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Other problems experienced on my initial ride last May:
Ticking noise-- turned out to be loose CD cases
Front seat belt cover/trim off--not resolved but I figured that the trim pieces are designed for placing on the hex head when it is in a certain position or else the trim "gripper tabs" don't align and grip properly. Mine are off now but the dealer will work those over (probably with the silicone solution posted here).
Left rear seat belt catches in non-slip position after break is released--need to fix at dealer. Right now the only solution is to remove seat belt, retract and relatch.
Other than that, the car is great. Our next car will have to be a Prius to balance our gas consumption.
BTW--my 92 Toyota 4 WD PU just had a checkup at 175k. Still 5mm on front brakes and 6 mm on rear brakes--both original (as is the clutch).
Recently on a business trip I rented a top of the line GMC Yukon (not XL)for 2 days just to satisfy my curiosity and to see if I had any regrets about my decision. The short answer is no. I believe the Sequoia to be a better overall vehicle. The trucks are different. I would say the Sequoia feels smooth and refined, while the Yukon feels a bit unpolished and rough around the edges with maybe a bit more spunk.
Here are some observations/comments about the differences between the two (in no particular order):
-The Sequoia seemed much bigger inside. This was the case everywhere but especially noticeable in the 3rd seat and rear cargo area.
-the 3rd row seats slide back and forth in the Sequoia but not in the Yukon. This is a great feature on the Sequoia and really helps with cargo capacity if you leave 3rd row seats in.
-the front seats seemed to be much more comfortable in the Yukon. A bit of a disclaimer here-my Sequoia is an SR5 with cloth seats while the Yukon was heated leather so maybe a bit of an unfair comparison.
-someone had commented a while back that the steering wheel is off center (to the right of the dash)on the Yukon. I found that hard to believe but it is in fact off center and feels a bit weird. By the end of the day I was used to it but the steering wheel always felt too large to me.
-the parking brake on the Yukon was so high up, my knee was almost in my chest trying to apply it. Not sure if design flaw or just my particular vehicle (7500 km's on it).
-the engine (5.3) on the Yukon did seem to have more low end grunt than my Sequoia but didn't seem "faster" overall. So I would give the nod to the Yukon for power. The Sequoia is however a much smoother and quieter engine. This is really noticeable at idle as well where you can feel the engine vibrate in the Yukon while the Sequoia is nearly silent. My choice for real world day to day driving would be the Sequoia.
-the interior of the Yukon seemed a little cheaper than the Sequoia. It felt more plasticky and the switches didn't have the nice solid feel of the Sequoia.
-I think the stereo was superior on the Yukon. I base this mostly on the fact the Yukon clearly has a subwoofer for the bass.
-I prefer the Sequoia for outward visibility. Seemed much better out front and not as many blind spots in the rear.
-for one of the most important things-the ride-I found the Sequoia superior. The Yukon seemed to "buck" over bumps similar to what my Ford Explorer used to do. I don't get any of that bucking in my dat to day driving in the Seqoia. Is this possibly a price you pay for higher towing capacity? I would choose a vehicle based on my 95% non-towing.
So while the Yukon is a fine vehicle I prefer the Sequoia and this confirmed I made the right choice for me.
I encourage anyone shopping to try all of the vehicles properly before buying. If you have any specific questions about my experience please post.
No flames needed, just an honest assessment of a fair comparison that might not have been equal in price. My idea of fair pricing is not retail but out the door pricing which for the GM products is a substantial advantage over the Toyota products.
If comparing the Yukon XL the comparison would have been different. I consider the XL to be a not quite direct competitor. I also test drove Yukon XL prior to purchasing Sequoia.
I think the dynamics of the XL are different. It might ride better but gives up some manoueverability. It is physically larger than Sequoia and obviously has more cargo capacity. However the driver space seemed to be the same as a regular Yukon, that is not as spacious as a Sequoia.
Also the XL gives up some performance due to size and weight. It is slower than the Yukon.
The Yukon I tested was actually more expensive than my Sequoia but did have more "toys".
Here in Canada a Denali is quite a bit more than a fully loaded Limited. Also with a Limited you get 6 disc changer, heated leather seats etc. so the Yukon loses some advantages.
From what I read the Denali is an excellent choice but you're certainly paying a premium (here in Canada).
For the record the Sequoia is about 5" longer than a Yukon and 15" shorter than an XL. However the XL weighs less than a Sequoia (5224 vs 5300lbs) and has the identical turning radius at 42.3ft although the wheelbase on the XL is 12" longer. So maneuverability should be comparable with the XL. Performance between an XL and a Yukon are nearly identical as the XL only weighs 100lbs more than a Yukon. The performance is even greater in a Denali (320hp) which adds 45 more hp than a Yukon but some of that power is lost in the AWD.
I agree with your assessment on the parking brake which seems like it was just an afterthought in its placement in the GM. The steering wheel in my 2001 Denali XL is dead on center. I doubt your rental had GM's computer controlled Autoride which is standard on the Denali and a must have suspension package in the Yukon. Makes a huge difference in the ride that should be experienced. It is a very worthwhile option.
I am surprised about your perception of space in the driver seat of the two vehicles since the head and leg dimensions are identical to a Sequoia and the shoulder and hip measurements are both 3" larger in the Yukon and the Yukon XL. Could the space impression been a result of your greater familiarity with the Sequoia?
While your stats on curb weight are correct, the Yukon Denali weighs 5525 lbs. while the Yukon Denali XL weighs 5734 lbs. My guess is that minor horsepower increase with an extra 600 lbs.(over the Yukon) will result in worse performance.
Regarding space in the front, we both know stats are sometimes not as relevant as design and ergonomics. My perception is simply an opinion on space. Maybe it is even the seating position?
Regarding maneuverability, that 15 inches is significant, even with a good turning radius.
To be honest, I've never even driven a Denali. It's a great looking vehicle with good reviews.
My original comparison was trying to compare apples to apples whenever possible.
Thanks for your comments.
1. The arm rests are almost identical on both vehicles. I know there were negative comments about how narrow they are.
2. There were also negative comments about the black box by the passengers feet. I believe it is to do with the HVAC. That box is actually a little more obtrusive in the Yukon.
By the way, when I ordered the car, I agreed to pay a dealer $1,200 over invoice plus tags and tax, and not a penny more... The dealer agreed, but then the General Sales Manager tried to slip in a TDA charge (Toyota dealer advertising) for $767.
When I questioned this charge, she said that everyone has to pay this... Upon further investigation, I found another dealer in my area (that I now buying the car from) that agreed to the $1,200 over invoice without this TDA charge, thus, I walked from the first dealer...
Bottom line... everything is negotiable and some dealers will try to take advantage of niave consumers... Be careful when shopping!!!
Thanks in advance,
thanks for the opinions
The fluid is not necessarily leaking out anywhere. I was told by my mechanic that I should not add brake fluid, because it is harder to tell when your pads wear out. However, I never had the brake light come on either.
I took possession of a loaded SR5 Sequoia at the end of August. I made sure I was aware of what I was not getting by loading up an SR5 instead of a Limited. I couldn't justify spending $3,000 for heated seats and retractable mirrors.
The 2001 CQ package included keyless entry in 2001. In 2002 the CQ package did not include keyless entry, but could be configured separately from the Factory. I wasn't made aware of this fact until I asked at delivery where the keyless remote was. I was pissed. I believe someone in Toyota made a serious mistake building loaded SR5s without the ala carte keyless included. I called Toyota, and several people at my dealership. It took just over a month, but I finally got the keyless system installed at no cost by the dealer. By now Toyota should have a policy for dealing with this. Perhaps they should also learn a lesson that certain features should be automatically included in a car that starts over $30,000 and easily can run at or above $40,000. Other than this seemingly trivial complaint in the grand scheme of things, I love this car.
Brad
first of all, thanks for responding to my message. I checked CQ for 2001 and 2002, they are $490 and $255 respectively. that's mean if toyota made a mistake building loaded SR5s without the ala carte keyless included. you saved yourself $250 for the keyless entry (and i'm sure you won't pay MSRP) also, according to my dealer(putnam toyota in redwood city), if you have to put it on afterward, it is not just $350 for a set, but a few more hundreds for the labour, oh, man...... should I keep pushing it or simply live without the keyless entry. but as you said a vehicle costs that much with no keyless entry is ridiculous.
The Sequoia (which I own), is much larger, takes much more effort to handle (large turning radius, etc.), but fits 6 adults and 2 children in carseats with ease. It can fit a ton of stuff in the rear, can tow a decent sized trailer, and has excellent off-road abilities. I bought it for the safety of my wife and infant.
All in all, they are two completely different experiences. I think you need to clarify to yourself what you are looking for before you buy. These two are worlds apart.
At 13.5K miles I replaced the front pads. Level returned to Max level and all lights went off. I'm estimating that the pads had about 3-5K miles remaining.
Anyway - the pads are easy to change and total cost was $35. Once the wheels are removed there are no tools required. Two retaining springs and two pins are easily removed by hand, the pads are pulled radially outward to remove. Slowly depress the pistons and slide in new pads. Anyone could do this. The fluid will return to normal level once the new(thicker) pads are inserted.
But I am curious to know if anyone with 4x2 and with < 15k miles have had to change their brake pads as well.
Txs
I know this may not answer all persons who eat pads for breakfast, but take a look at your driving habits. If you use your right foot on the gas and left on the brake, it is possible that you are riding your brakes more than you think. You may even have been able to do this with other vehicles in the past, but perhaps the seating position on the Sequoia rests your foot harder than you think on the brake.
Just something to consider.
Navigational System?
DVD (rear entertainment system)?
Memory seats?
Would this hurt sales of the LX470? I understand Nissan and Infiniti are rolling out similar vehicials in late 2003 as 2004 models.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Also try a good quality polish (Malms, Meguiars, Mothers, Zymol) not the wax but the polish. Most of these come in steps (polish then wax) and the polish should do the trick.
If the polish by hand doesn't work then using the polish with an orbital polisher will do the job.
Most dealerships offer some form of environmental paint protection. In the Southeast, they offer the "Toyoguard" which includes the paint protection. This stuff actually does work to prevent acid rain damage and this is essentially what you have. Most dealerships charge between #400 to $500 for this and a large portion of that expense is the warranty which is normally 5 years.
I am sure that there are products you can buy to do the same thing. Wax will not work because wax melts at about 115 degrees. The surface of your vehicle will exceed this in the summer, especially a black vehicle. Find something with a teflon base.
If so, why, if not why not. I'm very close to buying but still on the fence. Also interested in the Acura MDX (yeah, yeah, I know, totally different vehicles, but what a ride).
Thanks in advance for your responses.
Steve
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Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Prime considerations: waiting line for MDX's, selling at/near full MSRP vs having a Sequoia NOW at a reduced price. Further, I wanted some MASS around my family, as my wife was going to be the principal driver. My friend also ended his pursuits, deciding between the MDX & Seq. He chose the MDX.
Decide what your needs really are, prioritize them, and test drive each vehicle, back-to-back (if you can find an MDX). You'll know which one to choose after that.
i'm glad that you brought up this subject - sequoia vs MDX. I owned my sequoia for 2 months, there is not a day went by that I am not wishing that I have a right again to choose between two. i'm not saying I don't like sequoia. in fact my wife loves it, actually she is the one who drive it everyday. she is a big fan of landcrusier, and she think toyota make her dream come true by giving us a discount. also she think she pick a tougher car over a lady's car. anyway, i'm sure if I bought MDX, I will also think of sequoia. it's just that I picked sequoia for some silly reason. I was thinking of the same thing, toyota have a reduced price, but you need to pay mark up for MDX. but after I bought SEQ, I found out that you can pay MSRP for MDX. and toyota don't give you a better deal even they gave you invoice price, because they put a lot of thing in options, whereas for a basic MDX, you've got leather, sunroof.... so don't make my mistake, again i'm not saying sequoia is a mistake, i'm saying picking sequoia for price or even waiting time is a mistake. if this is a right vehicle for you, it'll worth the wait.
so now let me comparing 2 vehicles. I think MDX has definitely had a better ride than sequoia, especially when it turns, it feels very tight and safe. but sequoia has much more room, try the middle seat, it's very comfortable comparing to MDX. third row seat of MDX is a joke, not even for kids, because you would not want to risk you child by seat so close to the back of the vechicle, unless yu hate him/her, but i have to admit that acura sounds better than toyota. for the look, it's very subjective, but most of the people when they saw me driving sequoia, they will say what a big car, whereas, people will look at MDX and say it's a nice SUV. so if you are a family of two, like us, may be you need to think, do you really need the room. but if you want a car that can sit more than five and ride comfortabely, sequoia is your choice, cos it rides very smooth and quietly...
As such, for more information about reverse warning systems, please have a look at the Reverse warning systems discussion topic in the Aftermarket & Accessories message board.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
I bought my Sequoia without running boards as well. During the negotiation process when buying my SUV, the dealer kept changing the price from $599 to $899 for running boards. We had already done our research on the internet and found some for $225. Total with s/h and paint = ~$350. I've been happy with them and they really complete the look of the Sequoia. The company we purchased them from is called Prestigous Accessories.
Loved the way the mdx drove and also the navigation system, but it wasn't THAT much bigger than our CRV, so, we opted for the Limited Sequoia which comes in the end of this month...
My advise would be the same as others have already said... Decide what your needs really are, prioritize them, and test drive each vehicle, back-to-back and make the right choice for you... Good luck!
I didn't know you can get a broker to sell your car. do you know where can I find one? and do you mind telling us how much do you loose by selling it? (us$)