"there may be better choices like a 1 ton pickup truck." OR a fullsize suv like a Suburban, Excursion, Yukon or Expedition with higher tow capacities than a Sequoia and what some consider good quality designs and manufacturing.
Actually, I just found that the 3/4 ton suburban tows as much as the 3/4 ton Silverado. Given a choice *for towing* I would select that Silverado though due to the better visibility and the availability of the Duramax V8. If you want to choose a vehicle based only on its towing ability, there are better choices than the Burb.
I take back what I said about towing with a (Chevy)truck! New Motor Trend talking about Silverado 1500HD: "Braking wasn't as short as we'd like it...brakes feel sketchy...when loaded with 1000 lbs. braking got downright scary. When you hit the pedal it goes about halfway to the floor, waits a beat, then all the way to the mat...meanwhile entire countries are whizzing by your window.
At the other end of the performance scale is the Tundra...emergency braking was impressive...stellar,straight and surefooted...fully loaded with 1000 lbs. only required an additional 5 feet to stop- how did they do that?"
Hopefully your Yukons have different braking systems?
Incidentally, the aforementioned Silverado has a 10300 lb. towing capacity. Kinda scary to think about towing that much with inferior braking isn't it!
Just picked up my new Sequoia yesterday. I had custom ordered a 2002 2wd SR5 in desert sand (AC,AH,CC,CQ,DJ,DR,GY,KE,LF,RL,SR,LA8,PV5)on 12/22/01 from Harold Guy at Tuscaloosa Toyota (Alabama)(877-470-2262)for near invoice. He originally estimated that it would take 60-90 days. When he called on 1/30 to say that it has just been delivered, I couldn't wait to pick it up. In the 30 years I have bought cars, I have never received such professional, knowledgeable, and timely assistance as I have received from Mr. Guy. I recommend him without reservation. It was well worth the 3 1/2 hour drive each way from Atlanta.
My parents just got an SR5 Sequoia with a moonroof option. Unfortunately, the moonroof itself was making some noises and they went to our dealer to see what the problem was. The dealer said they needed to take the whole moonroof out and install a new one. Any other people that has had a similar problem? Thanks.
Also, we wanted to install a remote keyless entry since our truck did not come with that option. Does anyone know any aftermarket parts that I can buy from? Also, is there a certain part that is needed before I can install that?
I could be wrong on this but I don't believe there have been any posts about moonroofs other than yours? Sounds like an isolated problem and sounds like your dealer is taking accountability for fixing it.
When we first test drove the truck, I couldn't hear any squeaks or rattles. Then, about early last month, my parents travelled over some really rough roads that I guess made something loose in the moonroof. Anyways, they took it to the dealer and said they found what the problem is but would take a day's worth of work to remove it, install, and to test it. I wonder if it's common or just plain bad luck on our part. :-P
cliffy1: No disrespect intended and not looking to start a debate or argument. There is no pickup with 4 wheels that tows more than a 3/4 ton Suburban with the 8.1L engine. Until you get into one ton chassis with dualie setups this vehicle is the max tow vehicle.
714cut: while I recognize your intention is to find whatever article you can to be dismissive of any suv alternative to the Sequoia, my intention was not to engage in a debate on quality. The would be a futile effort in this environment and with this audience.
However I did want to provide a straight-forward and BALANCED answer to the poster inquiring about a 30ft travel trailer and what vehicles would be suitable tugs. I provided factual information which I'm sure you found irritating because it so clearly and dramatically favors vehicles other than your "beloved" Sequoia for this one particular capability that was being inquired about.
Unfortunately you and cliffy misdirected the poster by suggesting his best and/or only alternative was a pickup. If you consider the quality of all the domestics to be poor, I'm not sure why you would have suggested a pickup over the Expedition, Yukon, Yukon XL, Suburban, Tahoe and Excursion, if heavy towing is an important criteria for its owner.
If heavy towing is needed combined with the convenience of an suv for non-towing situations than the vehicles above are far better choices than the Sequoia or a pickup. There is no towing advantage to a pickup over the same chassis, drivetrain, suspension and engine in the comparable suv. The two capacities are very similar and in many cases favor the suv. If you believe otherwise, you should also be recommending to anyone inquiring about towing on this forum that they should buy a Tundra instead of a Sequoia because a pickup is a better tow vehicle than an suv (which they are not).
If fifth wheel towing is your need than obviously you must have a pick-up, however for all towing with a ball and hitch attached to the rear undercarriage there is no benefit to a pickup over an suv.
To answer your question, I have towed 8-9000lb triple axle boat trailers comfortable behind a 3/4 ton Sub with a 7.4L engine. I currently (warm weather of course) tow a 6,500 lb boat on a dual axle, dual brake trailer, behind a 2001 Denali XL. A 3/4 ton Suburban (Yukon XL) with a 4.10 rear and the 8.1L engine is the ultimate tow vehicle with 4 wheels followed closely by the Excursion with the 7.3L turbo diesel.
You are correct, you are incapable of ever letting anything go.
I acknowledged that I had overlooked the Heavy duty Suburban or Excursion. I do not dismiss anything other than Sequoias. In fact if you gather proper facts you will see my posts mentioning waiting for/comparing the brand new Expedition (for example).
It's funny how you are always challenging Sequoia info yet respond so strongly when other findings challenge GM products. As well you are always just lurking waiting to pounce on any post. You rarely post first, you are always responding to other posts.
"This environment with this audience". It is the Toyota Sequoia forum is it not?
You post many things against the Sequoia, yet you selectively dismiss valuable info against GM products and your beloved Denali. Do you not think that someone towing a large trailer would like to know about a potentially dangerous braking situation? You'd certainly be pointing it out if it was the Sequoia!
No misguiding happened nor was intended. I admitted I wasn't thinking about larger SUV's (and the original question was can the Sequoia tow it!) and conceded that point. Why can't you accept that?
Actually the Tundra is a better towing vehicle than the Sequoia. It has a 7100 lb. towing capacity. As Motor Trend stated "Built to take on the Baja or daily commute, the Tundra can still haul a 7000 lb. trailer without breaking a sweat". Maybe do your research before misguiding our posters here on the Toyota Sequoia forum.
I was only pointing out that heavy towing and what is being discussed here are two different things. If heavy towing is your only priority, buy a pickup. As you pointed out, a dualy is superior for this application. If towing is occasional and other priorities exist, the Sequoia is a very viable option.
Oh yes, and comparing a 3/4 ton Suburban to a 1/2 ton Sequoia is disingenuous.
cliffy & 714cut: I shared the 3/4 ton data because given the size of the tow package being considered, it was possibly one of the better choices. I never "compared" a 3/4 ton Suburban to a Sequoia.
I compared the 3/4 ton Suburban to a 3/4 ton pickup. There is another forum for comparing the Sequoia to the Suburban or Tahoe. I simply was providing legitimate assistance to an inquiry which showed there are several other good choices to consider for his trailer package other than pickups, since the Sequoia was not capable of the tow weights that the poster was looking to handle.
I shared the factual capacities for others to interpret without my opinions unless they were asked for. Is there some part of the data I shared that you find inaccurate, or are you just irritated that it favors something other than a Sequoia?
You're correct! Those are those very long self-important posts from wanna be members of the national debating team. Although I have to admit to cheering for Heatwave as he defends his right to choose an SUV and debates some of their inaccuracies!
I bought a SR5 which didn't come with foglights. Toyota doesn't seem to have a kit for dropping in the foglights and a switch. Is anyone aware of an aftermarket foglight kit, or, has anyone installed their own foglights on an SR5? I'd like to know what it entailed and how much it cost.
Has anyone switched out their factory wheels/tires for a custom set? Thinking of putting 18" wheels/tires on my SR5. I've read the posts here regarding the Michelin Cross Terrains. Any additional suggestions for tires? Any change in drive/performance with 18" wheels?
Cliffy, Any information regarding changes being made for the 2003 Model Year. One item that I am hoping that they add is the Navigation System. If they do, I would like to see the Land Cruiser version not the Camry version. The LC version remains in place and the Camry flips down. The Sequoia could use the same configuration as the LC, particularly since the shifter is on the column and and not on the floor. Your thoughts. Thanks.
My 2001 Seq has been experiencing 3 problems: (1) the proverbial tapping noise on cold mornings; (2) power brake fading when the AC compressor kicks on; and (3) recent flashing of the AC light when either the AC or the defroster is turned on. I have just been told that there is technical service bulletin which advises that certain Seqs built during 2001 have a problem with the compressor which the dealer says could be causing all three problems. The compressor will be replaced for free but I would like to know whether anyone else has experienced compressor problems or is aware of the content of the technical bulletin.
My 2001 didn't come with foglights. I spent an exorbitant amount to order parts from Toyota and have them installed by local dealer. Switch went on dash in opening beside rear window switch. I believe it was about $700 cdn in total. It required taking the steering wheel apart etc. Some people have used the Limited switch on the headlight stalk but I believe that was more money and more labor. So there is no kit, just individual parts hence the high cost. Some people have put PIAA 959's? instead. A lot cheaper but they stick out a bit and give the truck a little "bug-eyed" look IMHO.
The lighting is not hugely significant so if you do it do it for the look (it does look great with the fog lights in there). If you do it for lighting, go with some proper driving lights. I've just ordered some Hella micro Xenon true HID driving lights and will keep you posted when they arrive. Check them out at www.hella.com and see them in the "interactive light tunnel". They will however have to be mounted on the bumper.
I have a "ticker" and trust me the AC compressor has nothing to do with it. Both my 2001 and current 2002 had no problems with AC but they are both tickers. Not sure of the ticker solution. Just make sure it is documented and bring it to dealers attention in case of future problems/concerns.
The "power brake fading" is disconcerting and mine does the same. However, my Ford Explorer and my wife's Camry all did the same. I think it might have something to do with idle speed when compressor kicks in. I think this would be "normal".
The flashing AC light clearly indicates a problem and sound like it is being replaced. I haven't seen a lot of posts about AC problems but there have been some.
The PIAA 959's don't clip in, they kind of stick out (hence my comment about bug-eyed looking).
I don't dispute I paid a premium as I had to have the Toyota lights but keep in mind the lights alone you mentioned are nearly $500 cdn. There were also no instructions on how to do at the time so the dealer was winging it.
I should clarify removing the steering wheel...that should be part of the steering wheel so they could be properly tied in to headlights so they shut off on high beam.
Also I am not a handyman or mechanically inclined. It's going to cost you a couple of hours labor to have them installed. You're probably goint to end up pretty close to where I was.
The ticking is from the fuel injectors. You can either learn to live with it or put some insulation around them. Not much else can be done. Too bad Toyota didn't go the extra mile to put some sound deadening on the hood and firewall.
I don't have the time to recap my AC nightmare but apparently there were some bad compressors used in 2001. I don't know if there is a TSB or not. I strongly recommend that you document everything regarding this problem. It could come in handy if they can't fix it after a few attempts.
Thank you gotcha_covered. I know that most people do not care if they have a NAV system or not. At least make it an option. I understand that there are different clientele that Toyota is catering to when it comes to the Land Cruiser and the Sequoia, but if the vehicle can be configured in a way to accommodate an item then they should do it.
I have a 2002 SR5, and my AC compressor just went out a week or so ago. Was working fine one day, and the next, no cold air (we were having 75 degree days here in AL at the time). Took it in, and they have had to order a new compressor. Should be in next week. Glad the weather turned back into winter, again. That is all I know. Hope it helps some.
My 2002 Sequoia is also a ticker, however, the ticking is definitely worse when the weather is colder. Once it gets below 0 Celsius (32 F) it will tick until warm. There is a good discussion at tundrasolutions.com which attributes the ticking to "piston slap", which would obviously be worse with cold weather due to contraction of the metal parts. consequently, there is probably no "fix" for the piston slap. Some have suggested that the loose tolerances on the pistons enable the ULEV rating because tolerance is optimized once the engine is warm. I don't know about anybody else experience, but my ticking dissappears after 5 to 10 minutes i really cold weather.
New issue of Truck Trend has a comparo between Sequoia, Yukon Denali XL and the Excursion. While it seems to me the Sequoia is in a different category than these two, there are some interesting insights in it.
Heatwave, they really liked your Denali XL, rating it the best in a lot of categories and best overall! They were very positive about it.
714cut: I and I am sure others appreciated the "fair" comments above. Is there a web site you can direct us to that you read the report at?
I don't exactly recall who chastised me for comparing the Sequoia to a Denali XL, however it appears that the magazine you referenced above thought enough consumer's shopped for these 3 vehicles that it warranted a Magazine comparison.
BTW, was the Sequoia a Limited in the comparison, because if not, than I would agree that from a feature standpoint and price standpoint it would be an unfair comparison. OTOH if it was a Limited comparison to a Denali XL and a Limited Excursion it would be a reasonable comparison of interest to many potential consumers of these f/s suvs.
Heatwave, it was a Sequoia Limited. The website is www.trucktrend.com however as they want you to buy the magazine it is not on the site yet. You may want to pick up the magazine.
Got to see the 2002 Sequoia and the 2003 Lexus GX470. They both looked great. They had the VROD Harley on display at Ford area. Nissan had one of the best group of cars on display . The 350Z looked like it was ready for takeoff. The headlight design was a real standout. the Quest Concept looked amazing inside and out. If I was going to drive a minivan I would choose the Quest Concept. I hope Nissan actually sell that design. Best looking truck for me was the Hummer H2. I am hangging the poster in my office. Awesome looking Truck. I also had a brief looked at the Yukon Denali XL. Liked the front end on this enormous truck. the msrp was a little high at 50k.
aix91: jusr so you're not too put off by the msrp on the Denali XL, I bought mine for $43K and its routine to see others on the denali forum to get them for around the same price or abit more. Now you can also apply the $2002 GM rebate not to mention any GM credit card discounts which can knock a nother couple thousans off. Not unusual to pick up a DXL for around or under $40K, which would price it at or under a Sequoia limited.
Why don't they just lower the price of the Denali? Obviously they don't sell at the higher price and getting so much off the msrp just cheapens the perception of the vehicle IMHO. I think the bottom line here is that you either like/appreciate Toyotas or not. Most Toyota buyers will pay a premium to get their Toyota.
Going back to comparo, it was an Excursion XLT and both the Sequoia and Excursion were 2001's and the Denali was a 2002. I think they should have made them all the same model year and all top of the line otherwise it's not really a fair comparison. Also the 2002 Sequoia has addressed some of their dislikes such as over-active VSC and steering feel (alignment).
The new NHSTA rollover tests are out, but I still could not find the data on the Sequoia. Denali 4X4, 2002 still showed up with that pesky "high likelihood of thigh injury" comment like last year for the frontal crash test. RAV 4 did well, surprisingly for its short wheel base. Any info on the Sequoia's rollover rating yet? Thanks. Hockeymom
Hi! Actually I bought the Yukon SLT. I believe that HockeyMom (different sport!) bought the Sequoia. I love the Yukon so far....tons of room and a very smooth ride.
Nah, I bought a Yukon two vehicles ago, and got rid of it at 92,000 miles because of the expensive and annoyingly frequent repairs. I now have a Suquoia, put close to 7,000 miles since December 1, and am pleased with it. I like the ride, the handling, the VSC, the side air bags and side air curtains, and hopefully will like the reliability. So far, one oil change, another one due. Hopefully that's all I will do, but I'll report back in a year/40K. I just wondered if it passed the rollover, but the data aren't out yet. Hockeymom
Of course they have to compare a yuckonXL to a sequoia because the yuckonXL needs another 2 feet of utility to match the utility of the Sequoia.
Sequoia vs Expy/Yuckon is too easy of a game for the sequoia. Sequoia needs to be compared to vehicles outside its class for the other vehicles to stand a chance.
Remember, after the shine of buying a new Yuckon subsides, you realize that you payed $40,000 for a....GM product. Ouch.
I did you get mixed up - too many moms. I can't see how I confused hockey with baseball. I love hockey! Good luck to both of you with your new trucks. I have had a Seq SR5 4X4 for about 10 months and have had no trouble. It is my first Toyota and so far so good. I really like the Yukon too and think they are great trucks.
New to this thread and apologize if this has been covered:
Am looking at a couple of trucks to replace our '95 EB and the Sequoia is on the list. Right now, I would probably buy a sequoia or another explorer EB (w v8) since I like the idea of a truck frame and real 4wd. 2 concerns:
The 4 speed auto - this truck seems to beg for an overdrive gear, what do you think?
Rear air conditioning - I live in Texas where it can get extremely hot in the summer. How well is the air conditioning delivered to the 3rd row? Is it adequate? We can have multiple days in a row in the over 100 degree range.
Comments
New Motor Trend talking about Silverado 1500HD: "Braking wasn't as short as we'd like it...brakes feel sketchy...when loaded with 1000 lbs. braking got downright scary. When you hit the pedal it goes about halfway to the floor, waits a beat, then all the way to the mat...meanwhile entire countries are whizzing by your window.
At the other end of the performance scale is the Tundra...emergency braking was impressive...stellar,straight and surefooted...fully loaded with 1000 lbs. only required an additional 5 feet to stop- how did they do that?"
Hopefully your Yukons have different braking systems?
Incidentally, the aforementioned Silverado has a 10300 lb. towing capacity. Kinda scary to think about towing that much with inferior braking isn't it!
714cut: while I recognize your intention is to find whatever article you can to be dismissive of any suv alternative to the Sequoia, my intention was not to engage in a debate on quality. The would be a futile effort in this environment and with this audience.
However I did want to provide a straight-forward and BALANCED answer to the poster inquiring about a 30ft travel trailer and what vehicles would be suitable tugs. I provided factual information which I'm sure you found irritating because it so clearly and dramatically favors vehicles other than your "beloved" Sequoia for this one particular capability that was being inquired about.
Unfortunately you and cliffy misdirected the poster by suggesting his best and/or only alternative was a pickup. If you consider the quality of all the domestics to be poor, I'm not sure why you would have suggested a pickup over the Expedition, Yukon, Yukon XL, Suburban, Tahoe and Excursion, if heavy towing is an important criteria for its owner.
If heavy towing is needed combined with the convenience of an suv for non-towing situations than the vehicles above are far better choices than the Sequoia or a pickup. There is no towing advantage to a pickup over the same chassis, drivetrain, suspension and engine in the comparable suv. The two capacities are very similar and in many cases favor the suv. If you believe otherwise, you should also be recommending to anyone inquiring about towing on this forum that they should buy a Tundra instead of a Sequoia because a pickup is a better tow vehicle than an suv (which they are not).
If fifth wheel towing is your need than obviously you must have a pick-up, however for all towing with a ball and hitch attached to the rear undercarriage there is no benefit to a pickup over an suv.
To answer your question, I have towed 8-9000lb triple axle boat trailers comfortable behind a 3/4 ton Sub with a 7.4L engine. I currently (warm weather of course) tow a 6,500 lb boat on a dual axle, dual brake trailer, behind a 2001 Denali XL. A 3/4 ton Suburban (Yukon XL) with a 4.10 rear and the 8.1L engine is the ultimate tow vehicle with 4 wheels followed closely by the Excursion with the 7.3L turbo diesel.
I acknowledged that I had overlooked the Heavy duty Suburban or Excursion. I do not dismiss anything other than Sequoias. In fact if you gather proper facts you will see my posts mentioning waiting for/comparing the brand new Expedition (for example).
It's funny how you are always challenging Sequoia info yet respond so strongly when other findings challenge GM products. As well you are always just lurking waiting to pounce on any post. You rarely post first, you are always responding to other posts.
"This environment with this audience". It is the Toyota Sequoia forum is it not?
You post many things against the Sequoia, yet you selectively dismiss valuable info against GM products and your beloved Denali. Do you not think that someone towing a large trailer would like to know about a potentially dangerous braking situation? You'd certainly be pointing it out if it was the Sequoia!
No misguiding happened nor was intended. I admitted I wasn't thinking about larger SUV's (and the original question was can the Sequoia tow it!) and conceded that point. Why can't you accept that?
Actually the Tundra is a better towing vehicle than the Sequoia. It has a 7100 lb. towing capacity. As Motor Trend stated "Built to take on the Baja or daily commute, the Tundra can still haul a 7000 lb. trailer without breaking a sweat". Maybe do your research before misguiding our posters here on the Toyota Sequoia forum.
Oh yes, and comparing a 3/4 ton Suburban to a 1/2 ton Sequoia is disingenuous.
I compared the 3/4 ton Suburban to a 3/4 ton pickup. There is another forum for comparing the Sequoia to the Suburban or Tahoe. I simply was providing legitimate assistance to an inquiry which showed there are several other good choices to consider for his trailer package other than pickups, since the Sequoia was not capable of the tow weights that the poster was looking to handle.
I shared the factual capacities for others to interpret without my opinions unless they were asked for. Is there some part of the data I shared that you find inaccurate, or are you just irritated that it favors something other than a Sequoia?
There is a topic like that already in operation on the Townhall board - its called "I don't like SUVs, why do you?"
Although I have to admit to cheering for Heatwave as he defends his right to choose an SUV and debates some of their inaccuracies!
Those are those very long self-important posts from wanna be members of the national debating team.
I knew there was a reason I haven't ventured into that topic
Hey, some of the nicest though most vocal members of the Town Hall hang out there! :-)
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SUVs
Thanks in advance
Any information regarding changes being made for the 2003 Model Year. One item that I am hoping that they add is the Navigation System. If they do, I would like to see the Land Cruiser version not the Camry version. The LC version remains in place and the Camry flips down. The Sequoia could use the same configuration as the LC, particularly since the shifter is on the column and and not on the floor. Your thoughts. Thanks.
Some people have put PIAA 959's? instead. A lot cheaper but they stick out a bit and give the truck a little "bug-eyed" look IMHO.
The lighting is not hugely significant so if you do it do it for the look (it does look great with the fog lights in there). If you do it for lighting, go with some proper driving lights. I've just ordered some Hella micro Xenon true HID driving lights and will keep you posted when they arrive. Check them out at www.hella.com and see them in the "interactive light tunnel". They will however have to be mounted on the bumper.
The "power brake fading" is disconcerting and mine does the same. However, my Ford Explorer and my wife's Camry all did the same. I think it might have something to do with idle speed when compressor kicks in. I think this would be "normal".
The flashing AC light clearly indicates a problem and sound like it is being replaced. I haven't seen a lot of posts about AC problems but there have been some.
http://www.geocities.com/shweggy/shweggys_foglight_page.html
Do the PIAA 959 fog lights clip into the holes on the sequoia?
burned.
I don't dispute I paid a premium as I had to have the Toyota lights but keep in mind the lights alone you mentioned are nearly $500 cdn. There were also no instructions on how to do at the time so the dealer was winging it.
I should clarify removing the steering wheel...that should be part of the steering wheel so they could be properly tied in to headlights so they shut off on high beam.
Also I am not a handyman or mechanically inclined. It's going to cost you a couple of hours labor to have them installed. You're probably goint to end up pretty close to where I was.
I don't have the time to recap my AC nightmare but apparently there were some bad compressors used in 2001. I don't know if there is a TSB or not. I strongly recommend that you document everything regarding this problem. It could come in handy if they can't fix it after a few attempts.
Heatwave, they really liked your Denali XL, rating it the best in a lot of categories and best overall! They were very positive about it.
I don't exactly recall who chastised me for comparing the Sequoia to a Denali XL, however it appears that the magazine you referenced above thought enough consumer's shopped for these 3 vehicles that it warranted a Magazine comparison.
BTW, was the Sequoia a Limited in the comparison, because if not, than I would agree that from a feature standpoint and price standpoint it would be an unfair comparison. OTOH if it was a Limited comparison to a Denali XL and a Limited Excursion it would be a reasonable comparison of interest to many potential consumers of these f/s suvs.
Going back to comparo, it was an Excursion XLT and both the Sequoia and Excursion were 2001's and the Denali was a 2002. I think they should have made them all the same model year and all top of the line otherwise it's not really a fair comparison. Also the 2002 Sequoia has addressed some of their dislikes such as over-active VSC and steering feel (alignment).
Sequoia vs Expy/Yuckon is too easy of a game for the sequoia. Sequoia needs to be compared to vehicles outside its class for the other vehicles to stand a chance.
Remember, after the shine of buying a new Yuckon subsides, you realize that you payed $40,000 for a....GM product. Ouch.
cheers, Jim
Am looking at a couple of trucks to replace our '95 EB and the Sequoia is on the list. Right now, I would probably buy a sequoia or another explorer EB (w v8) since I like the idea of a truck frame and real 4wd. 2 concerns:
The 4 speed auto - this truck seems to beg for an overdrive gear, what do you think?
Rear air conditioning - I live in Texas where it can get extremely hot in the summer. How well is the air conditioning delivered to the 3rd row? Is it adequate? We can have multiple days in a row in the over 100 degree range.
Thanks in advance fro any helpful responses.