3lakeswi, you mentioned that you owned both a Tahoe and Seq. Could you describe what your ownership experience has been with both since you are in a position to offer a unique perspective having lived with both. I am interested in knowing about comfort, noise, off-road capabilities, power, suspension ride, and mileage. How reliable? Any subjective impressions? You said you prefer the Tahoe, why?Thanks in advance.
3lakeswi, you mentioned that you owned both a Tahoe and Seq. Could you describe what your ownership experience has been with both since you are in a position to offer a unique perspective having lived with both. I am interested in knowing about comfort, noise, off-road capabilities, power, suspension ride, and mileage. How reliable? Any subjective impressions? You said you prefer the Tahoe, why?Thanks in advance.
Would Toyota and/or a dealership allow me to change/extend a Toyota extended warranty from say 6yr/60K to 6yr/100K (assuming I pay the extra $$), if I decide, after say six months of ownership, that I am enjoying the vehicle so much that miles are going on a whole lot faster than I anticipated??
The last tank of gas I bought earlier this week was only $1.21/gal!
Hi gpm5, Maybe you can give some insights on a comparison to the Trooper. I had my '99 Trooper loaded with 5 people and gear a few weekends ago and thought it would be nice to have a real third row back seat (no factory seat currently being offered)where adults could fit comfortably and a more compliant suspension (totally bottoms out front and back even with Rancho RS9000s). All of the advertisement of 9 inches of wheel travel seem bogus because I hit against the bump stops immediately with the back loaded. I do think this thing is a real billy-goat offroad and the drivetrain is awesome. What I could do with is a little more comfort and room. Still packs a lot of value for the money, but can't help but look at Seq. or Tahoe.
One thing about the Seq. is that I do not know about the brake modulated 4wd though (similar to Mercedes and a lot of new vehicles) which seems to sacrifice some offroad prowess. Seems like the traditional transfer case with limited slip/locking differentials is still king. Also, Trooper size is just about right for most of the trails I have been on. I'm afraid Seq. or Tahoe may be too big. Oh well, always one compromise or another...
51 months is very long for a lease. IMO, you should not lease a vehicle for a term that exceeds the B2B warranty. I would hate to write a check for a major repair near the end of the lease. Also, what wear and tear standards apply after 4.25 years? It appears that longer lease terms are being offered to compensate for lower residual values.
Many on this list get defensive when I generalize about my like for the Yukon over the Sequoia - so if you want gory details I will gladly e-mail you. You can contact me at Jeff@three-lakes.com.
In general we REALLY like both vehicles, which we should when you are spending $35-$40K on a rapidly depreciating investment.
Overall both have been trouble-free. The Yukon has never been in for any type of repair or warranty work. Only regular maintenance. The Toyota upon delivery always lost air pressure in the right rear tire. After several trips to the dealer (all while the vehicle was less than a week old) it was finally discover that there was a pinhole leak cast into the rim of that tire. A new rim was ordered and replaced about a week later under warranty. The good thing about the Sequoia is it comes with a spare that is EXACTLY the same as the regular wheels - aluminum rim and all. No need to drive around on an ugly steel wheel. The problem was fixed, just disappointed to have the vehicle at the dealer 4 times in the first two weeks.
The rides are similar between the two vehicles. Though our Yukon has Autoride which is a computerized dampening system intended to smooth-out the ride. The seats in the Yukon are far more comfortable and adjustable - almost like La-Z-Boy recliners on long trips. Though we do not have power seats in the Sequoia so perhaps a power option would allow for more support in different areas. I will say I am comparing a decked-out Yukon to a SR5 Sequoia . So many creature comforts like leather and heated seats may be swaying my opinion. A better comparison might be with the Limited model. The Sequoia is noticibly bigger on the inside (and outside) which is good and bad depending on what you are doing with it.
Engine noise and power are also about even. The Sequoia is noticably quieter and gets a hair better gas mileage. (Yukon 15-16 MPG and Sequoia around 17). The GMC feels more powerful but I am not sure if it is a "feeling" or reality.
Transmissions are both good. No abrupt shifts, clunking or hesitation. One gripe on the Sequoia is that the shifting lever seems touchy. Like I always go past drive and then have to come back to it. Maybe it should feel a little more notchy. You do get used to it after while though. The Yukon tows our boat a little bit better. Again, though, I attribute some of this to the Autoride system which is also a self-leveling system and adjusts itself for towing. As someone stated earlier towing depends a lot on the rear end. It was said that a Sequoia comes standard with a 4.10 rear end. If that is so it means poorer gas mileage but better towing. The Yukon has the 4.10 as a no cost option. I did not opt for it since I am not really doing any heavy towing on a long-term basis.
Lastly, and this is where I think the Yukon wins to the disgreement of others here, is layout, controls and amenities. The Sequoia stereo is horrible - lacking bass and any type of real sound. The Sequoia climate control system has to be on recirc to not blow cold air on you all the time (thanks to whomever gave me that tip - you were correct). The fan only has 4 (or 5) speeds. The controls are all on different stalks mounted all over the column. Lights, front and rear wipers and cruise are all on seperate stalks. Since the Sequoia is primarily my wife's vehicle I go nuts when I get in the vehicle and try to turn on wipers and the rears go on. In my OPINION the contol layouts are not very intuitive. You actually have to learn them - not very Toyota-like. I did not have to learn controls in the Yukon. Lights are a dial on the dash. Wipers and cruise are on one stalk same as the turn signal.
Sorry for being so long-winded. That is my best comparison of the two vehicles. To me, the Yukon wins, mostly because of things mention in the previous paragraph and overall comfort of the seats on long trips. However, there is no buyer regret in eitehr vehicle.
Not sure if you read my story about my Sequoia experience but in short, I had an engine clicking problem and Toyota was forced to let me out of my lease. I now have a Yukon SLE. I agree with much of what you say although I didn't find the controls as confusing as you say they are. I think the trucks are very similar in ride and comfort. I was very disappointed that my Sequoia experience turned out like it did, but I am happy I found my Yukon. It's a solid truck and it's $80/month less to boot.
My Toyota dealer told me that my truck has been sent back to the plant for examination. I guess they are going to take the engine apart to find out what went wrong. I think the Sequoia will be a great truck in the future when they get the problems solved.
"The good thing about the Sequoia is it comes with a spare that is EXACTLY the same as the regular wheels - aluminum rim and all. No need to drive around on an ugly steel wheel " I have a 2wd Limited, and my spare tire is an ugly black rim. Are you sure that all Sequoias come that way, or did you order yours like that. I called my deal inquiring about this, I was told that the Sequoia does not come with an aluminum spare tire. Where did you purchase your Sequoia ?
I appreciate your input, 3lakeswi. Since the U.S. is the only real market for big SUVs, Toyota did not get to test their vehicle on the home market for a few years to work out bugs like they usually do for their products (at the expense of the Japanese consumer). I suspect Sequoia will have solid reliability like other Toyota products once they get the introductory bugs worked out. Look out big three!
I was told the Toyota service that if the AC air temp is 30 degrees cooler than outside temperature, the AC is working normal. I measured the AC air temp. and it does read about 30 degrees cooler. I guess then that my AC is working properly after the recharge.
As a note, my one and only warranty claim on my 2001 Sep. was to replace the wiring harness plug. After my fourth trailer tow, I pulled out all the sleeves in the female connectors. The is actually very cheap for this quality vehicle.
Dan165 & 3lakeswi, thanks for your thoughts. I am currently comparing both as well. I really liked the Sequoia and it was on top of my list for a long time. The interior in much more functional. Although the Yukon is not as refined it still is very comfortable - more so than the Sequoia (front seats only). All the other seats in the Sequoia are better. My kids will be in car seats for many more years so I am not too concerned although I do wish the third row slid in the Yukon like the Sequoia.
Bottom line for me is that you get a lot more bang for the buck in the Yukon especially after considering negotiated price and financing/leasing rates. Personally if the prices were even, I think I would lean towards the Toyota but paying many $k less for another great truck with a lot more features I am now leaning towards the Yukon.
I have almost 3000 miles on my Sequoia and experienced no problems.The vehicle performs better than I expected and is a pleasure to drive long or short trips.I am amazed at the complaints and problems posted on this board as I have not had one problem with the vehicle.I might have a high tolerance level having owned A Ford E150 van which by far is the worst vehicle on the road.The vehicle has been such a problem I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT.The Sequoia on the other hand has been the exact opposite and I am impressed with the quality of this vehicle so much that I doubt that I will ever buy any thing but a Toyota or perhaps a Honda.This is the first Japanese vehicle I have ever owned.I have owned General Motor products from Oldsmobiles to Chevrolets and these vehicles were good but they are not the same quality as the Toyota or for that matter the Honda.I have no regrets buying the Sequoia and if I had to do it all over again I would buy this vehicle again.The Tahoe is a nice vehicle but there are reports about brake failures with this vehicle.One of my coworkers has a Tahoe and has repeated problems with the brakes not working properly.General Motors and Ford need to wake up.
To OBYONE Go to www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/corr Look under consumer complaints Chevrolet Trucks brakes hydraulic anti skid systems.Look at different years 1999-2001 models and you will see what I am talking about.You can also find other sites on the internet under Suburban Lemon.The complaints listed and a personal friend having the same brake problems with his 2000 Tahoe was enough for me not to buy the Tahoe.
1. Anyone find a solution from Toyota about the booming bass problem? Local dealer is experimenting with speakers, amps, etc, on other Sequoias so I figure he hasn't seen any Service Bulletin on the subject.
2. Got a scrape on my front bumper and adjacent fender skirt a while back. Two touch-up paint jobs later and the dealer still cannot match the trim color [I have the Desert Sand Mica with silver/gray looking trim]. Any suggestions, other than repainting all the trim and bumpers?
3. The new Sequoia front end alignment specs posted recently make an big improvement in driving ease, especially in strong winds. Highly recommended.
I would like to second that. The new alignment specs for SR-5 4x4's makes a huge difference in handling and ability to drive the Sequoia. Before I had mine realigned to the new specs, I actually hated to drive the thing on the highway or interstate. It actually felt unsafe. In my opinion, Toyota should have a recall notice on this instead of just a technical bulletin because it really effects vehicle safety. Every SR-5 4x4 owner out there should verify that their Seqouia is aligned to the new specs.
To those thinking about buying a Tahoe check Edmunds message board on 2000 Tahoe brake failures.I noted 27 posts with people reporting BRAKE FAILURES with this vehicle.The Sequoia to date as far as I am aware of will stop when you apply the brakes.
.The 27 post on edmunds about brake failures are only the people who took the time to post the message on this message board.There are other message boards reporting the same problem and again these are only the pepole who bother to post the message.The fact that there is a ongoing problem with GM abs brakes going back to the Chevrolet Caprice should be food for thought.I have first hand knowledge of this as I drove these vehicles at my place of employment.The employer I work for along with similar employers were given a training video for thier employees reporting the faliure of abs brakes on the caprice and what to do should you experience brake failure with this vehicle.The number of people who were paid to sit and watch the video is very large for a problem that some think does not exist.The problem appears to still shoe up in the Tahoe.
I currently own a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee (LOVE IT), I am shopping around for a different vehicle (baby on the way soon). I love the 3rd seat, I also have an 80lb Golden Retreiver (she is the reason I bought the Jeep). The feature I am so disappointed that the Sequoia does not have (that I have on my Jeep) is to be able to change the radio station from my steering wheel. I also wanted in my next car the seat memory function. My husband and I are very different in height and it would be so nice to be able to hit a button and the seat and mirrors go from my settings to his or visa versa. These are not new features to be added to cars they have been on Lexus' since 1993. These are the features stopping me from purchasing the Sequoia. Does anyone know if these will be added to the 2002. I can wait if I know they will be added, otherwise I may have to look at a different SUV.
I can't directly answer your questions, but I do have a suggestion on the "booming bass" issue. This is actually a fairly common complaint with Toyota and I get crucified every time I post this suggestion, but here goes anyway. To alleviate the excess bass, turn up the treble. I prefer mine set at +4, bass at +2 for music and -2 for talk and news and mid range at +1. To me, this works well. Others disagree, but give it a try.
We have the '99 trooper S and the SR5 sequoia loaded with everything except the leather heated seats and power folding mirrors. A comparison between the trooper and the sequoia: I would say if you carry five people the sequoia is going to be more comfortable. The back (middle row) seat is extremely large and comfortable for adults. Of course the troopers back seat is large also, but while the sequoia seats are firm, they are a little larger than the troopers. They are not a lazboy but then again I don't need a seat like that in my truck. The 3rd row will work for adults (better for kids). With my familty the options for moving the seats around gives a number of configurations for trips, including the 3 kids in the back with a TV/VCR on the floor.
In terms of 4WD, I think I prefer the trooper's although I have not yet had the sequoia perform in a situation where it was necessary. I'm not sure that the brake application to prevent wheel slippage in the 3 open diff scenario is an optimal configuration for offroad driving but I should be able to say more on that in the future. Definitely the sequoia is a heavier truck, and from that perspective I prefer the trooper for offroad fun. I view the sequoia as more of a all purpose SUV that is good for road trips, and a truck that can do the dirt roads etc, but not a truck that I would necessarily want to use for offroad abuse. For example, toyota advertises a skid plate for the center diff, but if you look at it, it's a 4x4" plate mounted to the diff itself. The trooper has a huge skid plate that is mounted to the under body/frame protecting the TOD unit (i.e. equivalent to the center diff). Of course the spare under the sequoia is another situation where one is asking for a flat if doing heavy offroad work over tree limbs, rocks, etc--some disagree on this point. The step rails would likely be ripped off the sequoia in heavy duty offroad rockcrawling abuse. The sequoia only has the 50:50 split lockup in 4Lo 1st gear.
In terms of road handling the trooper handles very well on the hgy and in the city. I think the trooper is a little more agile in the city (as well as it would be in tight offroad situations). The sequoia is a real cruiser on the hgy though. It is a very quiet truck. Quieter than our FORD windstar van was (now gone thank heaven) and quieter than the trooper. I had the sequoia up to highway speeds and it felt, steered, and maneuvered the same as at 60. The sequoia has a huge number of perks that you don't get in the trooper, like the auto wind down window in the rear (from the control for going down and from the key in the back for up or down); rear air conditioning with rear controls for back passengers through ducts along the side of the roof that don't seem to affect head room at all; auto wind down windows using the key in the drivers door; mpg meter, temp, and compass; multway driver's seat with power adjustable lumbar support, roof rack, 6200 lb towing with tranny cooler, 3rd row seats of course.
The controls on the trooper and the sequoia are very similar. Some here want cruise on the steering wheel, stereo controls on the steering wheel etc. I don't care about that (i've had that before and its not necessary). I do care about a vehicle that will holdup for the long haul and the many miles. I don't want my steering ripped apart to fix a stereo, if it came to that.
Anyways, those are some of my comparisons. I drive my trooper most the time except on road trips. My wife drives the sequoia--she's the one shuttling the kids most of the time.
I think this post is long enough, so good luck in your search.
We're not so different after all! My Seq is on the way for my wife to primarily drive, while I'm still off to work in my Trooper. It's a 93 LS, and I couldn't agree with you more about the offroad comparisons with the Seq. I'm just sad I don't have the TOD. Waiting to see what happens with the new Trooper or replacement before I decide whether to trade up on mine to a new or used model, or just drive mine til the wheels fall off. This won't be for years, of course, she's only got 120k on her speedo after 8 years!
As for your question you asked me a few days ago that I skirted past: I think most manufacturers fudge their numbers a bit, and towing is where I think the Big 3 are guilty. Besides, if they wanted the Seq to tow more, I'm sure they could've made it handle like an Expy or Sub. Boy, I can see the flaming darts coming now. Bring it on, I've got lots of miles in all of them, and I'll take the Seq anyday.
The only problem I've had so far is that neither the "Owner's Supplement" or "Supplemental Maintenance Schedule" came with my vehicle, so I'm clueless on maintenance. I contacted the dealer, so hopefully one is on its way, but in the meantime, I am coming up on 3000 miles. On our American vehicles (90 Lincoln Town Car and 91 Chevy 1500 pickup) we changed oil every 3000 miles and used Penzoil 10W40. 195,000 miles on each engine with no rebuild. What does Toyota recommend at 3000 miles?
Does the updated wheel alignment specification for the 4WD SR 5 also apply to the Limited 4WD? BTW for whatever reason to find post 2776 I had to enter 3000 in the MSSG # box and scroll from there.
Thanks for the many informative posts...you will get no flames from me. Regarding the booming bass problem, it was confirmed for me when I rented a new Camry when my Sequoia was in the paint shop. The stereo on the Camry has the exact same face plate, but acts very different regarding the bass and treble adjustments. I found none of the "booming" tendency.
The Sequoia is a wonderful vehicle -- the stereo situation is just a minor nuisance which will be fixed one way or another as soon as I can determine whether Toyota will be cooperative in offering help.
I would appreciate any advice you folks could give. I have no SUV (or any RWD) experience at all and am wondering how necessary the 4WD version of the Sequoia is. I won't be doing any off-road driving.
It seems to me that for day-to-day activities, the traction and stability control features would be more than adequate. I would love to save the few grand by going for the 2WD, but am a little worried about handling in rainy/snowy conditions. Obviously 4WD is an asset here, but is it necessary? Thanks in advance.
John
PS Saw the Sequoia advertised for near invoice for the first time this week (hardly ever see it mentioned in ads at all). Looks like the deep discounts on the Expedition (below invoice *plus* 2.9% for 5 years is a lay-up by me for the Expy) are taking their toll.
I wouldn't even think about buying without 4WD, but that's just me. Even if you use it only in snow, it is well worth it. You can use the 4WD system in any condition, and I think it provides an extra measure of safety in rain as well. Also that's why people often buy these trucks, so if you don't have it your resale will like drop out.
Fresh meat here, I'm too darn lazy to read all the other postings (which may have already answered my questions)so please be gentle:
I am about to sell my two-story trailer and good rabbit dog, put my first-born child on the black market, and go into 10+ years debt on a new Sequoia, and was pondering several questions...... * Is it better to buy a SR5 and load it up with Distributor installed options, or buy a Limited version and have mostly factory installed options? * Is the resale on a Sequoia better with factory installed options? *Who makes the stuff the distributor installs? Is it the same as the factory suppliers?....leather interior parts for example. * Is there any quality difference between the factory and distributor installed options? * Who invented Spam and Baco's?....oh so sorry, I digress.
Patiently awaiting an experienced and educated response.....
SPAM is SPiced Ham. See more at http://www.spam.com/ . I can't tell you about Baco's since I don't even know what it is.
With respect to the Seq., we got an SR5 with less frills than the Limited and saved about $1,500. The things that you can't get in a loaded SR5 are full leather, heated seats, folding side mirrors, rear spoiler, fog lights, and some other minor things including the "Limited" badge on the rear gate. Other people might want to add to my list.
I believe all the options that we picked were factory installed. We can live without these things, though it would be nice if heated seats are offered with the leather option we got. Of course, I ordered my truck from a dealer in Northern VA and didn't have to deal with the scamming ways of the dealers of another region of the country that I've heard about.
We checked with a couple of dealers in our Navy Federal Credit Union's prefered dealer network and got a decent price for our Seq. Note that not all dealers in the network are as competitive as some others. Check around.
Living in Texas, even in Austin, it is easy to get into "stuff" - we get stuck about once a year. I was determined to get 4WD on my Sequoia. Just last week, we parked in gravel along a paved road. I knew it was deep, because I pushed a van out of it the week before. Sure enough, we were stuck and used our 4WD to get out, no problem!
In the South most SR5 options are installed by distributors in Jacksonville, FLA or Commerce, Ga. or so I've been told. I'll bet my southern bretheren are making much more off these options than if they bought options installed at the factory. I also love the $619 MSRP XY30 option for TOYO GUARD PROTECTANT, which is probably not much more than a few cans of rubberized undercoating and Scotchgard. I also hope others don't get stuck with the mysterious $550 "advertisement" fee that the dealer won't half-way explain until he realizes the gig is up! Anyhow, enough bashing of Toyota's sales tactics for now - good thing they make a quality product.
Anyhow, I may buy a Limited just for a few more gadgets for my kids to destroy and for the piece of mind that maybe most of my vehicle is "original". By the way, impressed that someone actually knows what SPAM means and that they actually have a web site.
I thought NY was bad for bad dealers but I guess they breed all over. In NY, most dealers don't use Ad fees but pre-printed on the contract is a $300-400 Alarm/window ecthing/etc. But some dealers are straight shooters. You just have to find them. I just bought a Isuzu Trooper and went to 5 dealers before I found the straight shooter with no hidden fees. I like the Sequoia but no 0% fin.
I understand your frustration when told about a couple of fees that at first may not seem legitimate. Allow me to just make a few statements that may help you and others considering to purchase a Toyota in the south. 1) the admin fee is a fee that is paid by the dealer to the distributor for regional support. 2) distributor options are pieces of equipment that you as a buyer have a choice of having or not having on your vehicle. You are not required to have any distributor options of any type on your vehicle if you choose not to. 3) Southeast Toyota distributor dealers have the highest customer satisfaction scores then the rest of the nation year after year. 4) Southeast Toyota distributor dealers sell more then 25% of the nations volume out of only NC,SC,GA,AL,Fl. 5) Southeast Toyota dealerships often have options and incentives that are offered by the distributor that the rest of the nation does not get. In conclusion, if you are getting the product of your choice with professional service with the option of having more equipment combinations then anyone else at a price that is better then the rest of the nation because of the high volume and supply and demand factors and support from the distributor that feeds its resources into providing for its customers with special interst rates, cash back programs and other incentives to make owning a Toyota even more attractive is a win-win situation for all involved.
Comments
Would Toyota and/or a dealership allow me to change/extend a Toyota extended warranty from say 6yr/60K to 6yr/100K (assuming I pay the extra $$), if I decide, after say six months of ownership, that I am enjoying the vehicle so much that miles are going on a whole lot faster than I anticipated??
The last tank of gas I bought earlier this week was only $1.21/gal!
Maybe you can give some insights on a comparison to the Trooper. I had my '99 Trooper loaded with 5 people and gear a few weekends ago and thought it would be nice to have a real third row back seat (no factory seat currently being offered)where adults could fit comfortably and a more compliant suspension (totally bottoms out front and back even with Rancho RS9000s). All of the advertisement of 9 inches of wheel travel seem bogus because I hit against the bump stops immediately with the back loaded. I do think this thing is a real billy-goat offroad and the drivetrain is awesome. What I could do with is a little more comfort and room. Still packs a lot of value for the money, but can't help but look at Seq. or Tahoe.
One thing about the Seq. is that I do not know about the brake modulated 4wd though (similar to Mercedes and a lot of new vehicles) which seems to sacrifice some offroad prowess. Seems like the traditional transfer case with limited slip/locking differentials is still king. Also, Trooper size is just about right for most of the trails I have been on. I'm afraid Seq. or Tahoe may be too big. Oh well, always one compromise or another...
Invoice = $40,593
Cap Cost = $41,093
Cap Reduction (down payment) = $500
Acq. Fee = $595
Adjusted Cap Cost = $41,188
Money Rate = .00234
Residual = $21,120 (46.5%)
Months = 51
Mileage = 48,000
Payment = $539.29 + tax
Out of pocket = $1,159.05
Good luck
In general we REALLY like both vehicles, which we should when you are spending $35-$40K on a rapidly depreciating investment.
Overall both have been trouble-free. The Yukon has never been in for any type of repair or warranty work. Only regular maintenance. The Toyota upon delivery always lost air pressure in the right rear tire. After several trips to the dealer (all while the vehicle was less than a week old) it was finally discover that there was a pinhole leak cast into the rim of that tire. A new rim was ordered and replaced about a week later under warranty. The good thing about the Sequoia is it comes with a spare that is EXACTLY the same as the regular wheels - aluminum rim and all. No need to drive around on an ugly steel wheel. The problem was fixed, just disappointed to have the vehicle at the dealer 4 times in the first two weeks.
The rides are similar between the two vehicles. Though our Yukon has Autoride which is a computerized dampening system intended to smooth-out the ride. The seats in the Yukon are far more comfortable and adjustable - almost like La-Z-Boy recliners on long trips. Though we do not have power seats in the Sequoia so perhaps a power option would allow for more support in different areas. I will say I am comparing a decked-out Yukon to a SR5 Sequoia . So many creature comforts like leather and heated seats may be swaying my opinion. A better comparison might be with the Limited model. The Sequoia is noticibly bigger on the inside (and outside) which is good and bad depending on what you are doing with it.
Engine noise and power are also about even. The Sequoia is noticably quieter and gets a hair better gas mileage. (Yukon 15-16 MPG and Sequoia around 17). The GMC feels more powerful but I am not sure if it is a "feeling" or reality.
Transmissions are both good. No abrupt shifts, clunking or hesitation. One gripe on the Sequoia is that the shifting lever seems touchy. Like I always go past drive and then have to come back to it. Maybe it should feel a little more notchy. You do get used to it after while though. The Yukon tows our boat a little bit better. Again, though, I attribute some of this to the Autoride system which is also a self-leveling system and adjusts itself for towing. As someone stated earlier towing depends a lot on the rear end. It was said that a Sequoia comes standard with a 4.10 rear end. If that is so it means poorer gas mileage but better towing. The Yukon has the 4.10 as a no cost option. I did not opt for it since I am not really doing any heavy towing on a long-term basis.
Lastly, and this is where I think the Yukon wins to the disgreement of others here, is layout, controls and amenities. The Sequoia stereo is horrible - lacking bass and any type of real sound. The Sequoia climate control system has to be on recirc to not blow cold air on you all the time (thanks to whomever gave me that tip - you were correct). The fan only has 4 (or 5) speeds. The controls are all on different stalks mounted all over the column. Lights, front and rear wipers and cruise are all on seperate stalks. Since the Sequoia is primarily my wife's vehicle I go nuts when I get in the vehicle and try to turn on wipers and the rears go on. In my OPINION the contol layouts are not very intuitive. You actually have to learn them - not very Toyota-like. I did not have to learn controls in the Yukon. Lights are a dial on the dash. Wipers and cruise are on one stalk same as the turn signal.
Sorry for being so long-winded. That is my best comparison of the two vehicles. To me, the Yukon wins, mostly because of things mention in the previous paragraph and overall comfort of the seats on long trips. However, there is no buyer regret in eitehr vehicle.
My Toyota dealer told me that my truck has been sent back to the plant for examination. I guess they are going to take the engine apart to find out what went wrong. I think the Sequoia will be a great truck in the future when they get the problems solved.
Where did you purchase your Sequoia ?
Bottom line for me is that you get a lot more bang for the buck in the Yukon especially after considering negotiated price and financing/leasing rates. Personally if the prices were even, I think I would lean towards the Toyota but paying many $k less for another great truck with a lot more features I am now leaning towards the Yukon.
I'm sure Tahoe owners would like to know about this. Care to post a link, article, TSB, or anything that can substantiate your post?
2. Got a scrape on my front bumper and adjacent fender skirt a while back. Two touch-up paint jobs later and the dealer still cannot match the trim color [I have the Desert Sand Mica with silver/gray looking trim]. Any suggestions, other than repainting all the trim and bumpers?
3. The new Sequoia front end alignment specs posted recently make an big improvement in driving ease, especially in strong winds. Highly recommended.
Thanks!
In terms of 4WD, I think I prefer the trooper's although I have not yet had the sequoia perform in a situation where it was necessary. I'm not sure that the brake application to prevent wheel slippage in the 3 open diff scenario is an optimal configuration for offroad driving but I should be able to say more on that in the future. Definitely the sequoia is a heavier truck, and from that perspective I prefer the trooper for offroad fun. I view the sequoia as more of a all purpose SUV that is good for road trips, and a truck that can do the dirt roads etc, but not a truck that I would necessarily want to use for offroad abuse. For example, toyota advertises a skid plate for the center diff, but if you look at it, it's a 4x4" plate mounted to the diff itself. The trooper has a huge skid plate that is mounted to the under body/frame protecting the TOD unit (i.e. equivalent to the center diff). Of course the spare under the sequoia is another situation where one is asking for a flat if doing heavy offroad work over tree limbs, rocks, etc--some disagree on this point. The step rails would likely be ripped off the sequoia in heavy duty offroad rockcrawling abuse. The sequoia only has the 50:50 split lockup in 4Lo 1st gear.
In terms of road handling the trooper handles very well on the hgy and in the city. I think the trooper is a little more agile in the city (as well as it would be in tight offroad situations). The sequoia is a real cruiser on the hgy though. It is a very quiet truck. Quieter than our FORD windstar van was (now gone thank heaven) and quieter than the trooper. I had the sequoia up to highway speeds and it felt, steered, and maneuvered the same as at 60. The sequoia has a huge number of perks that you don't get in the trooper, like the auto wind down window in the rear (from the control for going down and from the key in the back for up or down); rear air conditioning with rear controls for back passengers through ducts along the side of the roof that don't seem to affect head room at all; auto wind down windows using the key in the drivers door; mpg meter, temp, and compass; multway driver's seat with power adjustable lumbar support, roof rack, 6200 lb towing with tranny cooler, 3rd row seats of course.
The controls on the trooper and the sequoia are very similar. Some here want cruise on the steering wheel, stereo controls on the steering wheel etc. I don't care about that (i've had that before and its not necessary). I do care about a vehicle that will holdup for the long haul and the many miles. I don't want my steering ripped apart to fix a stereo, if it came to that.
Anyways, those are some of my comparisons. I drive my trooper most the time except on road trips. My wife drives the sequoia--she's the one shuttling the kids most of the time.
I think this post is long enough, so good luck in your search.
As for your question you asked me a few days ago that I skirted past: I think most manufacturers fudge their numbers a bit, and towing is where I think the Big 3 are guilty. Besides, if they wanted the Seq to tow more, I'm sure they could've made it handle like an Expy or Sub. Boy, I can see the flaming darts coming now. Bring it on, I've got lots of miles in all of them, and I'll take the Seq anyday.
The Sequoia is a wonderful vehicle -- the stereo situation is just a minor nuisance which will be fixed one way or another as soon as I can determine whether Toyota will be cooperative in offering help.
It seems to me that for day-to-day activities, the traction and stability control features would be more than adequate. I would love to save the few grand by going for the 2WD, but am a little worried about handling in rainy/snowy conditions. Obviously 4WD is an asset here, but is it necessary? Thanks in advance.
John
PS Saw the Sequoia advertised for near invoice for the first time this week (hardly ever see it mentioned in ads at all). Looks like the deep discounts on the Expedition (below invoice *plus* 2.9% for 5 years is a lay-up by me for the Expy) are taking their toll.
I am about to sell my two-story trailer and good rabbit dog, put my first-born child on the black market, and go into 10+ years debt on a new Sequoia, and was pondering several questions......
* Is it better to buy a SR5 and load it up with Distributor installed options, or buy a Limited version and have mostly factory installed options?
* Is the resale on a Sequoia better with factory installed options?
*Who makes the stuff the distributor installs? Is it the same as the factory suppliers?....leather interior parts for example.
* Is there any quality difference between the factory and distributor installed options?
* Who invented Spam and Baco's?....oh so sorry, I digress.
Patiently awaiting an experienced and educated response.....
With respect to the Seq., we got an SR5 with less frills than the Limited and saved about $1,500. The things that you can't get in a loaded SR5 are full leather, heated seats, folding side mirrors, rear spoiler, fog lights, and some other minor things including the "Limited" badge on the rear gate. Other people might want to add to my list.
I believe all the options that we picked were factory installed. We can live without these things, though it would be nice if heated seats are offered with the leather option we got. Of course, I ordered my truck from a dealer in Northern VA and didn't have to deal with the scamming ways of the dealers of another region of the country that I've heard about.
We checked with a couple of dealers in our Navy Federal Credit Union's prefered dealer network and got a decent price for our Seq. Note that not all dealers in the network are as competitive as some others. Check around.
Anyhow, I may buy a Limited just for a few more gadgets for my kids to destroy and for the piece of mind that maybe most of my vehicle is "original".
By the way, impressed that someone actually knows what SPAM means and that they actually have a web site.
Cheers,
Con