Toyota Sequoia

mifidi · August 2002

Anyone heard any info on the 5.4L V8 that is rumored for 2004?

tidester · August 2002

You may want to change your email address from private to public in your user profile if you want people to contact you. I don't think it's a good idea to post email addresses directly on the boards.

And, yes, we do frown on publishing contact details for dealers. It looks too much like promotion and solicitation.

tidester
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SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories

tcw · August 2002

Has anyone routinely hauled a double horse trailer with a 2wd Sequoia.

mrwhipple · August 2002

It supposed to be around 280 hp and built in the US. Don't have any torque specs on it.

714cut · August 2002

Was actually in a couple of the car magazines a couple of months back. Both claimed 300 h.p. would be the output. Makes sense since they already get that out of a 4.3 liter (I think) in the Lexus

oac3 · August 2002

Has anyone installed a 275/70/16 tire size on their Seq ? This is the size on the LC. I need to replace the tire on mine soon. I am debating between the factory size or a slightly larger one like the more aggresive one on the LC. Will this affect the speedometer reading ? And will it rub on the wheel well ?

BTW, the cost difference b/w the 265/70/16 and 275/70/16 that I found is only ca. $30. I am getting price quotes of $730 - $760 OTD for replacing all four tires. Are these prices reasonable ?

quesera1 · August 2002

Today we picked up our 2001 Limited which had been undergoing mostly cosmetic (body) repairs from damage about a month ago when a kid turned in front of us. It looks good and drives well so far. With all the repairs I guess we can say we're driving a $50,000 Sequoia now. Anything I should have checked out or look out for? It sure is nice to get back behind the wheel and out of the rental Tahoe we'd been driving for the past few weeks.

lutz572 · August 2002

I have a 4wd Sequoia and tow both a 2 horse kingston trailer and a 28' (4000 lb. empty) travel trailer. When I tow the travel trailer I need to use load leveling bars and an anti-sway bar. I don't use either of these when towing the horse trailer. Since I have only ever towed with a Sequoia, I don't have another frame of reference, but as far as I can tell, I believe I am towing both of these trailers safely.

whotheman · August 2002

I'm hearing the engine is 5.5L! Will definitely be out by 2005, when the truck is redesigned to accept Lexus versions.

whotheman

mentor34 · August 2002

Anyone have any success having a dealer add the simulated burlwood or perhaps adding it themselves? Saw the 2003 brochure, looks like the 17" wheels and DVD player are the only real changes. Thoughts on an end of year 2002 vs a 2003? Our dealers are very shifty when discussing arrivals for 2003's, I'm guessing because they need to clear out their 2002's first.

mentor34 · August 2002

Any scoop on when 2003's will be built?

physiochem · August 2002

I have been advised to get a four wheel alignment while having all four tires replaced. Is this recommended?

slackers · August 2002

I installed a kit from woodtrim.com. 1/2 the price of dealer installed and probably triple the pieces. Looks great and is holding up well. Patience and great care needed to install but anyone with a steady hand can do it. Check out that site.

pemarsh · August 2002

I was told the same thing, but i had only 6000 miles on my sequoia. I called up toyota when i had my tires put on, and they said no, it was not needed. If you have more miles on your car, or your tries show abnormal wear (which the tire place should be able to tell), or you have wandering/pulling problems...then you should.

rshe · August 2002

They are starting production early Sept. for delivery the 3rd week in Sept... They are already appearing on the dealer manifests..

dmslosser · August 2002

We purchased a 2002 Sequoia SR5 in Nov. 01. From the time we drove it off the lot it has had a vibration. Over time and many trips to the dealer for new rims, tires, tire upgrades, wheel balancing & tons of lies we have a better ride but our vehicle still vibrates/shakes at 70+ mph. I took the technician for a ride today & he told me that they have had "many" in for this same problem. Tundras too. Ours rode better than most. Funny how we had numerous conversations with all the Toyota staff and they claim this problem has never been an issue before. Lies!!!
We also took it to a frame shop that balances tire on the vehicle in hopes it would correct the problem but it still shakes. If anyone has/had a similar problem we would love to hear it. Positive outcome or not!!!
Thanks,

oac3 · August 2002

you may need a wheel alignment. i didn't see any mention of this in your post, have you had one done on your vehicle yet ? after 1-year of ownership and ca. 15K miles, I found that our SR5 didn't drive straight and tended to vibrate slightly at high speed (>70 mph). After an alignment, that fixed it permanently.

On the dedicated Tundra site, you will find the requisite alignment specs posted for your vehicle. You will need to ask your dealership check your alignment and see if it meets factory specs.

pschreck · August 2002

This is the first time I've heard of your problem. I would agree with oac3 on the next course of action. Get a four wheel alignment. Hope it helps. Good luck.

cliffy1 · August 2002

Don't take it to the dealer for the alignment. The dealer has alignment specs that have a fair amount of variance and all they will do is set it within those specs. You vehicle may need a bit more fine tuning that that. Take it to an alignment specialist. You'll pay for it but will get better results.

tbever · August 2002

anyone have any info or experience with the Toyota TRD supercharger that is available for the Sequoia? It is supposed to fit the landcruiser and Tundra as well and runs around 5 grand, boost HP to mid 300s. I just saw this advertised at the local toyota parts shop

cliffy1 · August 2002

I have a friend of mine at another dealer who is having one installed on his Tundra. The TRD guys are pretty excited about it. Its a drop in unit like all TRD super chargers and will not affect your 5/60K powertrain warranty. It should actually improve fuel economy a bit but may make you buy premium gas.

physiochem · August 2002

Thanks for the advice...could you recommend an alignment specialist company...i am not familiar with this service...thanks

cliffy1 · August 2002

Sorry but I don't have a particular shop in mind. Here in the Washington DC area, there is a radio show put on by Pat Gauss on Saturday and Sunday morning. He has reccomended. a shop in this are for just this sort of problem but I don't recall who it was.

slackers · September 2002

Went in to my dealer this weekend asking best price on a Platinum Warranty. I was surprised by the pitch to buy their "National Warranty Corp." policy instead of the Toyota Warranty. Finance guy said that for the same price, this plan would repair covered items as they wore out, as opposed to the Toyota Warranty wihich specified that coverage applies only to factory defects. Well, upon inspecting the fine print on the National plan, it had the same language as the Toyota plan, essentially, stating that coverage applied to defects, not normal wear and tear on covered items. How could a consumer ever prove a factory defect ?This all sounded pretty weird to me and I'm asking for your take on these plans. Thanks much.

cliffy1 · September 2002

Run...

They all only cover defects. On the plus side, almost every component listed will not suffer from wear so if it breaks, it must be a defect. The big exception to this is the timing belt. That can wear out and need replaced. If it breaks before the recommended replacement time, it would be covered as a defect.

While "aftermarket" warranties may cover the same components (although none I have ever seen really does), you are still better off with the genuine Platinum Plan. If you ever need warranty service away from your local dealer, the service writer will roll his eyes when you produce a warranty form from an outside vendor.

If your dealer will not offer the Toyota plan, find one that will.

sdunker · September 2002

I have a 2002 Sequoia 2wd Limited that has had intermittent problems where the ABS/Trac Control lights will come on and not go off until the vehicle has been turned off. Additionally, we have had a problem where the traction control will activate when pulling away from a stop. The road is perfectly dry but the system decelerates the vehicle for several seconds.

Has anyone else seen similar problems?

Thanks,

Steven Dunker

slackers · September 2002

I respect your opinions on this site. If I plan to keep my 01 Sequoia for the long haul, would it truly pay for me to get an extended warranty (I can get Platinum 84/100 with 0 deductible for my 4x4 for just under $1180 here in Seattle)? Another issue. Upon getting my 15K service, I complained that I was getting vibrations when breaking on steep downhill roads. Aftrer reading the posts on warped rotors, I suspected this is what I had. After my service, they said it was indeed the front rotors and that they need to order new front pads for me before they'll do the work, under warranty. Question: I felt this problem from the start so I know it's nothing I did. I'm not hard on my breaks. With 15K miles I still have 85% on all four pads. What causes rotors to warp and will this be a recurring problem with the Sequoia ? Thanks again Cliffy.

cliffy1 · September 2002

Sometimes rotors just warp. Mine did on my Tundra. Fortunately, your dealer is covering it under warranty. That is what is supposed to happen. Others have had problems because they waited until the pads were gone to do anything about it. At that point, a dealer can rightly claim that the warping was due to letting the pads get too low. Shoot me an e-mail at the address listed in my profile when you get a chance. I've got a bit more information on that that I can send you.

cliffy1 · September 2002

When the TRAC/VSC light comes on, does the check engine light also come on? For some reason, Toyota has linked these lights. That means that leaving your gas cap loose will cause them all to come on. If it is unrelated to the check engine light, you need to get it to your dealer while it is happening.

As for the VSC kicking in, it is possible that the sensitivity is too light. Others have posted here that they were able to get a new computer that was less sensitive to things like gravel at an intersection.

angelica2 · September 2002

As anyone heard about brake problems. I was told that the vehicle is too heavy for the size of brakes used on it. I'm considering the 2003 (because of the rear DVD entertainment system); however, the brake issue worried me a bit. The person who told me this said he had to replace the brakes on his 2002 five times in the last year (he's going through lemon law proceedings). Any insight would be appreciated.

pemarsh · September 2002

Has anyone checked out the long term reviews of the seq lately?? In my humble opinion, it is not very well done at all. Very little info about how the truck rides, and editors opinions of the truck's ride, capability, and handling.

They however go to extreme lenghts to detail every minute of what happens at the toytoa service dept.

Oh well.

cliffy1 · September 2002

I attempted (multiple times) to reply to your e-mail but it keeps coming back as undeliverable.

stever · September 2002

Pemarsh, feel free to tell it to the editors too with our Feedback Form.

Steve

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sequoiasaurus · September 2002

angelica2

Mine is in the shop now having the brakes replaced under warranty for the third time. I have 24,000 miles in 22 months.

Love the truck but this is becoming a problem I hate dealing with.

Brakes are indeed not big enough for this vehicle. As long as its being replaced under warranty I live with it for aleast the reminder of my loan which is Nov 03. Then hopefully it will be corrected with the 04 model year which I will probably do then.

Overall though I'm very pleased with my Sequoia.

mentor34 · September 2002

The Toyota website now has base pricing for '03 Sequoias, any estimate on when edmunds will have pricing information?

stever · September 2002

Should be soon - we have the '03 Highlander info up as well as the RAV4. A good place to check is the What's New This Week blurb.

Steve

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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

slackers · September 2002

I tried e-mailing you again. Let me know if it didn't come thru.

shek3 · September 2002

www.kbb.com has 2003 pricing............all you have to do is check it every hour like I did.........someone has to get a life!

eric4wd · September 2002

I have a 2002 black limited with only 2500 miles on the clock. As I hit the dirt road at around 30mph, I pushed the 4WD button. The amber light went on.. then "click-click".. all 4 wheels are lit.. here we are in 4x4. So far so good but suddenly as i slowed down to climb my steep hill, I started hearing a loud screeching noise.. metal-to-metal like sound. I could hear it everytime I was trying to accelerate. So I decided to stop it right there, put it in neutral, get back on the main road, pushed the 4WD button to disengage it. However, it took a while for the system to disengage since, from neutral, I had put it in reverse, then drive.. then about 10 seconds later as I was driving slowly, I was back in 2WD.

Since then, I tried to replicate this problem but never got the noise again.. Any clues as to what happened? Even though it is summer, I am using the 4x4 at least once a month as mentioned in the manual. I believe this is part of the break-in process. Anyone experience this before? Thanks.

cliffy1 · September 2002

What you were hearing was the traction control functioning as it should. That metal to metal sound is actually the ABS pump activating. It sounds like grinding noise. What is happening is that each wheel that begins to slip has the ABS activated for short bursts to keep power routed to the other wheels. It is quite normal and means the system is working.

As for the time it took to disengage, that too is normal. Tapping your brakes while moving will make disengagement faster.

oliver9 · September 2002

I am very closed of buying a sequoia. But, I am contemplating of whether to buy a fully loaded 4wd SR5 trims ($42500 msrp) or Limited ($45000 msrp). I'm not sure what do I get for and additional the $2,500.
Any advise?

doudoudid · September 2002

there are a whole topic talking about that in the other forum, most of the people recommended SR5 over limited. only one poster mentioned better resale value for limited, but he got tossed. that was before the 03 came out though. don't if you can order radio button, "invisible" antenna for SR5, but you could order the limited logo for your SR5

mentor34 · September 2002

We just ordered an SR5 with every option, leather and 17" wheels. An extra $2,500 would have gotten us a Limited badge and the right to a $200 rear spoiler.

pschreck · September 2002

Can you get the heated seats on the SR5?

mentor34 · September 2002

In our joyous rush of believing that we saved mucho moola getting the SR5 with the Preferred package over the Limited, I didn't notice that the front seats may not be heated on the SR5. Can anyone confirm this, and if it is true, are the seats otherwise similar to the Limited's or are do they not offer as many adjustment options?? Also, are the doors leather trimmed on the Preferred SR5 package or do they still have the cloth coverings??

2heeldrive · September 2002

I haven't reviewed the 2003 spec's but for 2002 SR5 models (like mine) the leather seats are identical in the SR5 and Limited except that the Limited are heated and the SR5 are not. A trim shop can add seat heaters for about $200.00 if it is a must have for you. The doors are not leather trimmed on the SR5 even when the leather seat option is ordered. The spoiler is a Limited only option from the factory but can be purchased through the dealer parts department if you want one.

eric4wd · September 2002

I did experience traction control on a few occasions before but this time it was louder than that.. accompanied with some kind of moaning sound to it. It sounded like it was coming from the middle of the truck.. As soon as I was accelerating slowly, the noise was back although that portion of dirt road had a good grip.. So we can eliminate traction control doing its magic. Kind of like if there was missing lube somewhere underneath. Trust me, it was very loud. Very clueless...

cliffy1 · September 2002

Hmmm... If you are sure it wasn't the traction control system, you need to get it into the dealer. Even though you have heard the TRAC system before, I'm not positive this still isn't what you heard, but better safe than sorry.

bdkeller · September 2002

I recently upgraded my front rotors/pads for my 2001 Sequoia. I bought drilled and slotted rotors that were cyrogenically treated and put on kevlar/ceramic pads.

After reading about other owners spending so much time hassling with dealers I decided this was a potentially more productive path to take.

Since then I've put another 2000 miles on my truck, so it's to early to tell if the warping problem is history. But so far, I really like the performance of this set up.

If you're interested, check out:

http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/tacobrakes.htm

These folks seemed knowledgeable and said they were fulfilling a demand initially from Tundra owners who had problems with rotors warping and that they now had quite a few Sequoia customers.

bk

jimomartin · September 2002

Hi -
Anyone have experience towing a travel trailer behind a Sequoia? What size and weight are you towing? I have a 19'- 3200lb trailer and I'm trying to get some first hand knowledge on your experiences. Thanks!

Toyota Sequoia

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