the option for nada.

If somebody ordered this knowing that it wasn't going to be there and then noticed it listed in the brochure and is basically trying for a freebie - slimeball.

reticent1 · May 2001

The thing that totally surprised me was that the factory "PM" package left the door sides being cloth. While that can be changed, because there are wonderful leather shops that do that leather color-match upgrade to doorsides, it seems odd. That package at MSRP costs $3035. The only other item it features is the 6-disc in-dash changer + JBL upgrade (worth what? $500 bucks) so unless you need the sidecurtain airbags in the SR5, best avenue is to have a quality leather outfit (Classic, across the country) do leather to t non "GY" equipped car. They do doorsides, seat surfaces, headrests etc. I just think you get better "bang" for the buck that way, losing the "EJ" code item in the process.

While many "PM" cars have been order-built for many folks, the surprise to me personally was that they left doorsides cloth and didn't heat the seats. And, that really isn't a change for the coming year. The only change I know for certain for SEQ is that the Limiteds will most likely get a gold-toned Hammertone finish, keeping the silvery hammertone for the cars with gray leather in Limiteds. That hammertone being silver in a car with oak interior really wasn't that color-coordinated. The factory still won't "give" and do wood in that car. They want to stay with the hammertone, and they believe they have found what they call a "countermeasure" in creating the gold hammertone.

-Ret

seqedg · May 2001

Very Frustrating - If you are listening to the radio and then want to switch to the CD, the antenna will not go down. In order to get the antenna to go down, you have turn off the radio and turn it back on in CD mode. Does anybody have any fixes for this?

rruck1 · May 2001

No fix cause it ain't broke. The radio antennae is working the way it was designed. There have been a few complaints about this, but short of rewiring the antennae and possibly replacing the stereo I'm not sure how you could get this to work.

thirdsuv · May 2001

Installing backup sensor. Need to snake some small wires from outside into the rear access quarter panels inside cargo area. Ideally the passenger side. Has anybody done it already and can tell how?

vatrahos · May 2001

I agonized over the last week about making a decision I would regret.(After all, a year ago I bought an f-150 crew cab that I now had to trade because of two 4 month olds) I wanted it all, towing capacity, road manners, cargo capacity, and of course comfortable back seats! I have never owned a Japanese car and have been a satisfied owner of american cars/trucks. My wife or I like to sit in the backseat with kids for trips. There is no comparison between the Seqouia seats and GM line. Expedition ofers comfortable rear seats, but the model is dated and the resale sucks. I paid $2000 under MSRP for a loaded sr5. within 1100 dollars of a similarly equipped sububan.....but I still lose 1500 pounds towing capacity. what can you do? oh and btw the tahoe was too small and the suburban too big.

surfjp · May 2001

I just love that new car scent!

I picked up my loaded 4x4 SR5 (Blue Marlin Pearl) yesterday, and first impressions were quite good. This vehicle has enough room and power for my growing family. The color combination came out nice, much much better than i expected. I'm not overly impressed with the dash layout, but they are functional. I think Toyota has a winner in this vehicle - enough to snake a respectable share of the segment from the big3. This is my second SUV, the first being the Lexus RX300. I decided not to turn in the RX300, I just love this vehicle. Now, I better find a way to pay for both

keep up the posts!

reticent1 · May 2001

That blue marlin sure is a nice looking color!

lcd1 · May 2001

I successfully added Dynamat Extreme to the hood of my Sequoia and a layer of heat shield insulation (JCWhitney part # 01zx7643R). The result in noise reduction and hood temperature reduction is is very noticeable.

I bought two Dynamat boxes (4sq. feet each) and made a template for each of the odd shaped spaces under the hood. Then, I put the templates on the Dynamat and traced their shapes and cut them up. After that, I cleaned the underside of the hood with alcohol and applied the Dynamat pieces. I drove the truck around just right before starting this project, so the hood was nicely hot, which helped the installation of the Dynamat.

I numbered each piece and each space so there was no confusion what piece goes where.

After applying the Dynamat, I cut up a piece of the heat shield insulation about 51x28inches, or something like that. I then temporarily taped it to the underside of the hood and made a final sizing and position adjustment. My wife used a broom to prop the middle section up to stop it from sagging. I then sprayed Heat Shield Contact Adhesive (JCWhitney 81zx4606B) one one edge of the liner and glued it into place. Then, I used aluminum tape to seal the edge.

With one edge affixed to the hood, the rest was easy to glue to the hood. I sprayed the adhesive liberally on the ribs on the underside of the hood and on the dynamat and immediately applied pressure to the liner to make it stick to the hood.

Well, I drove the truck. The topside of the hood felt very cool to the touch as compared to before having the liner installed. As for quietness, I can hear the difference, particularly during acceleration.

I wish I had a sound level meter to measure the noise reduction.

As JCWhitney only sells the heat shield insulation in a bulk roll (4ftx24ft or 4x48), I had to shell out$79.95 for a roll and $9.95 for a can of adhesive. I still have plenty of both. Anyone interest in getting a piece of insulation big enough for the hood and the rest of the can of adhesive, please let me know. I could use some help in sharing the cost of the materials.

This was my first project to reduce noise in the Sequoia. My wife thought I was crazy to work on the already quiet car. I am apprehensive about take the door panels off for fear of introducing rattles. Once I've overcome that fear, I will add sound deadening material to the doors.

By the way, my wife benefits so much from marying an engineer.

lcd@ureach.com

nota4re · May 2001

Hi all,

My shop manuals haven't arrived yet but I need to know where the stock location is fro the radio amplifier. (I have the upgraded JBL system if that matters.) Thanks for any help.

cwhit3 · May 2001

Does anyone know of an internet sales company offering any significant discounts off MSRP on the Sequoia? Also, other than "bells and whistles", does anyone know of any real differences between the more affordable SR-5 and the 40K plus Limited?

Thanks from a pretty much convinced Sequoia buyer-to-be.

adebisi1 · May 2001

Are you planning on adding any upgrades to your JBL system? Also,did you receive your Sequoia yet?I'm going to put in an order for mine this week(enough waiting already).

adebisi1 · May 2001

Anyone know if the 2002 Sequoia will come with memory seats?

obyone · May 2001

where's Cliffy?

reticent1 · May 2001

cwhit, I do.

And, nota4re, it's certainly nice to see you here after a long stint at the LC boards. :>

Cliffy's alive, well, just busy, watch the boards, we're sure lucky he's around too.

-Ret

lcd1 · May 2001

Someone posted the installation of the foglights. Could that someone tell me if it is the upright (9593) or the regular (9591) model. Thanks.

If I remember correctly, Toyota FL are pretty expensive too. Has anyone else installed the Toyota ones?

cliffy1 · May 2001

Still here. I just haven't had much to add to the conversation for the past couple of days. Don't worry though, I'm not going anywhere.

zinny2 · May 2001

I had the 959's installed. They are put in upright but the actually are connected right off the back. That bracket pivots from pointing up to pointing straight back. They look great.

Zinny

obyone · May 2001

Glad to see you're still around....was getting kinda worried. ;-)

6burgs · May 2001

Anyone know when the Sequoia will undergo crash test ratings? Hate to buy without knowing the thing is safe.

6burgs · May 2001

Heard that running the Sequoia in 4wd on dry pavement will ruin it. While I know that it's generally not a good idea to do so, there are times when you either can't tell or forget. Anyone know about this?

thirdsuv · May 2001

Any chance we're going to see some pics?

How long did it take to install per light?
How close does the shape of the lamp fit in the
bumper cutout?

If I'm going to spend $250 on Toyota fogs I may as well buy the PIAAs and get a heck of a better light.

decodog · May 2001

Count me in on the heated seat issue. I ordered a fully loaded silver sky SR-5 in December including the preferred package. My salesman and I were both aware that the brochure stated heated seats with this package. My vehicle arrived in early February. I was so dismayed by the fact that heated seats were not included, I took my deposit and walked away. My salesman ended knocking another $500 off the deal and I purchased the vehicle two weeks later. I agree that Toyota misled us and we deserve some compensation. In my opinion, the heated seat option is worth about $500-$600 in some form of compensation.

cnw57 · May 2001

I still say all of the PM purchasers that review this site should unite, all call Toyota, send faxes, call the switchboards, and protest, protest, protest. It is not fair, misprint or no misprint, we were dupped and we should be compensated. Let's call our group "PMPM" for PM Purchasers Mislead. All start the charges.

cliffy1 · May 2001

I have a serious question for you. If you discovered that Toyota had added a feature and it was not in the brochure, should they be able to come back to you after the sale and insist that you pay more for it? What if that feature was indvertantly added? What if a stereo component supplied by a sub contractor had more features than Toyota was aware of? Should they then be able to go to the consumers who bought them and ask for their money back?

mcmatt · May 2001

With the JBL system, there are two amplifiers, a front and a rear. The front one is in the dash under the radio and the rear one is in the center console. I haven't disassembled all this yet so I don't have exact details.

thirdsuv · May 2001

Two long pleasent (lots of "we're sorrys" from phone drone) conversations with Toyota US. Their position is that it is the dealers fault and thus its the dealers decision about remediation.
They didn't have an answer to the question "When (if ever) did you send an alert to the dealers notyfying them of the misprint?".

Toyota US position is that I should be satisfied by accepting their offer of two free oil changes. I politely declined. They consider the seat issue an issue that cannot be cause for mediation. Can I force that mediation issue?

Another simple question. Can I take Toyota US to small claims court? My understanding of small claims is that you can't be represented by a lawyer and I don't see how Toyota could manage that.

decodog · May 2001

I find it very interesting that they offered you two free oil changes for being misled on the PM package. They offered me nothing. I sent a email (via toyotaowners.com) and called Toyota USA about this issue some 8 weeks ago to seek compensation. I politely asked for either a $500 refund, $500 gift certificate for Toyota accessories, 10 free oil changes, or an extended warranty. I was trying to be flexible. The customer service representative says that Toyota USA is not responsible for changes made from the brochure and would not compensate me. She referred me to the small print in brochure about "information being subject to change." I asked her what a customer is supposed to do when ordering a vehicle to ensure that they will get what they ordered. She said that a buyer is not guaranteed to get what they order. She said that the dealer preferences what the customer wants but the Toyota may not provide that vehicle. The customer has the option to take it or leave it. I was very surprised to hear this. Doesn't exactly give you a warm tingly feeling does it.

outrun · May 2001

I like this line:
"She said that a buyer is not guaranteed to get what they order."

Now THAT builds confidence. I was looking to buy a Sequoia Limited a month or so ago (bought an RX300 instead), but it's still the same company.

So if I order a hotdog, and get a hamburger, I'm required to take it without complaining?

I also like the ingredients of some food products. "Cottonseed and/or Sunflower and/or Peanut oil". Don't they know what's in their products??

-Craig

thirdsuv · May 2001

It's getting so hot in this forum, maybe I don't need the heated seats.

After the operator went on hold for about 3-4 minutes he came back saying mediation wasn't an option. He they started on how many calls they got about this and how "very proactive" Toyota was being on this issue. I just let him dig himself deeper in talking about how Toyota was attending to this misprint issue. Then I asked...

"This issue has been highly visible in the internet boards since January and that were frequented by high volume dealers. Why is my dealer and many other dealers in the dark?"

More importantly...

"I just ordered a Sequoia brochure from your website last week and it arrived with the same misprint. Not even a simple sticker was placed over the misprint."

The phone was silent. I realized that it would do neither me or the operator any good to get excited.

I'm just going to go back to my documentation and figure out what value I thought was being added for heated seats. If knew I wasn't getting heated seats I would have went with the much lower costing port added leather since I did not give a hoot about the 6 CD player upgrade.

Once I get that number it's back to Toyota USA for one last attempt (before I go legal). Personally, I'd be most satisfied if they just put the heaters in. I'm more interested in the heaters then the money. I believe the OEM cost to Toyota for a premium dual-zone carbon fiber heater is $14. $28 and probably a couple hours of tech time doesn't sound too expensive for Toyota.

nighter50 · May 2001

thanks for the information. where did you get the seat heaters from and who installed them?

thanks

thirdsuv · May 2001

Cliffy said..

"There are a number of sources at your disposal and the brochure is one of them. If you learn one thing from one source and something else from another, which do you believe?"

Hmmm...OK, I'll bite....Search on Toyota Sequoia at Edmunds.com.....Option packages....PM Package...

"Leather seat upholstery, Leather 2nd-row seat, Heated driver and passenger seat, Includes: [CC] Captain Chairs/Fabric And [DJ] JBL 3-in-1 Premium Comb"

I already have the screen capture with time and date stamp. I call it evidence exhibit #12.

ganja · May 2001

IS the sequoia's length really 203 inches. It looks really longer than that if you take into account the steps or boards at the back to get in to the cargo. Anybody please confirm. My measured my garage and is about 205 inches (excluding the 5 inches I gave for the garage door sensor)
I test drove and was happy but for some heavy feeling under my seat :-) but my wife is scared to drive this monster and not happy with 11miles/gal MPG. What is the best mileage for city driving?
Thanks

sender1 · May 2001

I ordered my SR5 back in November and this topic was being discussed as far back to the beginning of Dec. I called Toyota back then and nobody there was even aware that the brochure they put out was different than the info the dealers received. My dealer had never had one come in with the PM package and he was totally unaware of the misprint. Toyota did nothing for me but thank me for pointing out the error. I would have put in the aftermarket leather which would have been less expensive. So, Toyota has known about this for at least 5-6 months and has done nothing to correct the situation.

fireengineer · May 2001

I've had SEQ 2wd for a month and 2000 miles. Surprisingly!, I have averaged 12.5 mpg; and that is with a light right foot. Trip computer advises me that I'm getting 15.5 mpg (city), and that with 188 miles on the odometer for this tank of fuel, I'll be able to go another 139 miles. Somehow, with a 26 gallon fuel tank, that is not averaging 15.5 mpg. Me thinks there are several non-networked computers crunching numbers when it comes to "average mpg', and "DTE." Yes, I have zeroed out the computer average after each tankful.

nighter50 · May 2001

what is the largest size tire that anyone has put on their sequoia? Read on other site that someone had 285/70/16 on stock setup with just a bit of rub on full turn. Any other experiences out there with larger tires?

Thanks in advance.

nighter50 · May 2001

Has anybody gone to the K&N air filter? I have never used one before and am thinking of getting one for my new SEQ. Would love comments on horsepower and gas mileage improvements.

Thanks.

siasconset · May 2001

Nice logic there. I think that more falls under the if the post office delivers a package in error to your house it's yours. Bank error in your favor. Ever play Monopoly? I agree with you that they have the disclaimer in the brochure and are legaly in the right. But if everyone is angry and they all hate "Toyota" Dealers Corporate Customer Service etc does it really matter?
Someone mentioned a "measley" hundred dollars. A billionaire I'm sure. Well work that out over 60,000 Sequoias a potential of six million dollars of extra revenue. It's just a slimey way of going about getting it. The real problem is that the customers who put food on your table and everone else on up to the guy lunching on sushi and $170.00 Kobe steaks in Japan think there is a problem and they are not happy about the way it is being handled. So keep the garbage about extra features on a radio and going to collect money for it.

rruck1 · May 2001

I gotta believe that this is a dealer issue. The dealer represents Toyota to the consumer and if they don't know what is going on then it is their problem. I think that at the time of the sale/delivery of the vehicle the dealer should make reparations to the customer IF the issue wasn't brought to light during the sales process.

decodog - weren't you already compensated for the lack of heated seats when the dealer took the extra 500 bucks off the deal?

Cliffy - I see the logic behind your argument, but this is a society that doesn't apply the same values to both sides of the street. For example - If you short change me then you are a thief and a cheat, but if you give me too much change back then you are an idiot for miscounting and your loss is my gain. The concept of 'Bank error in your favor - collect $10 dollars' implies that a person without honor would not point the error out to the bank and return the money. Unfortunately this is the way that the majority of people think.

decodog · May 2001

I live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and had an outfit called Automotive Innovations in Iowa City install the seat heaters. They did my factory fog lights as well. The seat heaters heat both the seat cushion and seat backs. The heaters have two settings (just like the factory ones). Again, I had them use the Sequoia Limited Seat Heater switches (available from toyotaparts4u.com)so I have a total factory look. The installer also went the extra mile for me and gave me full functionality of the switches. Meaning all position and illumination features of the switches work. Then again, I will settle for nothing less than a factory look.

obyone · May 2001

I was wondering the same thing too....

rruck1

Maybe this has something to do with what did you say, "a person without honor"....yeah that's it.

decodog · May 2001

Rruck stated: "decodog - weren't you already compensated for the lack of heated seats when the dealer took the extra 500 bucks off the deal?"

You could probably look at that way but who knows really. I mean the dealer still made a good profit and probably should have discounted more for me originally. But I don't think this is a dealer issue at all. My dealership was as much in the dark as I was. Toyota USA is to blame.

dbehringer · May 2001

I have been getting between 14.44mpg and 14.68 mpg in city driving. Guess I should consider myself lucky. Don't know what kind of highway milage I get yet.

petro33 · May 2001

the manual for the sequoia says that the tank holds 26 gallons. I ran the tank down so the the computer said I had only 30 miles to go before I ran out of gas, I could only get 21 gallons in the tank. The pump kept tripping off and I was reluctant to "overfill" the tank. What gives? Has anyone else had this problem?

ganja · May 2001

Suppose I configure the SR5 with options like convenience, side airbags, dual AC, preferred package, glass breakage sensor, roofrack etc...there is a 3-4K price differential..why is this?

Can I also get a CD changer with SR5 and memory seats?
Any thoughts? What other goodies does the LTD have to command this price differential?
Thanks

adebisi1 · May 2001

decodog you stated that you can get the bumpers color-keyed for $1200?Can you let me know if this is a service your Toyota dealer offered you or from another company?

adebisi1 · May 2001

I can tell you right off the bat....there are NO memory seats available!This is an option I was looking and hoping for also.

From what I hear,memory seats will not be an option in the 2002 model either.But lets wait and see!

rruck1 · May 2001

The dealer represents Toyota to the consumer and therefore should not be able to claim ignorance of Toyota package or policy changes. I understand that it can happen, but this is a problem between the dealer and Toyota, not the consumer and Toyota. If the dealer didn't know about the problem then they should either compensate the consumer by installing aftermarket components or offering some sort of cash incentive. If they refuse to do either then it's up to the consumer to either accept the vehicle and deal as is or walk away from it. These people are supposed to be professionals, if they don't know what is going on, why bother giving them your money. Any dealer that claims they didn't know the brochure was wrong and that it's a problem with Toyota Motor Company and that they can't do anything about it doesn't deserve your business.
I would urge everyone who is ticked off about this to shift their focus to "my dealer doesn't know what is going on with the manufacturer that they are supposed to represent" I would think you would have a better chance of getting something done when the satisfaction ratings that dealers are so concerned about are affected.

Toyota Sequoia

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