Toyota Sequoia

gillygan · July 2001

I found my Sequoia cools down just fine.
This is my method, after it sits for 8 hours on an open-space black-top parking lot - it heats up *quite* well.

I'd open all the windows, including the rear liftgate window and the sunroof (*almost* feels like you're driving a convertible

drive a couple of blocks to let some fresh and somewhat cooler air in, and then seal it up! Turn both the front and rear AC units on (use the FRT + RR button to make sure the rear unit has the same setting as the front unit), turn the temperature all the way down, the fan at 4 (I find it makes just too much noise at max), and put it on recirculate.

Usually it takes about 2 blocks to chill it down. And I usually forget to turn the rear unit off anyway. *shrug* It does seem to work better and faster with both front and rear units working to cool down the massive space...

Just my 2-cents.

Gil.

misse · July 2001

I checked with about 20 dealers across Texas two months ago for a 4WD SR5. The best deal I could find at the time was Alford Toyota, in Marshall. They offered $1200 over their invoice, which included $110 Holdback, $375 Market Action Fund and $495 Delivery Fee. My total was $35,774.40. MSRP was $38,939, so I got over $3,000 off MSRP. They were willing to preference a car for me, but I needed one that was on the ground. Several other dealers offered to come close to $1200 over, but many just laughed and told me to go for it, which I did. I love my Sequoia!

crapgame · July 2001

Thanks for the site. I'll have to check it out. I have to agree with the questionable effect on engine life, but the gas mileage is not really a worry to me, as 12mpg isn't a hell of a lot worse than 14, which is already bad.... Is a limited slip standard on the Sequoia? I really would like to purchase one, but the lack of oomph is really a sticking point to me for a vehicle in this price range.

vasyl2 · July 2001

I've been checking around the Houston area and have not been impressed with Sequoia pricing - especially considering the must have "toyo guard", glass etching or whatever they are calling it.
I'm negotiating now for a 2002 from Tuscaloosa Toyota: www.tuscaloosatoyota.com
Been dealing with Harold Guy, internet sales mgr., who has been very responsive and pricing worth the ticket to Birmingham AL. Harold's tel is 877 470-2262. Good luck

cliffy1 · July 2001

A limited slip differential would defeat the 4WD system on the Sequoia. Read the postings at "Toyota 4WD Systems Explained" which is the 4th topic in the SUV conference for more details.

notthemama · July 2001

Cliffy, what about limited slip for the 2WD Sequoia? Is the vehicle skid control also a problem?

crapgame · July 2001

Thanks cliffy, I did not know that. I will have to check out that thread and read about the different systems. Can you turn the A-Tracs off? I don't anticipate much real off-roading. I really want the space and liked the ride. Thanks

iseinc1 · July 2001

I have been following this vehicle since March of 2000 when I found out they were coming to market in the fall of 2000. I knew I would have to wait a long time to get one at a price I could afford. To shorten the story, I sent out over 120 emails to dealers form Portland to Atlanta and came up with "EXACTLY" the rig I wanted in Birmingham at , what appears to be, about $1K overe the "invoice"; Whatever the hell that is....read the last 2 hundred postings and you'll see what I mean. I will be flying to Birmingham myself on Aug4 to pick up my Seq form Hoover Toyota and my salesman is Tony Drexel. This was an absolutely no hassle deal. I responded to several dealers who replied to my mailing to let them know I got my deal in B'ham. It's funny but, for the most part, the average dealer out there hasn't grasped the concept of web sales. 2 dealers responded to me with an amazed statement that I was going to Alabama to buy a car????? I then responded to them with the info that I am in Phoenix and they missed the boat on my sale. Anyway, what I have found is that there are a few dealers out there who really do understand the concept of global sales and the rest are stuck in the paradigm of backyard and neighborhood customers. What's even more fun is taking your new ride into the service area of your local dealer when they know they've missed the sale. Oh well, I gloat too much. Good luck on your purchase.

cliffy1 · July 2001

Please refer to the thread "Toyota 4WD systems explained". There is a complete description of the Toyota 4WD system as well as information on how the traction control works in concert with the open rear differential. A limited slip differential would defeat that whole purpose of the traction control.

I've not seen a 2WD Sequoia, but I believe there is a button to turn off the TRACS if you needed to.

warfield · July 2001

Our family purchased a SR5 in May. For the first few weeks there was no need to use the AC. Well our luck when it the weather got hot we go to turn on the AC and the compressor was bad. The engine sounded like it wanted to blow and the AC blew nothing but hot air. Took it into the dealership and they had to order a new compressor from overseas.... what a drag 40k for a truck that you can't use. 2 1/2 weeks later the part arrives... They are now telling me to do the job right, they need to order another part... but they would get it to be overnighted. Another week later the part arrives, the tell me the truck is fixed. I am one happy camper until I load my kid and dog up in the back on a 98 degree day and what do you know the dealer forgot to charge the back AC. Back into the shop it goes. After complaining to the Head Service Manager. They did agree to give us the first maintenance free and a $50.00 American Express gift certificate. JUST A QUICK NOTE: we were told there was a bad lot of compressors that were put in these trucks and are out on the market.

All I can say is thank god I got a free loner car in the agreement when purchasing this truck.

One other minor problem was the dome light switch was bad

I do love my Toyota it rides like a dream, but before I ever, ever, ever purchase another new SUV I will make sure I try every option on the vehicle to make sure it works before signing on the dotted line and driving it off of the lot.

bwarren2 · July 2001

I just purchased a 2001 Limited 2wd. Sticker was around $41,890. I bought it at invoice whcih was $37,611. More than I wanted to spend but I thought it was a pretty good deal. Dealer still made around $1K after hold back etc.. Hope this helps.

vasyl2 · July 2001

I too plan to buy from Alabama and was wondering about the engine break in. I suppose you plan to drive back to Phoenix? Are you concerned about sustained high speed (or moderate) driving with regards to engine break-in? I've had some heated discussions amongst my friends. One side insists you have to vary the engine speed and put an on and off load to seat the rings. Others say BS. I'm a bit more on the latter. Common sense dictates taking it easy the first 1000 miles or so. I suppose new motors have come a long way since my '57 chevy small block days. The piston/ring/cylinder materials and machining are such that you would not expect much wear if any at all because the tolerances are so precise. When we picked up our 325 BMW in Germany it was everything I could do to stay at less than 65mph on the autobahn and basically drove a couple thousand highway miles in the first 2 weeks. The factory guy said just keep it less than 2700 rpm (or close to this) for the first 1000 miles. Didn't say anything about prolonged highway driving. Absoltutely no problem 8 years later although with only 60,000 miles.
Appreciate any thoughts.

jbarm · July 2001

I have probably one of the only front-a/c only Sequoias out there and my a/c works pretty well. The other day we were driving in 90+ degree weather and the cooling was pretty good, even in the third seat.

Of course I have a white SR5 with the PG shading, that why I figured I could get away without the dual air.

Anyone else have just the front a/c like me?

jb

gohabsgo · July 2001

Finally after testdriving the Navigator, Expedition (both too bulky), MB / BMW (no cargo space), and '02 Mountaineer (very nice and tempting), I'm settling on the '01 Sequoia Limited as long as I get the right deal. Today offered the dealer $500 over invoice.

Question: Anyone know anything about the '02 Sequoia's? Will they incorporate AWD? Realizing from all the posting, there seems to be some quality issues with the '01 and usually the next models address these.

Currently driving a '97 Mountaineer and really love it. Only 36k miles on it so contemplating selling it outright or go for a high trade. Really wish other SUV's like the Mountaineer had the keypad entry. Because of this little feature, may end up with the '02 Mountaineer model.

Should I or should I not go with the Sequoia now thats the 40k question...

notthemama · July 2001

Thanks for the help!!

notthemama · July 2001

Interesting posting, but sorry to hear about your problems.

I have a story with the same moral, but with the second row seat behind the driver's side. The center seat belt was locked-up and caused a severe crease in the leather. The dealerdhip said don't worry it will come out - well it hasn't. I took it to a local dealer and he said he will have to order the leather and send the seat to an upholstry shop for repair. If I had known this, I would have refused to buy the vehicle, because I don't think the seat will ever be the same as factory. I wrongly assumed that the whole seat back could be ordered and installed from Toyota, which apparently isn't the case. Well, I guess I will just live with the darn defect rather than have some local yahoos maked a bigger mess of the seat, and there's always the chance the leather color won't match perfectly. Lesson: Check it all out at the dealer and get it right BEFORE signing.

BTW, I also had a bad center dome light switch.

triple_b · July 2001

Well, it looks like it is time to make the purchase. Dealer is currently looking for a '01 4WD Sequoia Limited (Black/Oak) for me, $500 over invoice. Just took my '93 Honda Accord into the shop and the maintenance bill estimate came out high enough for me to make the call to the Toyota dealer.

My only question is the same as "gohabsgo": Is Toyota truly not making any changes to the 2002 as stated in the press release, or might they change something little (such as the arm rest)?

Any help (rumors or fact) would be appreciated.

mustangfiveo · July 2001

My wife, 2 huskies and myself are planning to drive to Alaska in July 2002. We are currently looking at the Sequoia as the potential vehicle to tow our travel trailer. I understand that the Alaska highway to Tok is completely paved now. Hopefully it will not be too rough. Like yourself, I am not afraid that my new vehicle will get banged up for our journey. My wife and I have been dreaming of driving to Alaska for years. Have a nice trip.

rgc1265 · July 2001

Hi, folks...new to the board...enoyable reading!

got my silver sky sr5 with the alloy wheel package this past tuesday...love it (but that's a given)...

anyway, i'm sure everyone knows this, but for those who don't, the spare is also an alloy wheel, not steel. I was pleasantly surprised, because in my 91 4runner (still running strong with 105k miles), the spare is steel.

enjoy your toys, everyone!

mmds2001 · July 2001

New to the board, my apologies if this has been covered before...

Looking to buy a 2001 SR5 4WD, but can't find a straight answer on whether a running board (or side step, depending on your terminology) is:
a.) standard equipment
b.) a manufacturers option
c.) dealer equip/install

And, if it's b.) or c.) what's fair price for this option.

I know it seems like a pretty straight-forward question, but I can't get a straight-forward answer out of the dealers I've talked to so far... (never a good feeling when you're being double-talked and aren't armed with info, is it?).

Thanks much.

cliffy1 · July 2001

In a sense, the '01 Sequoia is (or can be) AWD. For a complete explanation of the 4WD system, go to the topic "Toyota 4WD Systems Explained" which is the 4th topic down in the SUV conference.

montanafisherm · July 2001

The information I am getting on the Alaskan Highway is although it's paved all the way, there are places where frost heaves and pot holes can make it rough traveling for short distances. I am sure it's nothing your Sequoia can't handle with ease. Here are a couple of sites that may be helpful on road conditions as you continue your trip planning.
Good luck and if you meet a silver sky Sequoia with an aluminum box mounted on the front of the vehicle, give us a wave.
montanafisherm

montanafisherm · July 2001

Here are the sites on road conditions.

http://www.drivenorth.com/

http://www.alcanseek.com/

montanafisherm

aggie76 · July 2001

Where / Who is dealer with Limited for $500 over invoice?

tkenny53 · July 2001

Dont let the dealer BS you about the compressor, there are all built in Tennesee. The company that builds them is call Denso. If there is any problems call Denso @ 1 800 222 6352 ask for tech service

blazer610 · July 2001

For what it's worth on the pricing issue, I purchased a 2001 Sequoia Limited 4WD with all available options except for side curtain air bags. I paid $39,271 + tax and tag at Clearwater Toyota in Clearwater, Florida.

tkenny53 · July 2001

Opps sorry, they are made by Denso in Detroit,

thirdsuv · July 2001

Does anybody else feel/hear a twang in the brakes
when stopping under certain circumstances? It happens the most when I'm braking on a bumpy corner and nearing the completion of the stop.

agski · July 2001

Just a simple test for all Sequoia owners. After you try this test let me know if we all experience the same thing. While driving down the highway at about 50-55 mph, leave all windows closed,then open only one of the rear passenger windows all the way. Tell me if you experience abnormal vibrations due to the wind rushing into the car. Mine REALLY vibrates.

gpm5 · July 2001

Yes, I've noticed that wind vibration effect, and it has been with the air conditioning on and when a back window gets opened.

cliffy1 · July 2001

Your feeling the ABS. Bumpy roads cause your tires to loose traction during braking and the ABS system engages to remedy this. Bumps and corners compound the traction problem.

stacycamarillo · July 2001

I'm pretty sure that vibration happens on all vehicles. I can't explain the reason why, but whenever a back window is opened, without opening a front one, it makes that vibration. It is not specific to the Sequoia for sure.

misse · July 2001

Had the same window-air-pressure problem on my 1990 Lincoln Town Car, which was pretty tight and quiet otherwise. The problem could be exacerbated due to tightness of the vehicle (no where for air to escape) or body style (channels of air passing over the vehicle across the window area).

gwkiser · July 2001

Well, all I can tell you is that this is NOT limited to the Sequoia. Those of us who own Highlanders face the same thing. Personally, we always use the a/c here in SoTex so we had never noticed the problem. I really think it's a common dilemma among most new vehicles today, not just Toyota or just SUVs. The HL owners have found that if they lower one of the front windows, even slightly, the problem diminishes. Maybe that will work on the Sequoia also.

thirdsuv · July 2001

Resonance frequency of a sealed vessel with
air passing over an opening. Same as blowing across a beer botle. Phenomena is exaggerated on a quiet and tightly sealed car. Crack open another window to allow incoming air to escape.

thirdsuv · July 2001

Good call Cliffy. The twanging became evident while I was on vacation this week which just so happened to be...tada....at the beach with a lot of sandy roads which I assume would help make the ABS go active.

2heeldrive · July 2001

I am shopping for a new SUV to replace my Suburban. I heard that Toyota requires a 2000 mile break-in period before any towing. Is this correct? My Sub only required 500 miles.

Thanks!

misse · July 2001

lcd1 · July 2001

I scheduled a second checkup for my AC. The first checkup found low freon. However, after a month, the AC is not working well again. I was told by a tech that other Seq. owners have the same complaint as mine. His explanation was that the new freon (132?) that is being used is not working as well as the old freon. What ever the excuse/reason is, my AC can only cool outside temperature of 80 deg. down to 58 deg., which is pretty pathetic.

With respect to other people's complaints about wind vibration when a window is open, I'd like to chime in by saying that the phenomenon happens to every car that I've owned (that's 7 cars). I've learned to not let only one window down. My solution is to crack open another window. It's works every time.

cliffy1 · July 2001

The manual actually calls for a 1000 mile break in but only 500 until you can tow.

gpm5 · July 2001

There is a plastic cover on the front left side of the drivers seat rail (against the floor) that is popping off on our sequoia when the seat is moved. The clips look to be intact. Has anyone else had this?

zman3 · July 2001

That would be the Flintstone Sequoia.

cliffy1 · July 2001

Look at post #3265. That is somebody's user name and that is what I was responding to.

ganja · July 2001

Excuse my ignorance. After I park my Sequoia, I hear a humming sound for several minutes before it stops. This is usually different from the 'tick tick' sounds (:-)) you hear after you park any other cars. Is this normal on the Sequoia? Is it the ABS motor or AC or something like that? Please let me know.
What is the tick sound anyways after you park?
Thanks

mustangfiveo · July 2001

Thanks for the links on Alcan. We are very excited on our upcoming trip. If I see you out there in one of the towns, I will buy you a beer.

pgarrow · July 2001

I would look at post #3265 but it has not been posted yet. Maybe this is a time travel paradox.

Or maybe you meant to reply to 'Ganja' ;-)

zman3 · July 2001

I realized that. I just thought the comment from aifre was kind of funny. Didn't mean any harm.

cliffy1 · July 2001

Somebody has been deleting posts. Who's been bad here today? There is a post by user "2heeldrive" that is now at post #3151 that I was responding to.

cliffy1 · July 2001

I know.... I've seen enough of your posts to know it was meant in good nature. My reply should have sounded that way as well.

petro33 · July 2001

GANJI....mine does the same thing. The humming sound appears to be comming from the rear of the vehicle. I have never listened long enough to see how long it lastes...

Toyota Sequoia

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