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Comments
I am looking for suggestions for good winter tires for my 4wd sr5. I need to be able to handle: deep snow, packed snow/ice, deep mud.
Plus regular winter highway driving in hilly terrain.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
"The LX 470 will move off the Toyota Land Cruiser platform to the larger Sequoia platform for the 2005 model year. That means a much larger cabin as well as more towing capacity"
http://www.autonews.com/html/main/stories0827/fpasia827.htm
I assume they all have websites to get more info. I just checked tirerack.com and they have some current test info info on 3 of the tires. Nokian website is nokiantires.com
I'll post again after I get some better info. Let me know what you discover or decide on. chuck@mountaintees.com
I would really like to see a satisfaction or performance survey on the 3 YEAR OLD vehicles, which is the minimum length of manufacturer's bumper-to-bumper warranty these days. It is when the warranty expires that the quality issue begins to hurt the pocketbooks. While this may not be very useful for a particular model since they will change the model in another year, this will give an general benchmark of quality for the manufacturer.
Alternatively, they can make a survey in 2 years, which is the average "half-time" of a particular model.
Least of all, they can make a survey after one year, which is a longer time (than 90 days) for the owner to really get some sense of the quality of their vehicle.
Anything said about the first 90 days does not really speak very much about real quality.
I would have bought the MDX, except that I did not really like it's minivan look. I still liked the mascular stance of the Sequoia. Looks are subjective (personal), and you might like it.
The MDX is a fine vehicle but a family with 5 kids and 2 adults would be way overcrowded in an MDX and have no room for anything other than passengers.
BTW, I am within a few hundred miles of hitting 20,000 miles on my Sequoia. No problems and no complaints so far. It runs like a dream. I'd buy another in a heartbeat.
I'm kind of surprised that Heatwave3 has not come back with his source on the lame 90 day JDP survey (not!). Having just traded in a ridiculous American branded vehicle (4 transmissions on a 1996 vehicle), I promise not to be too impressed with such a survey. It took a whole year and a half for my first transmission to go and another nine months for the second one to fail. The second tranny lasted two whole years and I was able to trade it in just prior to having to install a 4th tranny. I'm not even going to get into the horrendous electrical system, which is now laughable since I no longer own the vehicle, but was far from laughable for the last 5 years. However, as I recall I still liked the thing 90 days after my purchase.
Steve
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Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
<http://www.jdpa.com/studies/pressrelease.asp?StudyID=517&CatID=1>
The info on the Sequoia being below the top three was posted at another site within Edmunds (I believe it was the comparo site forum between the Sequoia, Denali, Navigator and Escalade).
Your welcome to do your own research by contacting JDPowers directly if the information matters to you.
wrt the answer from mike greywith being posted at another "comparison forum", the link is posted below, and it clearly shows that no response from jd powers have been received on the poster's request.
drew_ "Toyota Sequoia vs Cadillac Escalade vs Lincoln Navigator vs GMC Yukon Denali vs Chevy Tahoe" Aug 23, 2001 10:22pm
(see post #303 by rickc5 on this point)
in closing, let us just agree to disagree that the Sequoia was and wasn't part of the JD Power survey. The real and ultimate test of quality will be left to the grains of time.... Years from now owners will find out which of these behemoths can withstand the test and torture and survive the abuse to justify the expenditure....
i am keeping my fingers crossed, but happy to say no problems with mine for 12K miles now...
JDP rating is like a quality rating for your honeymoon that you have with your new car. The real measure should be about the period after the honeymoon is over. JDP survey is WORTHLESS in term of assessing the long term quality of a vehicle.
The question is that are most marriages in the long term as good as the honeymoons? With over 50% divorce rate, I think the answer is pretty obvious. As for human relationships with cars, I think the number is even worse.
In conclusion, JDP rating is a real joke. I think believing in it is like believing that 3-minutes abs machine workout each day would bring a 6-pack ab in 30 days.
Uh-huh.
I've owned and driven Chevy's since I was 16. This is my first "Foreign" vehicle (although it's built in the U.S. and the Tahoe is built in either Mexico or the U.S.). After my 1996 Blazer spent more time going up and down than forward, I decided to look elsewhere.
I really like the Seq over the Exp. and Tahoe. Each has its advantages, and probably problems. However, based on my criteria, the Seq. is the best bet for me. I don't trailer anything larger than a small pop up, but I do need the interior space (I haul a 4'x4'x3' N scale train modules in the truck for the train club I belong to).
This truck is easy to drive, does NOT feel large, has enough power for me, and looks great. However, the 13 to 14 (Calc) MPG I get could be better, but I knew that going in.
The Seq. is not perfect, nothing is, but compared to the rest, it's the best one going.(note: personal opinion here).
NL
Be careful about what you say about GM, Mopar and FOMOCO products. You don't want to upset the NASCAR set. They really hate it when you laugh or cry out loud about past experiences with those products. Enjoy your Sequoia but don't admit that you like it on this board.
We only saw one other Sequoia during the entire holiday weekend, and we got an inquiry and complement about the Sequoia.
Expressing your opinions about the quality and capabilities of the vehicle you own is very helpful to others shopping for similar vehicles. On the other hand if you express opinions about the vehicle you own or that someone else owns and position it as fact, don't be surprised if someone asks for your source or shares a source which contradicts your so called "facts".
Truth should never hurt if you are awake at the wheel.
Sorry if my last post was too harsh. Had another bad day in a series of bad days. No excuse, just an explanation.
Paul
I took it to the dealer on September 4th and they diagnosed that the ECU circuit board was bad. Of course, they have no parts on hand so they had to order it. I just got it back (they gave me a free oil change
Per post 3591 check your lemon law... In my state if the dealer has it a certain number of days it falls within the lemon law guidelines. When the A/C compressor was bad I had to wait 3 1/2 weeks for a new compressor.... I should have left it at the dealer because with it in the shop all the time I would of had new truck!!!
They had a heck of a time getting the freon to take in the back A/C unit (yes, it was in the shop for this also!)
Thank goodness winter is coming up and I will not have to deal with the A/C.
I love the truck except for the headrest in the rear seats make it very hard to get good visibility. I basically keep the third row seats flat all the time. Another plus!!! the seats are easy to take out and reinstall.
(Sorry Moderator I know this is off topic...)
On the return, we left Cimmaron, NM (east of Red River) at 11:00 A.M, stopping to look at bison along the way and Estella's in Las Vegas for lunch. We made it back to Austin at 2 A.M. CST, so I guess the answer is about 14 hours.
With the disappearing third seat of the MDX, there will be plenty of room for the twin stroller or two separate strollers. Of course, I would also highly recommend the SEQ and the rear seats can also be removed or folded for more space. I personally know of people who own a Tahoes and Yukons and they are happy with them too. So mreid should try as many of these SUVs as possible to get a more educated decision.
A major issue that people with kids at "carseat ages" have to consider carefully is the riding confort of the third seat for adults. Take this scenario, for example. A family with at least two kids in carseats go on trips to visit the grandparents. Going there, it's no problem. There's room for everyone. When they get there, the grandparents go around town with them. Since it is much more difficult to put the car seats on the third row seats, the only option is to put the grandparents there. Some of the "full-size SUVs" DO NOT have enough space for adults in the third row. It's somewhat bumpy there too, at least for my SEQ.
Ironically, when the kids are already big enough for seatbealts, the seating arrangment becomes very different and a smaller third row may be okay. The kids will be on the third row seats, which is confortable enough for them until they get to be teenagers.
There was a recent comment about the height of the seq making toddler access difficult... with running boards, my 3 year old has no problem climbing in and out... except that it has become a bit of a game. My 72 year old parents also made it in and out without too much problem (the many grab holds help)... easier than my old 2 door 4 rnnr.
Also, anyone who has children in carseats, any pros and cons for having to lift the up kids in the Sequoia since it's higher compared to other vehicles/minivans. Thanks in advance!
You are correct, it is difficult to see when looking over your right shoulder. I voiced this concern to a truck driver friend after buying my Sequoia. His response was "You're supposed to use your mirrors for that". He, of course was right. You get used to it quickly. When I had my piece of junk Chevy pick up, it was easy to look over my right shoulder to see, and was a easy habit to get into. I do believe that you become a better driver when you learn to rely only on your mirrors, but it was still unnerving at first.
As for parking, it is no more difficult than my piece of junk Chevy pick up was to park. It is a larger truck than your Cherokee.
Hope this helps.
Paul
The one with the Seq, his wife complained about the height of the SUV. It's too big and too high. As you said, it's difficult seeing the right side of the vehicle. In addition, since she wasn't familiar with the large size Seq, she had difficulties doing parallel parking.
The other 2 neighbors have a Montero Limited. The owner of the Seq drove one of the neighbors Montero Limited for a test drive. She really loved the Montero! She has no problem with the blind spot on the Montero. I believe the Montero sits lower than the Seq. She said it's more "woman friendly SUV".
Anyway, the owner of the Seq will be selling their Seq for the Montero Limited (he loves his wife). The quality on the Montero seems to be very good (read the Montero board). So far, their Montero Limited has over 20K miles on it. The other owner has 32K miles on it with no quality issues. Absolutely no probelm. Also, it's a bit more affordable than the Seq Limited.
Both Seq and Montero are excellent SUVs, perhaps your wife should test drive the Montero Limited? A Montero Limited can be had for low $30's (with discount).
Good luck!
PS
If you or your wife is uncomfortable with the Seq because of the right blind spot, I recommend you stay away from the Seq. Better safe than sorry.
By the way, to this point we have our decision narrowed down to this or the Honda Odyssey. We really like the roomniess (if this is such a word) of the interior in each of these and want the third row seat along with decent rear storage. It's hard to argue with the quality of either of these brands.
We are a low-thirties (age) couple not willingly ready to make the plunge to the minivan quite yet - so it's either gonna be the flashy/sporty SUV or the nice/practical minivan. Prices aside, we are really having a hard time deciding. We often wonder how it would be getting the kids in and out of the Sequoia in parking spots and in our garage as compared to the sliding Odyssey doors. Hope to have a decision in a few weeks. Thanks again!
p.s. I'll take a peak at the Montero too.
Maybe you want to look at a Acura MDX. It's built on the Odyssey platform but is more like a SUV than the Odyssey. We test drove one and liked it very much. However, the third row seat is very tight and simply wouldn't work for us. Maybe we'll trade my wifes Outback (an excellent vehicle in itself) for one. Good luck.
Paul
The minivan (Odyssey) is less expensive, gets better mileage, is more comfortable in the third seat (my opinion), and seems to be generally more practical for daily use.
Still, I find myself trying to rationalize a Seq. purchase. I like the looks and I would be great for the few times each year for SUV/four wheel drive capability (backpacking, winter skiing).
In the end however, it seems that the minivan simply makes the most "sense"
Help!
Both vehicles fit our needs well, what it comes down to for us is do we want to swallow our pride and take the mini-van plunge!?!? Decisions, Decisions. :-) I echo you...HELP
PS ryoon, if you get a chance, drop me an email at tntcal@aol.com, sounds like we are in the same boat and I have a few questions for ya.
For cars, many people go for what they 'like' over what they 'need', 'cos they are going to have to live with their decision for many years, and knowing that they 'like' their ride may just be the difference.
For the choices you both face, there are plenty of plusses and minusses to owing both of these vehicles, ultimately, it may come down to an intangible and/or somewhat subjective measure.
good luck with your decision, and don't forget, both vehicles are depreciating investments and an overall cost-to-value measure (besides looks, likes and needs) has to be factored in...
Hope this helps you both.
1. Visibility to the right and rear is very poor but you do get used to it. 2.There is a slight feeling of the vehicle moving forward when you have the brake pushed down at a stop light and the air conditioners kick in. 3. Parking was extremely difficult the first two weeks (we both drove a camry and nissan pick up truck)but you do get used to it relatively quickly. 4. We have the SR5 in thunder grey and absolutely hate the fact that the running boards and wheel well guards do not match the rest of the truck. 5. There is a little more road noise than the camry but much better that the nissan truck. I realize these things seem petty and would probably be encountered in other vehicles but they are the only things we can think of to complain about. Overall we are more than satisfied with the sequoia and would encourage anyone thinking of getting it to do so.
This week we plan on snagging a Sequoia from a local dealer for a few hours and then bringing it home and put it in the garage to see exactly how much room is left for opening and shutting the doors. We have a standard size double stall garage.
Thanks again!
In an emergency lane change, ANY SUVs can easily be rollover, depending on road condition, weather, drivers' experience, and etc. Don't ever think Seq is an exception.
In my opinion, the chances of you broad siding a vehicle because of the blind spot in a Sequoia is 1000X greater than if you were to rollover in a MOntero.
You choose which accident you prefer....
1. What's a vehicle for??? Transporting people and sometimes a few "things".
2. How many times do I really need 4 wheel dirve?
3. I really have no problem with "the minivan image". I think they make alot of sense and that's part of their attractiveness.
So why should I spend so much more in purchase price and fuel for a Seq?
1. Four wheel drive capability would be nice for those ski trips and backpacking trips.
2. There is more cargo room behind the third seat.
3. The Seq. can hold eight.
4. The Seq. is an attracive looking vehicle.
I think the only solution is to buy both!!! (ha ha ha)