Toyota Sequoia

mdsequoia · March 2003

To keep this simple the dealer won't do anything about the scratches, and they say the hum is due to the tire design and is normal. Really why is it others who have changed their tires still have the hum.

I called Toyota Customer Relations. No help there either. I told them if it is the tires, I want a different set of tires (not a warranty replacement) but a different brand. Bottom line the humm "might" be tires, but the vibration is not.

I await the call from Customer Relations on this, and see what they have to say. I will also call my sales rep and GM about this. My wife is up for a new car, you can bet this is a topic of discussion.

2heeldrive · March 2003

Must not know the words. the Sequoia is a truck with tires that have aggressive tread so it can drive on mud and snow and not get stuck. I personally I don't notice any Hummmm but then I usually have the stereo cranked!

pschreck · March 2003

Tough to hear anything like a hum with Stevie Ray Vaughn blasting "Voodoo Chile" or The Flying Burrito Brothers burning off a mean "Dixie Breakdown". ;^D

mdsequoia · March 2003

Does anyone notice the vibration in the floor. Unfortunatlely it will be in the 40's this whole next week and when the Toyota Rep tests my ride out they will most likely claim (a) normal, (b) can't feel anything or (c) Both.

curious54 · March 2003

I have installed a K & N intake system with a throttle body lifter. I have gained about 20 more horses but everytime I floor my car, the check engine light come on. Does anyone knoe why? (the dealer told me that its because the engine is getting tooo much air and the computer doesnt know what to do) confused

kennynmd · March 2003

I am looking for a Sequoia. I'm not in a rush to buy but would anyone know if there will be if any major changes to the 2004 model. Will the body style be the same? I know its earle but any info. would be appreciated. Thanks

raddboy41 · March 2003

20 more HP? K&N would like to have you think so, but just adding a FIPK simply won't do it. It will however cause your "check engine" light to come on. There's lots of info about this on other boards that Edmund's forbids us to mention by name. However, if you look under the TUNDRA name instead of Sequoia for your SOLUTIONS you might find the website. :^) BTW - I believe that K&N has released a Ver. 2 of the FIPK for the Tundra and Sequoia specifically for this problem.

chinee · March 2003

... evr heard the term, SMART *SS?

LOL! Nice play on words.

But I've mentioned other sites on these boards before without getting my wrists slapped. If this was a policy before, maybe they've wised-up and realized that there's a lot of knowledge to be shared among the different forums. Many owners frequent several boards, you, me, pschreck, to name a few, and I believe there's at least a few other suspects I've seen here.

quesera1 · March 2003

Our 2001 Sequoia got a rare full capacity load yesterday. We took 4 children, all under age 3, 3 adults, two massive strollers, ice chest, and assorted diaper bags to the zoo on a nice almost spring day. Room and accessibility were good and would have been even better had I unpacked the bins of books and papers that seem to accumulate around teachers like me. By the way, can anyone direct me to a post about changing rear differential with a siphon and synthetic lubricant, or give me information regarding this? Thanks.

2heeldrive · March 2003

Diff oil change is simple... there is a drain plug, no need to siphon. You can fill right from the container if you drop the spare tire out of the way. You will need 4 quarts.

curious54 · March 2003

Can anyone tell me how to change my transmission fluid. I have about 32000 miles and haven't done it yet.

sequoiasoon · March 2003

Tried to get one in NY, MA and PA with no luck. Customer service and regional reps useless. Went to Fred Anderson Toyota in Raleigh, NC (internet sale, salesman Carl EXCELLENT!) I'll be picking it up at the end of April (13 weeks)and driving back to NY (Break in period?)(and maybe to local dealer so they can see what the QA package looks like)has QA and no sunroof just as ordered. I guess Southeast Toyota has more pull than NY or PA. They also have others in stock with QA package.

kennynmd · March 2003

does anyone know if there will be any major changes if any on the 2004 Sequoiq?

jtc245 · March 2003

I have three kids under 3 (2 1/2 year old and twin 7 month olds). The Jeep I have is too small and have thought about the Sequoia but my concern is getting my son to the third row. The twins are facing the rear and would be in the second row on each side (this prevents folding up a seat to get to the rear). My thought is to fold up half of the third row, help my son into the truck, then climb into the back to strap him in. In the US trucks they have captain chairs which allow you to walk through the second row (but I don't want a US truck after all the problems I hear about. Any recommendations or comments about this issue? Does anyone have three young kids and do anything different? As a foot note I am trying to stay away from a minivan.

petro33 · March 2003

On the seq the second row of seats folds up one third and two thirds. You can keep the two thirds down for the twins in car seats and the one third always up. It does inhibit the movement of the front passenger seat somewhat.

Getting to the third row of seats to strap someone in is not real easy, but much easier than of an expedition or suburban. You would have to be on your hands an knees.

This is very easy get a feel for, by making a short trip to the dealer and "go through the motions". good luck

mulligan2 · March 2003

Take one of the 3rd row seats out and leave it in your garage. You will have plenty of room to let your third climb in through the rear.

jraider · March 2003

I have a 2003 Sequoia (I didn't want another mini van either). I frequently have kids in car seats in my vehicle. The thing that I liked about the Sequoia was that if you need to.. you can fit three carseats across the middle row or the back row. We looked at the Honda Piolet and it seemed as though 3 car seats would not fit in the third row, although we didn't try it.

With two infants and a toddler I would put the two infants next to each other behind the driver. The third second row seat behind the passenger will tumble forward very easily, then you can help your toddler hop into the back, get into his seat, you do have to crawl in a bit to buckle him, but you would in any vehicle.

The double seat behind the driver tumbles foreword also, then there is a lot of room to get to the third seat. If you would need to.

Last week I had a toddler in the middle of the third row and an infant carrier on either side of him. The seats fit very well. They did not fit that well in my 98 Sienna.

You also have to remember that your kids are only going to get bigger, and it will get easier to get them in the vehicle, very soon.

I like having the 8th seat, it really comes in handy when car pooling to pre-school. When another mom at pre-school saw my truck she said that she wants to get rid of her van and get a Sequoia, she is trying to talk her husband into it. Petro33 is right go to the dealer and try it...you will get a good feel for how easy it is to do.

My husband wanted me to wait for the new Sienna, I'm glad I decided to get the Sequoia.

sk123 · April 2003

I bought my sequoia 6 months back and I added around 4000 miles on it.I am planning to do 7500 miles service and my question is do I need to do the service in 6 months or can I wait untill the vehicle reaches 7500 mile

Thanks in advance

rxdoc1 · April 2003

I am in the final stages of ordering/purchasing a Sequoia. Can someone explain the desirability of having the rear load-leveling suspension option? I am somewhat confused about it's purpose? Thanks
Bob

pschreck · April 2003

Personally, I wouldn't do the 7500 mile service plan. My oil always gets changed at 3000 or 3500 at the most.

cturi1 · April 2003

Has anyone ever found anyone that sells cargo barriers for any SUV? I have searched the internet and only find Pet barriers which I'm not sure are sturdy enough for preventing cargo from ever entering the passenger area in case of an emergency stop.

jhill0914 · April 2003

I bought a new Sequoia last week, and everything is great except that the illumination of the gauges, especially speedo and tach, is splotchy. It's dim here, bright there, etc, for a very uneven and annoying result. I'm wondering if I may have some dash lights that aren't working - or maybe this is just the way it looks on the Sequoia. I'm suspicious that it's an issue because my Sequoia was brought down from Canada and they had to replace the gauges with the American version, so I'm wondering if maybe they knocked out a couple lights or something. Any opinions / does your Sequoia have the same splotchy dash lighting?

jlp8885 · April 2003

I-17 from Loop 101 to End (Flagstaff) and back
75-80 mph both ways
going up, locked out of o/d multiple times
min rpm- 2500 (cruise)
max rpm- 4100 (long climb)
going down, locked out of o/d once
min rpm- 2200 (descent)
max rpm- 4000 (brief climb)

going up- 22 mpg
going down- 32 mpg

400lb of passengers
150lb of cargo (trunk)
Altima 2.5S

engine has 7500 miles on it

check out coming back
hows your mileage?

bluestar1 · April 2003

if you hang around here long enough, cliffy, one of the long-timer here will have some good info for you on this.

For the 2+ years I have hung around this forum, I have never heard of a similar problem to yours. So this definitely has to do with the Canadian-US conversion. Typically, buying a Canadian version and having the gauges changed is a risky choice to take. Your best case scenario is that this will be covered under warranty.

Let's hope any Toyota sales person here can have an advice for you on how to solve this problem.

714cut · April 2003

Just finished towing my 5200 lb. boat with 8 people in my Sequoia. How's your towing and seating capacity?

I noticed you posted the same message on a lot of full-size SUV boards. Why can't you people get it through your heads that we all have different needs and no one vehicle suits every situation?

jhill0914 · April 2003

Thanks for the info, it sounds like they messed something up in the dash lighting. I just want to clarify that I bought my 'Canadian' Sequoia from a dealer's lot here in the US, so it had already gone through the whole process of changing out the gauges, etc, when I found and bought it. I plan to take it back to the same dealer for this repair, so if there are any issues with warrantee, etc, they should be able to take care of it.

petro33 · April 2003

I have noticed one issue with my dashboard lights. When the headlights are on the dash lights will dim. This is espically annoying at dusk and dawn but serves a useful purpose most of the time.

cliffy1 · April 2003

This normally isn't something I would chime in on. The only reason I am is because I seem to have missed the fact that the vehicle in question is a gray market vehicle. Those trucks built for the Canadian market and imported into the US for retail sale are risky. Toyota may claim that the problems is not theirs. They may say that the problem was caused by the people who switched out the speedometer heard unit. If that is the case, it is not covered under warranty.

Toyota does NOT like these gray market deals. They try to prevent it whenever they can. This leaves the consumer is a tight spot and you will be more reliant on the good graces of the selling dealer to handle stuff like this.

714cut · April 2003

not to sound insulting but the dash lights are adjustable in intensity. Have you tried "turning them up"?

714cut · April 2003

Is yours a Silver Sky by any chance?

jhill0914 · April 2003

No offense taken at all, petro33, but yes I did adjust the intensity. The issue isn't how bright or dim the lights are as a whole, but rather that they are bright in one area and dim in another.

Now, 714cut, your question is interesting - yes it is a silver sky. Is there some coincidence you're thinking of? The dealer had 2 identically configured Sequoias on the lot from Canada - the other was black. The reason I bought the one I did was because it had the DVD entertainment system in it, which I haven't found in the states. Of course, the dealer said they could only get them from Canada with that config.

I hadn't heard of any issues with getting the trucks from Canada before now, but of course now that I've already bought it I'm hearing people on this board saying it's risky. Other than the odometer reading uncertainty and the 3rd party involvement with the gauge replacement, is there anything else I should watch out for?

cliffy1 · April 2003

Here is a list of the issues you potentially could run into with a Canadian truck. Remember that you may never run into all of them but they are a possibility.

1. You might have a legal issue if you sign an odometer statement without disclosing the switch.
2. Toyota will NOT allow you to buy one of its extended warranties.
3. Toyota will not finance it.
4. If your dealer didn't enter it into its databank correctly, it will not show up as a valid VIN if you take it to another dealer for service.
5. There may be some parts that are slightly different between the US and Canadian spec trucks.
6. Problems with the dash, odometer, speedometer and gauges may not be covered under the warranty because the problems can be blamed on faulty workmanship at the facility that did the conversion.

That last one can be avoided if you bring it only to the selling dealership. They'll slide it through Toyota where another dealership might not.

curious54 · April 2003

I am planning on buying a cat-back exhaust system for my 01 seq. Has anyone ever installed a cat-back exhaust on their seq? Do I have to cut the original exhaust pipe off? Was it easy to install?

pschreck · April 2003

How you doing? I see you got a 4Runner. How do you like it? They have a lot going for them. Once the In-Laws are disfunctional, I'll be looking harder at one. The 4WD system is the next step up from the Sequoia as far as I'm concerned. The ability to lock the center diff in any gear is nice, although I didn't have a lick of trouble in the blizzard this year with the Sequoia. Good luck with the 4Runner.

oac3 · April 2003

Before you buy that 4Runner, check out a Matrix. Yes, I know they are not in the same size bracket, but it is worth a look, just to see if it may meet your needs.

Suffice to say, I just bought a Matrix yesterday. Since I also own a Seq. it affords me an opportunity to compare the real 'utility' of a CUV (Matrix) versus an SUV (Sequoia).

Matrix: Tall on the inside, short on the outside
Seq. Tall everywhere - in-and-out
Matrix: versatile seating or cargo arrangement. All seats (except drivers side) fold flat with headrests on. Neat. The cabin volume is close to 51cuft with all foldable seats flat. Not just that, the trunk is real cavenious for many things. Dogs and kernels, fishing stuff, skiing stuff, luggages, etc... It has two tracks you can run your luggages on to make ease of entry and loading. Just so many funky things you can do with this car. Besides, it is quite a head-turner, with its low riding frame, sport wheels, underside body moldings, bumper protector, etc. The best trim level is the XR. If you want, you can get it in AWD, although engine output suffers a little bit (123hp for AWD_versus_130hp for non-AWD).

Most importantly, it is a blast to drive. It is so much fun. A trial will convince you. Do I sound like a sales guy ? Maybe. But I am not. I am just an excited new owner, and I love the car so much more than my Seq. and my Lexus (if you can believe that !) but it is true. I'd rather drive the Matrix than my '99 LS 400. I did not know a car can be so much fun to drive. Maybe it is because I am very conservative in my car purchases. But a Matrix is in a different time zone compared to many other run-of-the mill cars/trucks/crossovers out there.

If you ever buy one, Paul, make sure you send me a commission check.

714cut · April 2003

I'm doing great thanks. I still check this board every single day. In some ways I miss my Sequoia but it also makes me realize the 4runner is better value and more high tech. The engine is the same engine with 1ooo lbs. less weight, it is a rocket ship!
It is clear Toyota has done something different with the engine. Both of my Sequoias were "tickers" and it was a real negative for me. No matter how cold the 4runner is silent.
The 5-speed auto tranny is really nice. The ergonomics are excellent. The JBL 10 speaker 360 watt stereo with subwoofer is vastly superior to the Sequoia. The locking differential and downhill assist control as well as hill assist control are all excellent useful features, and hey no more plastic steering wheels! The hydrophyllic glass is very cool as well. It acts like permanent Rain X on side and back windows. The electronic latch on tailgate is an awesome feature as well. It closed the latch by itself-no more slamming or reopening if not fully closed. The 4runner is surprisingly quiet although I would still give the nod to the Sequoia. I like the 17 wheels- they look sharp.The X-Reas suspension is awesome. I'll be surprised if some if not all of these features will be on the next gen Sequoia.

Negatives-size and space. Wimpy tow hitch (although it has a 500lb. greater towing capacity than the Sequoia. The instrument cluster is too dark, even on a sunny day. It doesn't get the looks or attention that the Sequoia got and the body cladding is kind of subjectively ugly.

It's definitely worth checking out the 4runner if size or 3rd row seating isn't your primary consideration.

My sense is I'll be back to a Sequoia next generation!!

714cut · April 2003

Yes we tested one for my wife but settled on a CRV. You can't compare one to a 4runner though. Different league, different quality and different mission in life. Great vehicle but different category.

slackers · April 2003

Cat Back, by definition, means an exhaust system from the catalytic coverter to the back, or tail pipe. So you need to remove the bolts...no cutting. I bought the Toyota TRD Cat Back System from Carson Toyota in California....best price by far and had a local muffler shop install it for me. I, nor the installer was satisfied with the way the tailpipe centered in the rear, though it was hung correctly. They did some cutting and welding to get it to sit properly and it looks and sounds great....not too loud but enough upon accelleration to know it's there. Feels much peppier as well. I'm glad I had someone do the installation and didn't mess with it, especially since it required some modification. Good Luck.

curious54 · April 2003

Thanks for the info. Got a question. Does the trd cat back look the same as the one for the tundra? I heard that the seq only has one tip. Also, how much did you pay for the exhaust and install? I only live about 30 min. from carson toyota. The original exhaust, is it one whole piece and is that why you had to cut it off?

stever · April 2003

Cliffy1 has, as usual, covered the bases. For more reading, you can check out the links in this message about Canadian cars in the US:

steve_ "Honda CR-V" Feb 16, 2003 12:22am

Steve, Host

jhill0914 · April 2003

Thanks to cliffy, 714cut and steve for the info. I only wish I would have known all this before I purchased the vehicle. The links that steve posted are downright scary! What's done is done, though, so on to the damage control.

The dealer says that they bought the vehicle directly from the dealer in Canada, and that they do the conversion themselves, so the dash light issue should be no problem (so far this is just the sales guy talking, though, so we'll see). I've also submitted a search on LienQuest.com to make sure it wasn't stolen or something. CarFax recognizes the VIN as a 2003 Sequoia Limited but has no records on it. I also plan to call Toyota Canada to verify the VIN and find out as much info as I can, including (hopefully) what dealer the car was delivered to in Canada. From there I'll call the dealer and try to verify mileage, who the car was sold to, etc. Anything else I can do to help put my mind at ease?

cliffy1 · April 2003

You probably will not have any problems. Your salesman I wrong though about who did the conversion. At least I'm pretty sure he is wrong. They are done at the border. It has something to do with the import documents and it must be done before it is transported into this country. The dealership should have a certificate from the company that did the job. That certificate will give the kilometers that were reading at the time it was switched and the miles that it was set to. Ask the dealership for a copy of that form.

jhill0914 · April 2003

Great info, cliffy! I will certainly ask for that certificate. Just to update you (if you're even interested), I talked with Toyota Canada and they verified the VIN, gave me the dealer it was shipped to, and told me that the in-service date was 2/21/2003. So it was only a month + 10 days old when I bought it. I'm feeling a little better knowing that, but I'm still going to call the dealer in Canada to get more info. I think I'll also go to another Toyota dealer in the area and have him pull up the warranty report to make sure it's in the system. What a headache!

cliffy1 · April 2003

Can you tell I used to work at a dealership that imported a few Toyota? I do have some hand's on experience with this, even if it was back in 1997.

714cut · April 2003

I think you should keep doing your research. The vehicle is supposed to be 6 months old minimally to be allowed to be sold in the U.S. Dealt with this on two separate occasions. Something doesn't seem quite right with it only being one month + old.

jhill0914 · April 2003

I am certainly continuing my research. Just got back from a different Toyota dealership to verify that the VIN is in the US system, and they said everything is in order. Where does the 6 month+ information come from? And when you say that you 'dealt with' that on two occasions, how do you mean? BTW, the in-service date was given to me by Toyota Canada.

cliffy1 · April 2003

No such rule. At least not that anybody obeys or enforces.

slackers · April 2003

The original exhaust is in two pieces and nothing had to be cut to remove it from the converter-on back.The TRD system for the Sequoia is a single exhaust, not dual. Don't know about what's available for the Tundra. I paid $740, if I recall correctly, which included shipping. Carson continues to beat just about anyone's prices on parts and accessories in my opinion. Romania had it for over $800. I paid $100 for install, due to the modification.....and if you go with this part, you'll want it to sit centered in that slot at the rear bumper. You could explore other systems and brands at a good local muffler shop that does custom exhausts. Many of these are made by the same manufacturers.

stever · April 2003

I seem to recall from old Pathfinder conversations that speedo changes aren't required before crossing the border (and maybe not at all?). No biggie, you're switched over anyway.

I wouldn't sweat the horror story links too much either. It's not like you imported a Yugo after all, and hopefully yours wasn't wrecked or anything. Maybe one day NAFTA will open this market up for cross-border shopping.

Steve, Host

jhill0914 · April 2003

I've done a bit more research on the subject, and it looks like there is a process that a 'Registered Importer' needs to go through to bring a car into the country. Part of the process involves switching out the odometer and submitting pictures of the old and new odometers showing the kilometers and miles. Further, the vehicle must go directly to the RI's facility after crossing the border. My dealer claims to have switched out the odometer in-house, which could mean that the dealer is a Registered Importer. They are definitely the biggest Toyota dealership in the surrounding area, so I guess I wouldn't be surprised.

Regarding my new Sequoia specifically, everything seems to be checking out okay. It's in the US warranty system, the Canadian LienQuest.com search produced no liens or title issues, CarFax has nothing on it, my dealer is sending me a copy of the NHTSA documents showing the import, and the vehicle is only a couple months old. And if the dealer did, in fact, do the odometer swap there, they should have no reason not to fix the dash lights. I'm planning on having that done when I take it in for the first oil change at 1000-2000 miles.

Thanks to everyone for their help on this issue. It's been a bit stressful, and I am still a bit concerned, but at least it's not looking like it was a shady deal (at least not any more shady than the typical car deal). I'm not quite as happy with the price I got, though! The whole Canada thing seemed so insignificant at the time...

Toyota Sequoia

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