Toyota Sequoia

dupont1 · July 2001

I have about 5,000 miles on my Limited and have been experiencing slight brake slipping when the Air Conditioning Compressor kicks on. If my foot is not hard on the pedal, the vehicle actually moves forward a few inches. Is there a fix for this problem?

thirdsuv · July 2001

"the vehicle actually moves forward a few inches."

FWIW, when I'm stopped at a light behind another car, I generally like to leave more then 3 inches of room.

lcd1 · July 2001

I had my 4x4 SR5's alignment checked. The caster setting was at 2 degrees and 3 seconds, which is deliberately higher that the max of 2.0 degrees of the recommended spec that was programmed in the wheel alignment computer. The toe-in for the left front wheel was off in relative with the right wheel but was still within the spec.

I wonder if I could ask the dealer to have the caster adjusted to a higher value to provide a heavier feel to the steering. As is, the steering still is too light.

lcd1 · July 2001

I've felt the same slip occasionally as my foot applied too little pressure on the brakes. I've learned to apply a little more pressure and now the problem is gone.

Someday Toyota might install automatic brakes that somehow knows that the driver wants to car to stay perfectly still and applies the brakes accordingly. Don't laught - it will come.

gpm5 · July 2001

I've noticed no floating at over 70. You might want to check your tire presures. Make sure that the fronts are equal and that the backs are equal and at least at the spec at the door jam or higher. The Dunlops have a 50 psi max. The door jam suggests 32 psi for front and rear. I have noticed better stability on uneven or rough pavement with 4WD engaged on the highway. Also, had the sequoia offroad in dirt and it performed excellent in 4WD.

rugby2 · July 2001

I see from message #3168 that there are going to be no changes to the 2002 Sequoia. I find that hard to beleive that there are NONE... Are there any dealers out there that may know of any minor changes? Are they going to offer the Navigation system on the limited as they have on the Land Cruiser? Anything? Thanks.

afire · July 2001

No, no NAV for the SEQ for 2002... only the LCs for SUVs will all get Nav. The only real change for the SEQs is the SR5 models get fog lamps as optional, and the SR5 models get to take the keyless remote entry without having to take the whole CQ package (overhead console).

thirdsuv · July 2001

Just curious as to how much Toyota wants for just the fog lights on the 2002 model?

tbever · July 2001

Will the 2002 Sequoias still have the silver hammertone dash accents with the beige interior or will are there plans to introduce a better looking dash on the Limiteds? Anyone know?

tommyc6 · July 2001

I hope that they fixed the driver's armrest in the new model! Any word if they were able to alter it and make it more comfortable?

montanafisherm · July 2001

OK Sequoia Teckies, I need your help.
I am planning a trip from North Carolina to Fairbanks, Alaska, and then on up the Dalton "Highway" to Prudhoe Bay. I understand the Dalton Highway, a 500 mile gravel road, better known as the Haul Road, that goes along side the pipeline is notorious for eating tires and it is recommended to bring at least two extras. Here's my question: With the TRACS and the VSC on the Sequoia, can you run a spare of a different size? I have two extras - P235/75/R15 that fit my "93 4--Runner that I think have the same lug nut configuration as the Sequoia and should fit. There's about 2 inches diameter difference in the 4-Runner tires/wheels and the Sequoia tires/wheels which are P265/70/R16. I would plan on using them only in the event of a flat beyond my regular Sequoia spare. There is one stretch of road that has no services for 245 miles. That's a long ways to walk. Would the different size tire make the TRACS system think it was spinning and create havoc? Opinions and factual information appreciated..

cliffy1 · July 2001

I wouldn't do it. I think a 2" difference would be noticed by the TRACS system and could cause problems. There is a fairly inexpensive way to set up a spare for this thing. Get a spare tire from a Tundra. The steel wheel should be less than $100 and the tire probably runs around $175, although you can find something of the right size on sale for $125 or so if you don't mind a different brand. For a trip like you describe, better to spend a few extra bucks and be safe.

stever · July 2001

I've done the Dalton once to Deadhorse and once to Atigun pass, both times with just the usual OEM (fullsize) spare. You might lose a few hours getting back and forth to a roadhouse to get a tire fixed, but getting a lift won't be any problem. How much of a gambler are you? :-)
Steve
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afire · July 2001

Tommy, do you mean the center console one, or the swivel one to the right of the seat-side?

tommyc6 · July 2001

I was referring to the swivel one to the right of the driver's seat. I test drove a Sequoia recently and the armrest seemed VERY narrow and uncomfortable. It also felt like it was too close to my body.
I have read other posts on this forum expressing similar concerns. I thought that someone mentioned that Toyota may take a look at raising the center console enabling it to be used as a broader/more comforable armrest. This sounds like a good idea to me, I currently have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and it has a console/armrest combination and it's VERY comfortable!
I am 6'2", which these days is a fairly common height, and was not comfortable in the Sequoia at all. For $40,000 plus I WANT comfort. Since I'm not pressed for time to buy a new SUV, this was the primary reason for passing on the 2001 model.

afire · July 2001

I agree with you re: armrest. Not too much room there and it is narrow but it's all the room they were able to squeeze, I'll bet, for safety's sake and the use of the console. The TMMI folk read this board, keep sharing.

montanafisherm · July 2001

Thanks for the information on tires and the Dalton Highway. I am somewhat of a gambler or else I wouldn't even be on the road from what I hear. But, I would feel better with an ace on the hole. Me thinks Cliffy1 has provided such an ace. By the way, Steve, did you drive a Sequoia on the Dalton? Is the road as bad as they say? How did the vehicle do?
Thanks,
Montanafisherm

stever · July 2001

Got to deliver a brand new pickup to a service company all the way to the slope in ~97. Did 70 mostly except for a mile where they had to make a new road to replace the old one a river had taken out (it was just after break-up and the rivers were all high).

The next year we took our Quest minivan to Atigun, the same van we took on the Trans-Labrador Highway in '99 (with one flat ). I've also driven minivans to Inuvik and Wood Buffalo NP - heck, we love 400 mile long dead-end gravel roads.

I also took the Quest on a Montana scenic byway over in the Missouri Breaks last year and that sucker was way worse than anything going to Prudhoe. The map neglected to mention the rocky ford smack in the middle of the drive :-)

I drove the Alaska Highway in '73 in a VW Bug when it was all gravel, except for ten miles of pavement around Whitehorse. People make a big deal out of these "unimproved" roads, but they aren't the Rubicon Trail. Just take your time on the rough parts and have a great trip. (Sorry about the travelogue - I get carried away about road trips).

Steve
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montanafisherm · July 2001

You really have had some interesting trips. Sounds like you have a strong sense of adventure.
Thanks for sharing and good luck on future excursions.
Montanafisherm

lcd1 · July 2001

Has anyone experienced degraded performance of the AC when the front and rear AC are running simultaneously? I had my AC checked before but the AC problem still persists. It appears that when both ACs are running, the front air registers can only deliver air about 20 degrees cooler than outside temperature. The outside temp. was 85 deg. and the AC couldn't cool the car down adequately.

I was told that the AC should be at least 30 deg. cooler than outside air. Most of the time, it works fine. Any input would be appreciated.

Latest gas mileage for 4 passenger with AC on all the time, in 4x4 mode, boating gears, and about 800 lbs. sail boat and trailer towed from NoVa to Annapolis and short trips is a dismal 13.5 mpg.

txseqgal · July 2001

I have just purchased a 2001 Sequoia Limited, and was wondering if the doors were to lock once the SUV was started or put into Drive. I had that option on my Explorer and was told that it should be available on the Sequoia. If so, how do I get it to work? Please let me know. Thanks!

mcmatt · July 2001

It is an option. There are several driver prefence options stored in EEPROM in the ECM. Look for previous topics on CBEST and New Car Features both here and at TundraSolutions.

The service guys can program that option in about 15 min and will probably do it for free.

iseinc1 · July 2001

I am in the process of purchasing a Sequoia. In using the pricing provided by Edmunds I have been quite successful at pursuing my desired price point. However, I have a bit of confusion with respect to the "extras" of Advertising, hold back, etc, etc. Having not ever bought a Toyota off of invoice pricing before, I am curios how this all stacks up. I have received pricing from a dealer that I think is a decent deal but not sure because of all this stuff. I was provided an invoice that showed the Hold back, Financing, and Advertising amounts as invoice add ons. The value of these amounts add up to about 5 to 6% of the BASE MSRP. What is a truly reasonable amount? I have in hand a price of $36,037 for a unit that has an invoice price, as stacked by Edmunds pricing, of $34373. This is a 4.8% mark up as I see it, but the dealer claims that after the advertising and financing invoice add-ons this is really only about 2% over invoice. What's the truth???

gpm5 · July 2001

A holdback is extra $ for the dealer and is not added to invoice. Financing is similarly not added to invoice. Advertising is IMO a bogus charge. You have the correct invoice cost--I purchased at 1k over invoice (the Edmunds invoice was within $18 of the dealer invoice).

raybear · July 2001

Advertising is added to Toyota invoices. It is a separate charge the dealer must pay. If you bought a Sequoia, you paid it.

gpm5 · July 2001

but, any other business does not charge on top for their advertising, and I don't expect to compensate a car dealer in that respect either--that's what I meant by bogus. i.e. let's simply talk about the dollars over invoice with the knowledge that they have several hundred in hold-back. That's why I pay 1K over, I realize they need to advertise, they need to pay their sales people ...

P.S. Also, if the dealer won't budge, you might remind the manager that if the car sits there, he doesn't make any money! In fact he loses money in interest payments after a certain grace period from toyota.

jbarm · July 2001

Just returned from central Alaska yesterday (Copper River Valley). I remember thinking that I would in no way want to drive my Seq there even on the paved roads. Every local car is usually pretty beat up by the conditions (permafrost heaves, gravel on the road, bugs galore, the occasional raven, owl, caribou or moose). The vehicle I drove certainly didn't go through our trip unscathed (at least 2 roadkills plus gravel hits).

I can't imagine what the 'haul road' conditions would do to your Seq, especially with all the semi trucks passing you on that gravel road doing 70 mph! Just plan on your paint and glass to be toast.

I did see some pretty innovative vehicle protection schemes up there, one guy had what looked to be a screen door attached to the front end of his vehicle covering the front end and extending up about a foot over the hood. Another guy had the top windshield on his pickup camper covered completely in duct tape!

I suppose you can get it painted again when you come back, but it would tear my heart out with my Seq!

jb

spooners · July 2001

I don't get it. All you folks with a/c problems. I just got back from a 700 mile weekend in Arkansas and North Texas. Outside temp was over 100 with heat index over 110, an ozone warning and heat alert, too. Within minutes after each time we restarted, we were turning the thermostat up to 70 and even 74. And we are very hot-natured! We start sweating in the spring as soon as the mercury hits 70.
Are you pressing the recirc button? This MUST be on for maximum cooling when it's hot out. Otherwise, you are bringing in outside air.

nota4re · July 2001

gpm5, et. al,

The advertising (if any) is a "legitimate" charge to the dealer and does appear on the invoice similar to all the equipment on the vehicle. I say, "if any" because this advertising is usually Toyota regional advertising and is *approximately* shared by the vehicles designated for that area. You may be able to negotiate it away but if you're starting with a X-dollars over invoice approach.... be assured it's on the invoice.

gpm5 · July 2001

The rent of his building is a legitimate fee as well. The point is, I talk to the dealer about the invoice cost as it would appear for any dealer independent of advertising. Then I talk about how much over cost I will pay. If he needs to spend $18 dollars of it on advertising or the whole 1000 on advertising, so be it. The fact is there are plenty of dealers that would be happy to sell at 1k over invoice (and I'm referring to the invoice as calculated here at the Edmunds site without advertising added).

gpm5 · July 2001

At 90 outside, the air in our sequoia will freeze you out of the truck. It does take a few minutes to cool the truck if its 120 degrees inside from sitting the sun but this is normal in any vehicle I've ever driven.

junr · July 2001

Has anybody ever installed/plan to install a grill guard? Where can we buy them?

I would appreciate very much, all the help and input that anyone of you, nice folks, can give.

cliffy1 · July 2001

OK, I'll jump into the advertising discussion again. The rent on the building is not charged on the invoice by Toyota. Neither is the commissions paid to the salesman, nor is the dealer's advertising budget charged there. There is a fee charged by Toyota for the regional advertising done by Toyota.

This fee varies between $250 to 2.3% of the base invoice and is not refunded to the dealership in any manner. It is part of the invoice and anybody who actually reads the disclaimer at the Edmunds invoice site should know this. The so-called "Edmunds invoice" is not lower than the dealer invoice, it is just incomplete and Edmunds know this which is why they tell you it exists. Since the fee varies by region, they don't tell you a dollar amount, but this does not mean it isn't real.

stever · July 2001

Advertising Charges:

"Most vehicle invoices include a legitimate advertising fee levied by either the manufacturer or regional dealer groups. Ad fees can range from less than 1 percent of the vehicle's MSRP to more than 3 percent, depending on region. Metropolitan-area dealers are more likely to charge higher advertising fees than rural dealers. When you comparison shop for a car, be sure to ask the dealers how much the advertising charge is on the vehicle."

Here's a link to our disclaimer blurb at the 2001 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4WD 4dr SUV invoice page.

Steve
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montanafisherm · July 2001

Thanks for your advice and the information on autos in alaska. Actually I drove the Alaska Highway to Tok, then on to Seward, through Anchorage and on up to Fairbanks in 1989. This was in an 87 4-Runner. Yes, I did crack the windshield, completely knocked out the rear glass by a stone hitting the camping trailer and bouncing back into the rear glass. No blow-outs on the 4-Runner but burst three tires on the trailer. It had the small tires and just couldn't handle the rough roads. At that time the Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay was not open to the general public and we couldn't drive it. That has been a dream ever since. I know that taking a new Sequoia on a long trip with lots of gravel is going to take it's toll but I bought it to drive and enjoy and if it gets a few bumps and scratches, so be it. I just want to make sure that I get there and back without being stranded. Along with you, Steve and Cliffy1 have offered helpful information, and in the case of Steve, even encouragement. At this time I am planning on taking a good tool kit, extra tires, extra gas, possibly one of those ungodly long fan belts that run around practically everything under the hood, plenty of duct tape and, oh yes, another shower curtain to tape over the back glass cavity in case I'm attacked from the rear again. Thanks again for your input- all help appreciated.
Montanafisherm

afire · July 2001

Regionally, I have an example here for you. The large region of LA, on the west coast in Southern California, have a "cap' on their TDA fees. Meaning, it's 1.25% of the base cost of the car but it's capped at $300 due to the volume of the regional sales. No matter what the 1.25% multiplies out to, it won't be higher then $300 per car. This isn't an agreement in other areas due to lower volume regions. While the percentage is right in line with most others, some regions have a "cement ceiling" (LOL, as opposed to a glass one) and some others do not. This can make a very expensive car like Sequoia or just about any car over $30,,000 be a little less costly at invoice than a Northern CA or other area of the country dealership. You should ask this "factoring issue" of your local dealership as well, but remember that a lot of salepeople do not know the semantics of this. Sales managers and fleet people tend to have their fingertips on the pulse of everything specific like this issue.

stever · July 2001

"but I bought it to drive and enjoy"

I like the way you think :-)

btw, I'd carry a gas can, but no gas in it. I cringe everytime I see someone carrying one of those 5 gallon bombs on their rig.

Steve
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afire · July 2001

They don't call me Afire for nuttin' LOL. I used to carry an empty one for many reasons. But, I heard that in certain states, it's not legal to carry even one with a gallon in it in the car. I read a Prius thread where someone suggested it while they were having a contest for who could go the farthest on a single tank (in case they ran out).

gpm5 · July 2001

Advertising costs vary from region to region as does the rent of a building as does salaries, etc. IMHO the customer need not worry about these fees. It might after all be cheaper to drive to another dealer. Yes, it is more expensive to run a business in NYC than in a rural area, but they get more customers in NYC! The some-antics above being a case in point. If I'm in boonedocks USA, and a dealer tells me to pay $2000 dollars extra for a vehicle because Toyota invoiced it that way, I would not say ok and pay it.

cliffy1 · July 2001

Would you prefer that Toyota hide the advertising expenses like McDonalds does in pricing its fries? Or Nike does with its shoes? Each of those companies builds the cost of its advertising into the price it charges its retailers, but no break is given to those regions where advertising expenses are low. Invoice is invoice but the invoice will vary by region.

gpm5 · July 2001

I guess the problem with advertising fees is that too much chicanery (if I spelled that right) can go into that. I mean if you get satellite TV vs free air reception vs Time magazine should you pay a different amount for your truck?

afire · July 2001

Mistake being made here is that TDA = Toyota Dealer Association. They do not just do advertising. They are also responsible for a lot of the marketing regionally and rebates and national things like races and Long Beach Grand Prix and golf tournaments for kids with cancer & leukemia and helping flood victims in TX and Florida and the midwest... I could go on! It isn't just ads and marketing cars. It's everything. Regions with the best and cheapest finance rates as "specials" and large rebates are often the ones with the highest TDA, and it isn't a coincidence because they are cashing the TDA with dealers and passing it to consumers in the form of special rates and rebates.

lcd1 · July 2001

Thanks to everyone who reported how well their AC is working. I wish that I could say my AC is adequate, even when the recirculation mode is on and the outside temperature is a mere 85 deg. I believe I need to take the Seq. back to the dealer again.

afire · July 2001

LCD, I hate to ask this but I have made the very same mistake myself in another car: is the dial for COOL turnd completely to the blue? It's just so unusual for the AC in SEQ to not be cold enough.

curious33 · July 2001

My AC usually freezes us out. In fact, it may be the best air conditioner I have had in a vehicle. However, with the 95 degree heat here it seemed to take forever to cool the vehicle down when I took a group out to lunch in the middle of the day this week. We even had the manual out to determine whether or not to have the recirculation button on----we were so surprised the vehicle would not cool down. I worried that such a new vehicle could have an AC problem. FINALLY, after about 20+ minutes we became comfortable. Driving home that night, the outside temperature had dropped and the air conditioner was COLD in a few minutes. Maybe it's just that we're in the heat of the summer.

crapgame · July 2001

I am currently shopping for an SUV for my wife and the munchkin, and the Sequoia is on the short list. She liked the ride and space, but we both thought that it was lacking in the "ooomph" department when compared to the Pathfinder, MDX and Tahoe we have driven, as well as our v6 Camry. Is there any word if a supercharger will be made available for the Sequoia anytime soon?

Thanks

lcd1 · July 2001

afire: I've put my AC on recir. and turn the temp. control all the way down when the AC doesn't seem to put out cold enough air.

I have a thermometer (with a long stem and a circular gauge at the top of the stem) to measure the "cold" air. During the time that the AC doesn't seem to work properly, the air is cooled by only about 20 degrees. This is particularly disturbing when outside temperature was only about 83-85 degrees.

Of course, after sitting under hot sun, I would let the windows down to air out the hot air inside the Seq. Then, I would put it on reciculation to maximize cooling.

Well, I'm not saying that the AC is always bad, when it works, it cools the air by about 30-33 degrees. However, this still is not as good as my Volvo S70's AC. Thanks again, folks, for your input.

notthemama · July 2001

I too have interest in a supercharger for my Sequoia - and my Tundra for that matter. Advise to check tundrasolutions.com where there are several threads discussing the supercharger status for the Tundra. One concern voiced about applying the supercharger to the 2000-2001 Tundras, is the lack of a limited-slip differential in the rear. I understand that the 2002 Tundras have L.S. as an option, but I don't know if this same issue/solution exists with the Sequoia. Also, the engines for the Tundra and Sequoia are very similar (only different tuning I think), but the technical guys at tundrasolutions.com should be able to answer the question as to whether the Tundra supercharger is interchangeable on the Sequoia or if the Sequoia will have its own supercharger (or not).......unless maybe someone here can tell us?????
I also have questions/concerns about the impact of a supercharger on gas mileage and engine life?

wheeler526 · July 2001

I have only been researching the Sequoia for a few weeks but used this board religiously during the purchase of my Honda Odyssey van. Hope I am not breaking any protocol with this post but here goes. I am in Houston and have visited several dealers. The biggest one offered MSRP for a base model, and will "throw in" leather. Next dealer said how about if instead of free leather I just take $2000 off MSRP? I asked about when 2002's are expected and was told 4 - 6 weeks, and that he would offer the same deal on a 2002. Is that robbery or a decent deal?

nota4re · July 2001

The AC in our Sequoia is at or near the top of any car we've ever had. We recently took a short vacation to Palm springs and in the middle of the day the outside tem reading would periodically be indicating 122 degrees. After a few minutes of driving it would normalize back to a cool 117 degrees. All the while the AC performance of the Seq was literally outstanding.

This past weekend, however, we were returning from a weekend trip and I just couldn't get the interior temp down as quickly as before. It took several miles before I thought to check the rear control - which was set to 84 degrees.

By cranking this down, the problem was solved.

Toyota Sequoia

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