Toyota Sequoia

raybear · July 2001

"1) the admin fee is a fee that is paid by the dealer to the distributor for regional support."

Um, excuse me, but aren't you referring to the advertising fee? Admin fees are dealer mark-ups for administrative, preparation and miscellaneous expenses, they are charged at the dealer's discretion, and are kept by the dealer not the distributor.

714cut · July 2001

In the interest of positivity, how about posting your favourite feature about the Sequoia? The thing you like best or feature you like best!

I'll go first. My favourite thing about the Sequoia is the way it drives and handles like a much smaller vehicle while giving you all that wonderful interior spaciousness.

All of the looks and compliments about the vehicle are nice too!(and there are many compliments!)

stacycamarillo · July 2001

SPACE!!!!!!

sbell4 · July 2001

we have invoice (including holdback) plus freight plus admin fee. The distributor does give limited support for advertising and other programs to the different districts so you can assume a portion of that money can be returned to the dealers in support in an indirect way.

gasr3 · July 2001

I wonder if any of you kind hearted Sequoia owners can answer the folowing question.
Does the keyless entry remote open the rear hatch power window or do you need the key to do so?
Thanks for your replies.

cliffy1 · July 2001

The keyless entry will lower the back window but not raise it. You need the key or the button on the dash for that.

notthemama · July 2001

Howdy folks!
I obviously struck a few nerves with my comments about "advertising" fees - this was not my intent. I was just repeating what my Toyota Salesman told me. I don't mind paying for legitimate costs associated with the vehicle, which I assume are administrative costs from previous postings. So, my Sequioa quote had the following "stuff" added to the vehicle cost:
$505 - "delivery, processing, and handling fee"
$550 - Nothing documented anywhere. I was told this was an "advertising fee". Maybe its administrative? If it is legitimate, wonder why no dealership has ever been up front with it until I show them I know the invoice costs, and can't find where their price is $550 more than mine. I've been through this with my '98 4-runner, my Tundra, and now my Sequoia.
$99.00 - "Docking Fee"......$188.00 at another dealership.

Anyhow, enough about that, and back to my initial posting: Does anyone know about the quality, costs, affect on resale, etc. of distributor vs. factory options?

On a final subject, just bought a Sequoia 2WD LTD yesterday. Its a fine machine, but have already had 3 quality issues:
1. The seatbelt tensioner on the second row seat, center position locked and I could not release to raise the seat back. I noticed Toyota has an instruction in the manual about pulling slack in the belt if this happens. Well, I worked for over 5 minutes before the tensioner finally released and I was able to raise the seat. Guess the tensioner is bad.
2. Also related to the center seabelt, when I unbulcked it at the dealership, it was so tight that it has permanently wrinkled the leather at the top of the seat and left a belt mark across the center seat area. Guess someone did'nt heed Toyota's suggestions. But I really think Toyota needs to work on this to mistake - proof. They can't expect that everyone is going to try and pull belt slack before raising. Most people I know are going to force the seat back up, slack or not.
3. Lastly, to my surprise the light in the roof center and rear tailgate light were both on in the garage this morning, even though both lights were selected to "door", all doors were shut well, and the vehicle was locked. When I selected the center light to "off", the rear tailgate overhead light started working properly. Looks like some sort of electrical problem with the center light to me.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a big Toyota fan and have owned 5...no 6 in the last 15 years. Not trying to rain on anyone's parade here, just wondering if anyone else out there has seen similar issues?

thai357 · July 2001

I am wondering on the supply of limited Sequoias in our area. Can you also comment on the average deal on such vehicles? A thousand over invoice or at full sticker? My wife and I will be buying another vehicle and this is the one we have decided on. We will trade in our 94' Accord LX on this one. I am waiting on the 2002 model to come out and possibly working out any of the persistent problems associated with the first model year. Do you think Toyota will increase their production for the 02' model? And do you think it would be possible to get this vehicle for $1000 over invoice or less?

lcd1 · July 2001

Not to be sarcastic but I think Toyota itself probably doesn't have any firm answer to your question. Even if it did, it would face a conflict ofinterest if it answer your question truthfully. By the way, if you can get anyone to accurately predict the street price for the Seq., I'd like to consult with that person on investment matters and personal matters.

On another subject,forget about focusing on the positives of the Seq. Let's tell others the way it is about the Seq. or Toyota dealers, whether it's good or bad. I have a feeling that a substantial number of people affiliated with Toyota hang around the forum.

cliffy1 · July 2001

There are currently a pretty fair number of Sequoias in the DC area and I doubt you will have problems finding a dealership that will sell it pretty close to your goal. My only word of caution is to not rely on what a salesman will tell you on the phone. Send e-mails for written price requests to get the best idea of prices.

The days of MSRP ended months ago on this model. For a while, we had a hard time getting the Limited, but even then, we weren't at full sticker. Now, the SR5 is more difficult to find than the Limited.

riskaker11 · July 2001

Does anyone know what type of price can be negotiated on a SR5 with B Package in Canada. My dealer told me that in Canada MSRP ($50k) is all you will be able to get anywhere.

wbiassou · July 2001

What about the Navigational system, and Entertainment system. This is a must for this SUV, maybe by 2003. That's all I am waiting for, to trade in my 2wd Limted.

scsoman1 · July 2001

I recently bought a Toyota Sequoia 2WD SR5 from a dealership in the Phoenix,AZ region. Looks like the SR5s are in shorter supply than the limited. Had to wait 6 weeks to get one of the color I wanted (blue). Limiteds in all colors were readily available. Went through the internet sales office of the dealership and got a better deal than the floor sales people. Got it for $2000 below sticker. Got all options I wanted factory installed. Only fee added to the price by dealer was a $249 documentation fee absolutely nothing else !!

714cut · July 2001

I got my SR5 "B" package in November for $48600. I understand there has been a price increase since then, so what you were quoted may not be all that far off the mark.

714cut · July 2001

There is nothing wrong with saying what is good about the Sequoia. It is an in demand vehicle so obviously it has many things going for it. It was simply a new topic. If someone wants to ask what is the thing you like least about the Sequoia, they are free to do so as well. There have been many discussions about the Sequoia so I hardly think asking what you like is going to limit or prevent negative comments. Some of those comments in fact have been mine (I have a ticker), however there are still things I appreciate about the truck. Anyone new to this board would probably be just as interested about the positive as they are the negatives.

thai357 · July 2001

Thanks Cliffy just exactly what I wanted to hear. We will be seriously looking late this fall. I hope I can acquire it before hunting season is over. I would love to take it to the mountains in Idaho and Colorado for cow elk hunting and work it out. I hope my wife would understand the need of testing a new tool before you can really trust it.

mrgami · July 2001

Would anyone please tell me how much over the invoice I should pay for a 2001 Sequoia 4WD Limited equipt with "every single" factory option? The total invoice with freight is $ 40,961.

jpierstorff · July 2001

Does anyone know when the 2002 models will be on the market and if Toyota added any new features or made any improvements?

dan165 · July 2001

Called my Toyota dealer last night to see if they ever found out what happened to my Sequoia. Nothing new to report. The truck was sent back to Toyota Canada head office and from there back to the plant. Apparently the plan is to rip apart the engine and see what went wrong.

As for my 01 Yukon, all is well. No problems to report at all. There are things I miss about the Sequoia, but I don't miss hanging out at the dealership on a weekly basis. Sounds like most people are having better luck than I did though.

kupua · July 2001

Can anyone please give current pricing for both versions for the Southern Calif., Torrance area. Looking for a good deal here.

Also heard from a Toyota Technical Center employee that there will probably be a new version of a 4runner that is bigger and will be coming with a 3rd row seating? Can anyone confirm or point me to more info on this issue?

mrgami · July 2001

I'm from southwest of Missouri. I hope this helps you and other people to give me advise.

Thank you,
mrgami

tpmonroe · July 2001

Has anyone purchased an SR5 with cloth seats and added the special fabric protector? I have kids and I'm afraid of the mess from juice spills etc but don't want to pay the extra $$ for the preferred package. I was quoted $495 (even though retail is $995) for a fabric protector that the dealer can add. Or should I opt for the $5 bottle of Scotch Guard recommended in the Edmunds Car Buying Tips.

Thanks.

714cut · July 2001

I negotiated the fabric protector to be thrown in. I have always had it done to my vehicles. It's the one "dealer extra" that I get. The warranty that comes with it pretty much guarantees you're protected. I guess that's why it costs so much, basically it's an insurance protection!
Anyways, my vote says yes.

comptech4 · July 2001

I realize that this is an incredibly subjective area, but I would be very curious to know what others think about the value of an extended warranty.

Something I noticed is that in spite of the warranty term being listed as, for instance, "72 months or 100,000 miles", you are actually only buying that amount of time or miles that exceeds your original factory warranty. That makes the cost per year a bit higher than it would appear at first.

Buying insurance or an extended warranty is always a pain, because you only win if something bad happens. But maybe, overall, it's better to be prepared for a major breakdown that never happens than the alternative.

suznjones · July 2001

I'm curious about why the 4x4 takes so long to engage. I assume that while the light is blinking, it is not engaged. I've pushed the button while moving and continued moving on several occasions. The light will blink for 30 seconds sometimes and as little as 12 seconds. Does anyone know why this is so? Is it really not engaged until the light stops blinking.

kupua · July 2001

comedydrama- I'm looking for actual prices that the we the people are paying. Mainly looking for a killer deal hear. I've heard of getting it under invoice, but want to learn how to do so. NOT msrp or pricing of the sort. I don't want to fatten the dealers pockets!

Thanks

jklseq · July 2001

Hi everyone. I am a brand new member and just bought a 01 Seq. Has anyone here put on their Seq the Toyota hood protector? I am considering getting one but don't know much how it looks like and how to install... Appreciate any inputs.

JKL

suznjones · July 2001

mine came with it installed and it looks fine. I had a clear bra put on the other day and they had to remove it. It was just 4 screws and came off pretty easy and looked fine when they put it back on. I like the way it looks and it keeps the car a little cleaner.

spfotey · July 2001

i am considering moving from my ML320 to a larger vehicle -- focused on the TLC to some extent. But, wanted opinions/comparisons between sequoia and TLC.

can u help??

valueplease · July 2001

Can anyone say for sure when the 2002's will be released and what kind of price increase will apply? I'm on the fence between a 2001 or to wait for the chance of first year defects being addressed and weighing between cost increase.

jklseq · July 2001

hi suznjones, do you have a picture of your seq with the hood protector on? Whats a clear bra by the way??

JKL

nota4re · July 2001

These sound like the best kind to me. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

stever · July 2001

Here's some info: Car front end protective bras. Check out the story linked there in the Additional Resources box too. Steady there, nota4re :-)

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

tpmonroe · July 2001

The internet is the only way to buy this vehicle. I priced the Sequoia I wanted on carsdirect.com and saw that I could order it from the website for $1,300 over invoice. Sounded like a great deal, much better than the Edmunds TMV of $500 under MSRP. So I sent emails to several Toyota dealers in the area "Attn: Internet Manager" and was offered an SR5 loaded (but without the preferred package) for $1,000 over invoice. Most of the dealers were quoting $1600 to $1800 over but I found two that were willing to deal. Fortunately, one of them had the Desert Sand color I wanted so I took it.

I was actually offered an SR5 at $300 over invoice but it did not have a sunroof. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sequoia is a very high demand vehicle. I've heard that the SR5 has been the best seller so you may be able to get even a better deal on the Limited.

Good luck.

suznjones · July 2001

It's really neat. It like putting contact paper on the front. It's a 3M product and is self adhesive. They put it on all the metal parts on the hood, grille, front part of the quarter panel, lights, and side mirrors. You can't really see it unless you look really close or feel the car. They are really popular in Denver b/c they put crushed granite (great for the windshield and paint job)on the roads in the winter. I can take some picks and post them if you'd like.

lcd1 · July 2001

Has anyone gotten a pet barrier for the Seq. and could recommend one? I'm still looking for one. Thanks.

mustangfiveo · July 2001

Thomas,
I also live in SF bay area and I am very interested who you purchased your Sequoia from and if you are satisfied with the dealer. Thanks

Max

3lakeswi · July 2001

We got our pet barrier off of eBay. Brand new for $19.99. The brand name escapes me but it does the job - keeps a 95# Yellow Lab in the back slobbering up the rear window.

stkgator · July 2001

I found that you can get the transmission to switch to 4x4 mode faster by either slightly accelerating or decelerating after pressing the 4x4 button. The same is true when switching back to 2x4.

tpmonroe · July 2001

Max, I bought my Sequoia from Walnut Creek Toyota. Talk to Chris Glynn or Adrianne Leonardini (925) 933-7440. They are the Internet sales managers. Chris originally quoted me $1735 over invoice. I offered him $400 over and he came down to $1000 over. I tried to get them to come down a bit lower but they wouldn't budge. Overall, I was very satisfied with the dealer and feel I got a fair deal considering the current demand for the Sequoia.

I also spoke to Debra Cummings (1-877-872-2986) at Tracy Toyota. She quoted me a price of $300 over invoice for a Green SR5 4x4. That's a great price but it doesn't have a sunroof so I passed on it.

Berkeley Toyota told me they could do $1000 over invoice but they wanted me to meet with them before they quoted me a firm price.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

714cut · July 2001

At the risk of sounding a bit harsh, many of the specific questions/comments here are answered in the owners manual. It really is worth the time and effort-it covers off things like programming keyless entry, 4x4 how to's etcetera.

gwkiser · July 2001

Here's some sites for the 3M clear bras:

Clearmask. com http://www.clearmask.com

Invicta-Shield.com http://www.invinca-shield.com/home.asp

Stonegard.com http://www.stoneguard.com/sgcontent/default.asp

Xpel.com http://www.xpel.com/

I can't tell you if any are better than the other as I haven't dealt with any of these companies. However, I have been looking into for our Highlander.

suznjones · July 2001

I talked to the guy that did mine and he said they started doing it 4 years ago and they were by far the first in the Denver area. Colorado accounts for 25% of the film bought around the country. It is relatively new I guess.

jklseq · July 2001

suznjones, I would appreciate if you can show me some pics of your Seq's clear bra and hood protector. Question: Can you wax over it? how about car wash, will the edges come off? Thanks for any inputs...I am seriously considering it.

JKL

stickman3 · July 2001

Pro's and con's?

suznjones · July 2001

I'll take some this weekend. I know washing isn't a problem but I haven't tried waxing. I'll ask my cousin since he waxes his car often. The film is garunteed for the life of the car as long as you own it from peeling and such. They did say that a wreck in that area will likely cause peeling since the underlying metal is dented. I paid $325 for the whole thing which covered the parts I mentioned before.

cliffy1 · July 2001

There is a topic here in the SUV conference called "Toyota 4WD systems explained" that should supplement the owner's manual.

mustangfiveo · July 2001

Thomas,

Thank you very much for the info. Congratulations on your new ride.

Max

seqlady · July 2001

Just returned from a two-week jaunt (1700 miles) through New England (the Maine Coast), and thought I'd report on how the Sequoia did. It was loaded with 5 people, 3 bikes, a ton of luggage and other miscellaneous "stuff", and still there was plenty of room. Averaged about 20-21 miles/gallon which really isn't bad for the beast and gas was much cheaper up there than here in PA. In an effort to be as objective as possible, I tried to think of some negative aspects to report so I wouldn't be accused of being a Sequoia fanatic, but sorry to say I couldn't come up with a single thing! I just love the beast! The ride is fantastic, the seats are so comfy, the climate control works great. It has wonderful pickup for merging quickly onto highways, even when fully loaded. It's agile enough to get into tight spots in spite of its size. Everyone had lots of personal space without that cramped, sore-butt feel after 8-9 hours of driving. The only problem we had was the front windshield got a 6" crack in it, probably from a stone or something being kicked up, while we were parked at a restaurant in CT. I was so upset at having our new car damaged; made an appt. for this week to have the dealer replace it. I just hope our insurance will cover at least some of it - total cost will be around $400! What a lousy end to a wonderful vacation. Hope everyone is enjoying their Sequoia as much as we are!

jpierstorff · July 2001

Does anyone know when the 2002 are coming out?

Toyota Sequoia

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