Toyota Sequoia

robynk · June 2001

misse: my solution to the window lock nuisance with kids is to keep them locked at first so your kids get used to not being able to use the windows. Then once they stop trying you can unlock it and use the windows yourself as necessary. As long as they *think* you always keep the window locks on, they won't bother trying to play with them.

pbhorto · June 2001

Anyone have any experience with roof-top carriers on a Seq? Any recommendations? Looking at Thule, Yakima, Packasport type carriers.

robynk · June 2001

pbhorto, I don't have any suggestions for you but your question reminded me of one of my own.

Does anyone have any experience with a bike carrier you can mount on the back of the sequoia and still open the rear hatch?

Thanks in advance!

wbiassou · June 2001

I've been looking at roof-top carriers, and I have decided to go with Yakima. I think Yakima has been in the business long before these other guys. That's just my bias option... Their carriers are also more aero dynamic.

wbiassou · June 2001

Bike carriers, go to Yakima.com, I saw several but they are a bit much...

sequoiasaurus · June 2001

After 8 months of ownership and 10,000 this week, I average a consistent 12 - 12.5 mpg in town and about 16 mpg hwy at 70-78 mph.

Most of my driving is in town (90%) and the rest hwy. I do have a lead foot so I expect to get a little worse than average but I must admit it hurts when I go to the pumps, although gas here is now $1.29 gal.

The only fault I have had with my Seq is a two sticky seat controls due to a design problem. Toyota is sending new trim kits for the seat controls because they cause the levers to stick. Other than that no problems at all.

gpm5 · June 2001

That's cheap!--that would not hurt me at all--our gas here is $1.89 for 87 octane and has been higher. I paid almost 2.00 per gallon for 87 octane in NY when on a trip this weekend.

3lakeswi · June 2001

We considered another Yukon, but we read so many good things about the Sequoia in this forum and in the print media that we decided to go for the Sequoia. Additionally, as I said before, this was my wife's vehicle and she had the ultimate say-so in what she wanted. Which ended up being the Sequoia.

Don't get me wrong, overall we are very happy with the Sequoia. It does have more rear seat room than the Yukon. Not sure if it has more or less then the XL/Suburban though. Also hoping the trade-in value will be better than it's American rivals.

gpvs · June 2001

There's a yakima hitch mounted rack that swings away or folds down, so you can still open the rear hatch. You must have a hitch receiver, though.

wbiassou · June 2001

Bike carriers, go to Yakima.com, I saw several but they are a bit much...

wbiassou · June 2001

Yes I do have a hitch mounted receiver.

npep · June 2001

Top carriers will be very high to load and unload bikes, just something to think about. I purchased a rear carrier from the following:

http://www.ageebike.com/yakima.htm

It was the lowest price I could find. Check out the TerraGate and the ROC line. Both are excellent.

714cut · June 2001

Just curious, which vehicle does your wife prefer?
Also have you had any problems with either the Yukon or the Sequoia?

dan165 · June 2001

Having driven the Yukon for several days now, I can honestly say it compares very well with my Sequoia. I suppose the Sequoia's interior is a slight bit more refined, but I like the Yukon's interior better in some ways also.

People can say what they want about GM being crap, and maybe some stuff they make is but, the Yukon is a solid truck and a great value. I hope I am still saying that a year from now.

3lakeswi · June 2001

My wife likes the styling of the Sequoia far better than the Yukon, but prefers the comfort of the Yukon over the Sequoia. I would say overall she is split. Part of the Yukon's appeal to us both is leather seating (we have cloth in the Sequoia) on those great big recliner type seats. Heated seats and infinite seat adjustments make driving the Yukon, especially on long trips, a pleasure.

I would have to say the biggest disappointments with the Sequoia are the stereo (Does anyone know of some simple modifications that can be made to improve the stereo?) and the climate control system that seems to blow cold air even when off. Two minor complaints that we can live with, but hey, isn't this a Toyota?

wbiassou · June 2001

To avoid air flow, when the AC is off. Press the re circulate button, this prevents outside air from coming thru the vents.

3lakeswi · June 2001

wbiassou,

I believe I tried that. How come on the digital display it still shows wherever you have the vents pointed. It seems to me that "Off" should be off. Nothing displayed, no air, nothing. I like the dials that they use on the system just not the system itself. I think it could also use more fan speeds. There are basically only 4 (or is it 5) fan speeds if you go by the progress bars on the display.

Thanks for the tip, I'll try it again.

Jeff

wbiassou · June 2001

Comedydrama
I would like to thank you in assisting me in locating and resolving my problem with the blown fuses. My dealership is ordering a new visor,and will be testing the electrical system, for any other shorts. The wire on the visor was frayed.
Has anyone changed their brake pads yet ? and what was the mileage when you changed it ?

thirdsuv · June 2001

I can understand a somewhat reasonable (I'm being gracious) debate about VALUE between these two vehicles. But when you disregard price, I think you're in the fringe element when you try to argue Yuckon is a BETTER vehicle. The Yuckon sounded like my 2YO was under the engine with some pots and pans. The interior is straight out of 1980 with no doubt the same clunky and mismatched switchgear.

I'd guess that GM and Ford has no intention of trying to upgrade their FS SUV's to the Toyota level unless Toyota decides to up their production from 60K. GM/Ford will just assume that Toyota will sell their 60K no matter what and therefore they need to only be as good each other (which ain't askin much).

Due to the scarcity of the vehicle a lot of my wifes's friends are driving 2001 Subs, Yukon, and Expys and knew nothing about the Toyota. My wife has been requested to provide many test drives and there hasn't been one friend who after a test drive wasn't kicking themselves. Just a lot of open jaws and oooohs and aaahs and wows.

dindak · June 2001

You obviously are not being objective if you are calling the Yukon a "Yuckon". If you want to be taken seriously, you might want to make your argument a little less like a kid.

Vehicles are very comparable and both have their pluses and minuses.

pgarrow · June 2001

You sure run in a very elite circle when all of your wife's friends have new 2001 full size SUVs.

You must live in the one neighborhood in the whole country where full size SUV sales are up.

And they all request test-drives and "oooh" and "aaah"?

I test drove a Sequoia and never once felt compelled to "Oooh" or "Aaah" (maybe that's a girl thing). I just thought it was a nice truck that is currently outside of my budget.

But then again I don't live in a neighborhood where all my wife's friends drive new 2001 full size SUVs ;-)

cliffy1 · June 2001

Relax a bit guys. Read these posts with a smile on your face and this whole exercise will be much more fun.

gpm5 · June 2001

I was considering a suburban which is the lengthened version of the yukon or equivalnet to the yukon XL, and I probably was biased toward it, but I drove the sequoia and was more impressed with the sequoia. The offcenter steering wheel from the center of the drivers seat is really bothersome in the suburban/yukon XL and is something they could easily correct by changing the center console--but they continue to produce them in 2002 with this problem as they did in 2001 and 2000--IMO a sign of poor quality and craftsmanship.

sandman14 · June 2001

I was told by a Toyota salesperson that the Auto 4WD could only be engaged at speeds below 60 mpg, otherwise the transfer case would be damaged. I then verified this with Toyota. I don't understand why Toyota could not make this system fool-proof by having an auto-shutoff based on the speed.

I think I would have a coronary if while driving and focusing on the road I hit 4WD instead of station button six. It forces my to remember whether or not I'm in 4WD.

I don't think that feature is to too hard to add. If they don't add it for 2002, I'll stick with the 2WD models.

cliffy1 · June 2001

You will not hurt anything if you actually hit the button when going faster than 62 (100 KPH). It just wont engage until you slow down. Once engaged, you can go in excess of 62, but you need to drop down before it will engage.

dptbones · June 2001

My neighbor purchased a sr5 in november of 2000 from a southeast dealer. I really like the color and would like the same one. It is Desert sand mica with Mocha. Thats what it says on his sticker. When I go to the toyota or Edmund's web site, all I can see is the Desert sand with warm silver trim. This results in a two tone SUV, my neighbor's is so close that even up close it looks like the same color over the wheels as on the body. Does anyone know what the deal is? Can I get this color? I'm not ready yet to make any offers. I have a big project in mid july that has all these plans on hold, however when july 13th hits I need to move fast so I'm trying to get some background research done first. Also any experiences with southeastern dealers in terms of invoice plus or sticker minus? Thanks is advance.

gpm5 · June 2001

That's right. If you engage 4WD over 60 it just beeps at you and does nothing. Once you slow down you can engage 4WD. BTW, 4WD is pretty much transparent on the sequoia in that one can not tell that there is a difference.

toyotatoys · June 2001

Have you heard of the "not acceptable" rating that the CR gave the Mitsubishi Montero? I wonder how the Sequoia would fare?

oac3 · June 2001

don't bother with these naysayers.... they will gnaw at you until you bite and respond. it is no one's fault if they don't have friends and neighbors who drive '01 models of anything. geez, do you have to always apologize for having smart and obviously well-heeled friends ? :-) the sequoia is miles ahead of the yuckon. eat your heartsout gm and apologists... when the general and ford realizes how much better the sequoia is compared to the generic bland stuff they put out year over year, maybe they will be forced to actually design their f/s suv from the ground up, instead of from the parts bin...

my friends and wife's friends who have test driven my sequoia have oohhdd... and ahhddd over how smooth the car drives. some of the apologists for the general here have not even driven the sequoia yet they make comments based on incomplete data. wonder where their information is coming from ? oh, i am forgetting. edmund's of course... :-)

as the aussies would say, "thirdsuv, no worries, mate"

lcd1 · June 2001

After sitting for two weeks, my Seq headlamp refused to turn off when the "lock" button on the remote is depressed twice. I thought it might be a sticky relay. I decided to give the Seq. a chance to correct itself by driving it around for a bit. It did correct itself, just like the non-working side mirror that corrected it's own problem.

Has anyone noticed a clunking noise when coming to a stop? It sounds like the a loose drive shaft or something. Since this is my first 4x4, I don't know if this is normal.

sandman14 · June 2001

So, once you're in 4WD, will it turn off if you go above 62 mph or do you just have to be aware of your speed?

curious33 · June 2001

I've been quiet for awhile until it arrived! Now that it's in the garage, I thought I would share my experience with those in the Southeast who have had questions about best price and finding side air bags in our region. Here's my southern buying experience....hope it helps!

Started by doing my research (thanks Cliffy, Dianne and other contributors to this site). I wanted to order EXACTLY what I wanted and I didn't mind driving or waiting for my special order. I spent 2 days calling and e-mailing dealers throughout the Southeast, including some recommended on this website.

I was surprised by some reactions (or lack of reactions) and the variance in prices. For example, a dealer in Atlanta even stated: "You are not going to find an SR5 with airbags in the Southeast and no, we can't order one."

I checked with dealers in Atlanta (Cobb, Sandy Springs, Duluth, Conyers, and Roswell); Tuscaloosa, AL; Hollywood, FL; Tampa Bay, FL; Hickory, Raleigh, Hendersonville, and Asheville, NC; Cleveland and Knoxville, TN. I explained that all they had to do was place my order and make a reasonable profit.

Three dealers gave good offers: Knoxville,TN; Asheville, NC, and Hendersonville, NC. We went with Toyota of Knoxville. (FYI, Tennessee gets their vehicles from Indiana while North Carolina is in the "Southeast Region.")

We got a 2WD, SR5 with AC, AH, CQ, FE, GY, PM, and CF for $3800 less that the TOTAL cost listed on the sticker (including destination costs). Specifically, we placed our order and 10 weeks later received EXACTLY what we wanted for $34,100 plus tax.

It's gorgeous! A real head turner! Just hope I can get used to how huge it feels! By the way, we ordered it without the roof rack (despite several comments that we'd be the only ones in the nation without a roof rack) so that it would fit in our garage! Even the salemen all said they were amazed how sleek it looked without the rack--Course it's black and you really don't miss the rack as much.

Hope this helps fellow Southerners out there. Other writers on this site sure helped me when I needed it.

comedydrama · June 2001

Here are the color codes for 2001/2002 TUNDRA and SEQUOIA:

4Q2 = Sand Beige

1C7 = Thunder Gray (will be replaced by 1E3 gray for 2002 Model Year )

6Q7 = Imperial Jade Green

8L7 = Stellar blue (dark-purple -- will be replaced by 8Q0 blue for 2002 )

1E3 = dark silver ( 2002 only )

4Q7 = chestnut brown ( will be discontinued )

056 = white

1D6 = silver sky

8P9 = blue marlin

3K4 = sunfire red ( will be replaced by 3Q3 red in 2002 )

202 = black

AD7 = gold silver

CD

thirdsuv · June 2001

OAC3 said...

"when the general and ford realizes how much better the sequoia is compared to the generic bland stuff they put out year over year, maybe they will be forced to actually design their f/s suv from the ground up, instead of from the parts bin"

It seems when GM/Ford want to a re-design their biggest objective is cost reduction and cheapening rather then making it better....witness the 2002 Explorer. I haven't been inside one but if half the comments in the forum are true they really cost reduced the interior. Also who in their right mind would want a first year aluminum V8 from Ford?

obyone · June 2001

I'm curious. What does an aluminum V8 have to do with the Sequoia; the explorer also? What is wrong with the aluminum V8?

You're losing me with your posts as it doesn't have anything to do with the topic, "Toyota Sequoia".

suznjones · June 2001

Once in 4x4 mode you can go as fast as you want.

jammb1 · June 2001

How much do you think I could get for my 2001 SR5 2WD with convienence package, roof rack, captains chairs, privacy glass, breakage sensor, trip accessories that totalled $33,600 MSRP+ttl at time of purchase. The color is white and it as you all know is an awesome vehicle...we have put almost 12500 miles on it to date....anyone have more miles? I would be selling the vehicle to a private party....thanks for your thoughts as there are no valuations out there for used Seq's that I am aware of....

simetra · June 2001

I am considering purchase of a Sequioa, and have a question for those who already have one:

Just exactly how well does this thing handle in deep river bottom mud? I know no one wants to do this kind of driving on a new vehicle, but Edmunds' off-road test sounded dry, and I will be in (and out of)the woods from November to January and probably periodically throughout the year. I need an SUV that can do this type of duty as well as serving its more common function (safer station wagon!).

Anyone with any experience doing muddy off-road can sure help me with a reply.

Thanks
my

thirdsuv · June 2001

"What is wrong with the aluminum V8?"

I don't know, why don't you ask ford why they kept delaying the release of the engine?

"You're losing me with your posts as it doesn't have anything to do with the topic, "Toyota Sequoia"

My post a couple days back was not a first strike. It simply was a logical counterstike to the crud that's been flowing in the last few days prior.

comptech4 · June 2001

1. Did I read your post correctly that the Stellar Blue or 8Q0 blue a color will be available on the 2002 Sequoia? 2. Is the "Sand Beige" the same as the Desert Sand Mica? 3. You note that Thunder Gray is being replaced by 1E3 Gray. Thunder Gray was a very intriguing color, with how it changed it's complexion depending on how or if the sun was hitting it. Do you have any idea how different the new gray will be?

Thanks for the information.

obyone · June 2001

last question. What ever became of the heated seats issue? I think the brochure said it had them but the truck came without them...or something like that.

homer61388 · June 2001

I was almost sold on a new Sequoia Limited, but now I'm not so sure. I saw a Montero Limited and it looked pretty good, you know leather, heated seats, third row of seats, independent suspension and even an auto manual shifter. How does the Montero stack against the Sequoia? Does the Sequoia blow the Montero right out of the water or vice-verse? Any thoughts about this comparison? Any comments will be useful. Thank You!

nighter50 · June 2001

well if you want a Montero Limited they will probably be "on sale" soon.

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20010620/ts/autos_mitsubishi_dc_2.html

I haven't driven one so I can't compare but I love my Sequoia.

I shoule note that I had a 1998 Isuzu Trooper and the Trooper got the bad rollover rating in 1995-96 but mine was wonderful and I never rolled it! Isuzu is probably still suffering a little from that report and I think large rebates for the past few years with the Trooper is something that Mitsubishi might have to do with the Montero Limited once this report gets out to more consumers.

oac3 · June 2001

why not call Toyota information department about the 'heated seat issue'.... They will be very glad to provide an answer for you.

Hope this is truly your last question.... NOT !

3lakeswi · June 2001

We too were very interested in the Montero - before driving one. From a styling standpoint I really do like the tough exterior design. However once you drive it you will hate it. The engine is underpowered, the interior is cheap and plastic feeling. Every knob, button or lever feels as if it may break off in your hand at any time. The "perks" leather, an enormous sunroof, better stereo than the Sequoia and some others are not worth it.

Also, the seats are nice and comfortable, but a storage bin, or just the door in general, not sure which, make it so there is no room for the driver's left leg. Very weird, when you drive it you'll see what I mean.

Not to mention all the bad publicity coming from CR now will KILL resale value of the Montero. Whether it's justified or not.

The Sequoia is light years ahead of the Montero. However, as I have noted before in this forum, I believe the Yukon is a step above the Sequoia. If you have not driven a Yukon/Tahoe yet go try one out. (We own both a Sequoia and Yukon so I have a good idea of how both will be AFTER you're making payments.)

Hope this helps your buying decision.

gpm5 · June 2001

Maybe the yukon results in you being conned--just a thought that I couldn't resist. sorry. BTW 3lakeswi, what year is your yukon?

obyone · June 2001

I may be mistaken, but did I address my post to you? Do you have the same issue pending? I did call Toyota to find out on this issue. Toyota, like you, has no idea. I guess that's why I addressed the question to thirdsuv. Feel free to comment on this with more gibberish.

cct1 · June 2001

I have to disagree with 3lakes comments....

1. Underpowered engine--this is partially true. The engine is fine as long as you are not doing any serious towing--but it's fine otherwise. The same comment however applies to the Seq.--in it's class (the Montero is not in the same class as the Seq.--it is mid-sized rather than full sized) it is relatively underpowered at 240 HP.

2. Interior: this is a personal preference. I love the Monte's interior--much more so than that metal crap in the Seq.--what's up with that? Left over value jet parts or something? The knobs and gear shift are sturdy, and the console gear shift is a plus--I personally prefer it to the steering wheel mounted shifter on the Seq.

3. The left armrest does impinge on the left passenger leg. It doesn't bother me, but you would definitely want to make sure to check this out before buying one.

4. And exactly how is the Seq light years ahead of the Monte? 4wd maybe? nope. Brakes? nope. Interior/stereo? nope. Off road ability? no way.
The seq does have VSC, which I do believe is a major advantage, the A-trac however I am not that impressed with.

As for buying a Monte, I would wait a couple of months, because the CR thing is going to drop prices considerably. It is also unfortunately going to cause quite a bit of depreciation. I personally would not buy another one because of the latter issue, and because of the rollover issue. I love mine, however, and am not going to sell it anytime soon; I am waiting to see the NHTSA's response to the CR tests. But as for an overall quality standpoint, I don't think the Seq blows the Monte away.

Now before you all have another prozac moment on this forum, I will end by saying that I like the Seq. a great deal--in fact I may get one as early as next year to replace our van (or possibly my Monte if the NHTSA feels it is more dangerous than a nuclear bomb). I am hoping by then the interior issues with the armrest and metal trim will be resolved, and that the engine can be tweaked for a few more HP, as I plan on using it for towing. Otherwise I might consider a *gulp* Yukon.

robynk · June 2001

simetra: I don't have any experience with offroad river bed mud, but I do have some mud experience and since you don't have any other replies, here's mine. This is based on driving on a dirt road turned to mud during the spring. It was pretty deep and full of potholes and in very bad shape before they finally regraded it, but it was still a road. I found the Sequoia able to handle it no problem, though the VSC and TRAC beeped a lot which I found annoying. However, I had an Expedition before the Sequoia, and based on my own subjective experience I think the Expy might be a little more capable in bad mud and bad ice conditions. Also the Sequoia is much more of a pain to switch between 4WD modes than the Expy is. I should say that we have no regrets over switching to the Sequoia, as the engine is much nicer and the on-road driving much much better. Just my thoughts. Sorry they are not more applicable to your situation.

simetra · June 2001

Thanks, actually, that does help. The Expedition is the other vehicle we are considering, so your comments are quite helpful. I guess I just have to pick a vehicle that is better on or one that is better off road.

Perhaps you can answer another question for me: My experience with Fords (my husband's 1998 Ranger) is that the plastic interior falls apart. Did this happen to you as well?

thanks

MY

Toyota Sequoia

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