I have recieved a JD Powers review for me to fill out and there is something obvious here. This is only a subjective review sent to owners of the car/truck.
The questions asked dont really get at some of the objective points one would want to know about a vehicle before buying.
We all know that there is bias we hold after we have purchaced anything and I'm not sure we are the best judges of the choices we make.
As such I am not sure JD Powers data is the best to use. I would rather see short and long term tests by "experts".
No perfect system I guess but I think we need to take out as much subjectivity and personal owner bias as possible which is hard to judge.
I was not defending JD Powers per se, nor was I criticizing the Demming Award. What I was saying was that for anyone to trust any review/study one must know something about the source of that review or study. With JD Powers it is relatively easy to look into the methodology of the study so that one knows how best to use the results. I for one have never heard of Demming (doesn't mean it is not useful or reliable) therefore I have no comfort level in which to trust it.
My wife and I can't decide what SUV to get. We have our first child on the way and a mastiff, so obviously we're going to need the room to travel. We're interested in the Toyota Sequoia, GMC Yukon/Chevy Tahoe and Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. We've test driven both the Sequoia and Cherokee Limited and loved them both. Yes, the Sequoia has a lot more room and drives great but it will cost almost $5,000-$7,000 more than the Cherokee Limited. We actually liked the interior finish of the Cherokee Limited better. We just wish it had more room. Plus, we got a great quote for a fully loaded Cherokee Limited with V8 for $33,500. Ugh! I just wish we could get a Sequoia Limited for like $38,000 but I think that will be impossible. I like the fact that the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe have more features on their fully loaded models and more horsepower than the Sequoia, and will probably cost less. If the Sequoia had 275+ horsepower then I think this would be a no-brainer. Our budget is mid-to-high 30's. I just wish I could opt for the Yukon Denali ($42,000+), but I don't think my wife would go for it. Hell, if I'm spending $38,000 for a Sequoia, why not splurge and go for the Denali. Everything is standard and you get 320 horsepower. Any suggestions? Advice? Help?
Any owners' survey is potentially susceptible to bias, and it can go either way. Not every owner will be happy with their purchase and defend it, and those who regret their purchase can also be passionately negative in their responses. However, if the sample population is large enough, which I think ranges in tens of thousands for the JDPA, I think the final conclusion can still be valid. The bias can all balance out.
If one looks at the Carpoint Owner's (nonscientific)rating of their Sequoia, you can easily see how biased some owners can be, and it definitely goes both ways even for a Sequoia. Of course I am assuming that those who posted very negative ratings are actually owners of a Sequoia.
I think the bottom line is to look at different reviews and opinions from both owners and "experts". My problem with "experts" is that one biased opinion can carry a false weight.
____________________________________ Still waiting for my Desert Sand SR5
A Jeep at $33K? You could get a nicely equipped SR5 at that price. I just picked up my Sequoia Limited with everything in it for $38,300. Deals are out there on this car, it just takes a little bit of leg work. Why would you need 275-320 horsepower? Towing a boat, trying to win a drag race? The difference between the Sequoias 240 HP and a Chevy's 320 is that you know in 10 years, the Sequoia will still be a viable, sellable, usable vehicle. I like knowing my vehicle has the heritage, engine, some drivetrain, and the traction control of a $65,000 Land Cruiser/Lexus 470. Oh yeah, and the fact that it's bigger and it cost me almost $30,000 less than those great SUVs.
Just turn off the VSC and shift into 4WD low and shift transmission in L. This turns off the TRACS and VSC. This info was obtained from Steve from this town hall. The Seq is now in conventional 4WD mode, however this mode should not be used on dry pavement. I hope this helps, it sure help me understand the system better, since I still reseaching before purchasing the Seq. The VSC work just as the ASR in the Mercedes Benz. In the MB you can turn off the ASR, but the traction control is still active up to 35mph, however you do not lose power. When the ASR is active you will loose power. It seems that Toyota Seq has a way to cut both of them off.
"The oldest, prestigious quality award is the Deming Application Prize (Deming Prize) of the Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers (JUSE). Initiated in 1951 and named after W. Edwards Deming, the Deming Prize has long been recognized as an indicator of excellence in business...."
I always thought of the heavily advertised J.D. Powers car ratings as more of a marketing thing, myself, usually skewed towards short term quality (they call themselves a "marketing information services firm", fwiw). Steve Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Krisko, if you don't mind me asking, where did you pick up your Sequoia Limited for $38,500? I'd like to know because I think my wife and I will race there today. I mean even carsdirect.com is selling it for $41,000. Most of the Sequoia Limiteds we've seen have sold for around $42,000+ and they're pretty much holding their sticker price. Dealers here in NJ have been tough to move on the price. You're absolutely right about Toyota, though. It definitely holds its value. However, I've owned a Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler and contrary to popular belief I've had great success with American trucks. This would be my first "foreign" purchase. One SUV I really wish had more horsepower is the Mitsubishi Montero Limited. What a nice truck! Lots of room and great off-road. But only 200 HP. If some Toyota dealer is willing to give me a Toyota Sequoia Limited, please let me know and I'll be willing to plunk down the cash today.
I'm guessing that the $38000 Limited was a 2 wheel drive. Its a good price on a 2 wheel drive but much less than a 4x4 could be acquired for.
There are also big regional differences in pricing and availability. I sell in VA and most of what we have coming are the SR5 4x4 models. I have over a dozen of them coming but only 3 Limiteds. Obviously, the Limited is not going to be discounted as much as an SR5. Things are probably similar in NJ.
Has anyone who considers going off-road noticed that the Sequoia has plastic bumpers? It seems to me that while the trailer hitch protects the center of the rear bumper, if you were to exceed the 20 degree departure angle on rear wheel, you could scrape the outside corner of the plastic bumper and tear it. Has anyone else noticed this? Is there a fix, like does the bottom part come off easily, revealing a metal reinforcement that would act as an outbard skid plate?
Deming would have noticed this (but not JD Power)...
Actually on that topic, quality speaks for itself. Anyone looking at the back pages of an April (auto) issue of Consumer Reports, and who can tell the difference between red bullets (good) and black bullets (bad), can compare the long standing (10 year) difference between Toyota vehicle quality and that of other brands. And it's not just because of where you build 'em, it's because of how you build 'em.
But then there's those plastic bumpers... Do new Land Cruisers and 4Runners have plastic bumpers too??
Krisko, I am one of a growing number of folks that want to know where you go the Limited for that price, what state, what dealer, what sales person? Help, we are ready to bombard this place!
Krisko, also, are you talking about a 4 x 2 or 4 x 4 Toyota Sequoia Limited? Yes, I think you can get a 4 x 2 for around $38,500. But we want a 4 x 4, which have been going for $42,000+. By the way, thanks for help and advice.
Interesting that your inventory is so Limited on Limiteds! I am wheeling and dealing on SR5 4WDs right now in most cases, as they are loading me up with 'em. While I have pretty much pre-sold the Limiteds in 4WDs to the walls thru end of Feb, my 2WD Limiteds are coming pretty standardly equipped: EJ GY SR RL RF CF (some with GN WL) and MSRP here is $41555 or so. A Limited in the "wrong" color with no sunroof might just fetch $38300 where a 2WD isn't the cat's meow... -- even I would take $39k for one if it were an off-colored car or a color I had a lot of. His pricing isn't that outta whack for a 2WD in 4WD country.
I dunno why, but I got nailed with 4WD SR5's this last allocation. But, there's one way to fix that! Sell em out fast.
Gang, wondering: have you all seen these "sitting" at local stores? If so, what models seem to "sit" longest or be the most plentiful? I know ours sell fast here but across the country, I wonder what's makin' tracks the fastest too! Anyone have input?
I think I'm narrowing my decision down. Unless a Toyota dealer can give me a deal on a Sequoia Limited 4 x 4 for $38,000 than it's Tahoe, Suburban or Yukon. I'm getting offers for all three (fully loaded) in the $35,000-$37,500 range. I'm digging that a lot. I'm not spending $42,000+ for a fully loaded Sequoia. No way!
$38K is well under invoice for a "fully" loaded Seqouia 4wd Limited. I don't think you're going to have much luck. Our local boys are still selling them at full MSRP - yeah, we've got our fair share of rich, don't care dummies. The last "fully" loaded Sequoia I saw on the lot retailed out at almost $45k. It was gone in less than a week.
OTOH, $36K *will* buy a "fully" loaded Tahoe or Yukon. Don't know about a Suburban or Yukon XL at that price, however.
I agree with krey that if you are not willing to pay more than $38K on a Seq Ltd 4wd, you are better off buying the Tahoe/Yukon now. I heard that somebody also got a fully loaded Sub for about $38K, but I didn't really verify. Based on themarket in the GST region, it is very unlikely that you see that price for the Seq in the next 6 months or even a year. Good luck.
what are the "wrong colors"? I am planning on buying a limited without a sunroof in the spring. I would like to know if I will have to special order it or are they making some without it. Also I want a 2 wheel drive model because it doesn't snow much in Texas. I am going to order it with N,CA,V2,PG,AL,NJ,Y,RI,IQ and L. Is this a very uncommon option package? Here in Texas, we get stuck with the "Gulf States Region". Is there anyway around having to buy stuff you don't want, like a pinstripe, for pet's sake. Any advice would be appreciated
Okay here are the specifics. I got it from www.toyotaofhollywood.com (that's hollywood FL, near Fort Lauderdale) and my salesman's name is Israel Washington and he happens to be the internet manager. I found it ironic that I just walked in and happened to work with the internet dept. manager. I digress, anyway here's my deal. I originally was going to buy a 4x2 Thunder Grey ltd, with 6-disc changer, sunroof, mats, cargo net, spoiler, sunroof deflector, toyo-guard (don't know what this is). The sticker was $42,100, the deal I got was $39,000. This unit had grey interior and my wife didn't particularly care for the grey. Israel knew this and at the last minute offered up a TG with Oak interior. This is the one I actually bought. It had no sunroof, no spoiler besides that it is the same as the other one. The price we got on this one was $38,000, the sticker price was $41,300. I am out the door at about$40,300. Israel is quite trusting, I only gave him a $500 deposit on my CC and told him I want to complete the deal this saturday because I have to liquidate some cash. He calls up on monday and offers to give up the Sequoia right now, and not pay until saturday. I gladly did, and I felt so bad I wrote him a check for $10,000, he didn't even want to accept it. He said he wanted to get it off the lot so he could be allocated another one, that and I guess the dealership was paying Toyota interest on the thing, I don't know. All I know is that I've got a $40K truck that cost me $10,500 (at least until saturday). Also, check out www.tuscaloosatoyota.com. I know it's in Alabama, but apparently they offer crazy deals on these things. I talked to their internet guy on Feb 3 and he said they just blew out 20 Sequoias on a $100 over invoice sale Jan. 28-31. I couldn't believe it but he said it's true. He said he wanted to bump up his sagging January numbers and also prove to Toyota that he was deserving of more Sequoias. Of course, I was 3 days late on that one. He said my price was pretty good, but he maybe could beat it. I figured it wasn't worth my time going to Tuscaloosa to save a few hundred. Sorry for the long post, hope this helps. If you talk to Israel, give him props from Chris and tell him I'll see him saturday.
I just want to make sure that you and everyone else understands what I was trying to say. I didn't drop in to this thread to flame Sequoias, nor was I really suggesting that joerafferty actually buy a Tahoe/Yukon. Rather, he simply ain't going to find the Sequoia he wants, especially at a price that is at, or perhaps even less than dealer cost!
The bottom line is IF $36-7K is his true gag point, he needs to consider the options he's mentioned. And, at the risk of sounding heretical, they're not bad options; in fact, they're great trucks, got one myself. Personally, I been fortunate to have had wonderful experiences with every car I ever owned (2 toyotas in the mix), with one exception: Ford products. I've got lots of friends who've loved 'em, just not me...they were nightmares. Never again.
I assume that based on the lack of replies that a rear spoiler for the SR5 is unavailable from the factory. However, can one order it from the svc. dept? If not, why not? Also, are there aftermarket ones? Thanks.
I guess I misunderstood what you meant by "OTOH $36K will buy you a fully loaded Tahoe or Yukon." I apologize. Flaming any type of vehicle is the least I have in mind also.
Maybe a Limited is not the answer. I have on order (building this week!) an SR5 with the following list: AC, AH, CC, CF, CQ, DR, RL, SR and it lists for $39,285. I agreed to pay $36,000. Both numbers include the $480 delivery. No leather, no spoiler (didn't like it, anyway) and I have to retract the exterior mirrors by hand, but otherwise a great truck. I'm looking forward to driving it to......
Krey, thanks for the advice. I'm right there with you. However, I'm contacting this Hollywood, Florida, Toyota place and speaking with Israel to see if he can hook me up, too. I might stretch the envelope to $38-and-change to get the Toyota. My wife really liked it. Krisko, maybe I can get a similar deal. Who knows? I think by this weekend we'll know what we're going to get. I appreciate the heads-up.
Anyone know whether or not a first coat of wax can be applied to a new Seq.? Just picked up a beautiful Black Limited in No. Calif., and I'm dying to put on a good coat of wax. Also, any suggestions of wax (liquid preferred so I can use my electric/orbital waxing machine).
Hi All, After 2 months of ownership, we developed our first real problem. We own a Seq. Lmtd. 4x4. My wife usually drives the Seq. so she reports that there was a loud chattering noise in the passenger rear quarter panel. She thought it might be mechanical, like the brakes or maybe a VSC problem. The noise was so loud that it would drown out the audio system. When I first heard the noise I immediately thought they were electrical relays. I took it in for service, and they confirmed that the problem was the rear heater/AC unit that had gone bad. Had it replaced. Hopefully this is a one time problem.
I build/sell the Limiteds all the time w/o items like sunroof, spoiler, even runn lights or premium sound. They can be built any way you like, but the frequent request is "no sunroof, no spoiler" if it's not a loaded car ya want! It is possible!
Looking for a dealer in the Northeast (CT, MA, NY, NJ) area that is moving Sequoia SR5 4wd versions at good discounted prices. As usual, I'm just trying to save time by weeding out the full price dealers from the volume discounting dealers.
Just picked up my Sequoia today...SR5, 4WD, convenience pkg, roof rack, privacy glass, electric seats, etc., thunder grey, absolutely love it! Traded in my '99 JGC Laredo with 23,000 miles (no more rotor nightmares for me!)....this Toyota is wonderful and we got a great price...1000 off MSRP, and they showed 1500 more on the trade-in than it was actually worth...so we actually got it for 2500 off MSRP....an excellent deal for this part of the country where they're pretty much selling at list price. This car is light years ahead of Jeep...there is absolutely no comparison in quality, ride, comfort, everything.
I am seriously considering a Sequoia as my next vehicle (am in a 98 Expedition right now, coming off lease in a couple of months). But I was wondering if someone can tell me if the Sequoia has full-time or automatic 4wd, or if it is only a part-time system. Also is there a low-range option?
Joe, looks like you are about to leave us for a ChevyTahoe/Suburban/Yukon board... sorry to see you go! You are a kick in the pants for sure. At least you'll have a lot more to type about ... problems, lost resale value, dealer antics. You definitely get what you pay for. Come on, guys and gals here! I have sold a lot of Sequoias since their debut, and have another 20 on order, waiting for them to drop just for the month of Feb! Everyone here has to have at least looked carefully at and driven Chevy products. Why did you get YOUR Sequoia over Chevy? Let's help Joe make a better decision.
Diane, hey, I would seriously consider a Sequoia Limited 4WD if someone would come down in price. You sell them, right? Well, how about a deal? Come on, $38,500 and I'm a Toyota owner. Listen, I really like the truck but not for $42,000+. And don't give me that SR5 stuff, because I really don't like that two-tone appearance. But, hell, I can get a Chevy Tahoe LS with the Z71 off-road package for $34,000. I'd be stupid to pass that up. Plus, I know several people who have Tahoes, love them and have had no problems with them. Chevy builds solid trucks. I test drove a Tahoe and a Suburban today and I actually liked them both better. Too bad my wife's a little hesitant about the size of the Suburban, otherwise we would be getting that one. By the way, Consumer Reports rates the Suburban as a "Best Buy." I don't know what the fuss is about "foreign" over "American." I owned a Ford Bronco (160,000 miles) and it rarely had a problem. And I currently own a Jeep Wrangler with 127,000 and the only thing that went on that was a $3 water hose. I have to say this, though. What's with the Sequoia sound system? It sucks! Toyota has to do something to upgrade that baby! Until later ...
This past weekend my wife and I visted several Toyota dealers in the South bay area of Calif. to special build order a Sequoia. Some wouldn't even offer a discount on a special build order or offer only $500 off the MSRP. Others tried to locate a model that had comparable equipment that I wanted or stated that a special build model required a lot of time and paperwork. The last internet salesperson that we visited was at Longo Toyota, one of the biggest Toyota dealers in Calif. We ordered a special build model at $1000 off MSRP and left a $500 deposit. Unlike what we were told by other internet salespersons, our salesperson stated that there wasn't much involved in ordering a special build model.That goes to show you that if a salesperson can't please you shop around until you find one that will.
I looked all around the Boston area and found a couple of places willing to do decent deals. This was before Christmas, but since these guys were the most responsive then, they probably still will be now. Herb Chambers Toyota of Boston. This is where I bought my truck from a guy named Bob VanWert. I would only deal with him. He is the internet sales manager and was very pleasant to work with. Attleboro Toyota. I only dealt with them through mail and over the phone (guy named John White), but he was very responsive and was offering decent deals. I paid $2000 under MSRP without any haggling and got a decent deal on my trade. Wherever you go, make sure that if you are trading a vehicle in that you absolutely know the fair trade in value. I used all the on-line services and was very realistic about wholesale value etc..., but most dealers are going to try to stick it to you on the trade. It's their job. These were the good guys. Let me know if you want some advice on who to avoid.
I am the internet sales manager at a New Jersey Toyota dealer, let me know what you are looking for and I will send you a quote. I have seen a lot of posts in here about 2WD Sequoias and there are none to be found in this region. 4WDs are here but of course the Limiteds are limited in quanity. And to Diane, we have not found any "soft" colors yet. We have not had any sequoias sit on the lot for more than 3 or 4 days.
I THINK I WILL STICK WITH MY 98 LANDCRUISER UNTIL THEY IRON OUT A FEW OF THE KINKS THAT SEEM TO EVIDENT WITH THE NEW TOYO BEAST. NICE LOOKIN TRUCK BUT MAN IS IT SLOW :-(
Does the Sequoia have "full-time or automatic 4wd, or if it is only a part-time system? Also is there a low-range option"?
Yes to both questions. The Sequoia has a center differential, which means you can leave it 4WD all the time (which I do in the winter), but you can also select 2WD for a little better economy on dry roads if you want. The center differential also can be locked in low range - low gear, giving it a 29:1 crawl ratio.
We just experienced a three day snowstorm, and driving the Sequoia was a real pleasure. With 4WD, Traction Control, Vehicle Skid Control, M/S tires, and ABS, it is virtually flawless in snowy, icy conditions.
I wish I could say the same for the other drivers -- there were a record number of SUV rollovers in this storm. But it was not the vehicles (and not Sequoias) -- it was drivers overdriving their vehicles because they thought they could, and they wound up in the ditch. I just slowed down, turned up the CD player, and tries to keep a lot of clear space around my vehicle.
Slower than most cars? yup. Slower than a Land Cruiser? I didn't think so. the only data I could find on 0 - 60 times was 9.4 seconds for a Land Cruiser and 8.9 seconds for the Sequoia. I'm not sure how other owners feel, but I don't find the Sequoia to be under powered or slow by any means.
The Sequoia SR5 models are all two tone, except the silver is monotone and the desert sand looks monotone in most lights, as does the chameleon thunder gray! The other are obviously duo-tones!
For a complete description of the Sequoia 4WD system, go to www.tundrasolutions.com and click on the "Sequoia Tech" forum. There is a topic named "How the 4WD system works in the Sequoia" which is a reprint of what I have posted here on several occasions.
Can somebody explain to me what the differences are between build-to-order, preference, and dealer locate? I have my own interpretations but talking to some sales people, it seems that their explanations are different from what I thought. It seems like this is one of those "ten different answers from ten different people" thing.
Also, are build-to-orders taken from the dealership's or delaer's allocations? Or is it in addition to the allocation?
Face it, your wife is hooked on the SEQ and if you make her buy that GM bucket-of-sludge she's gonna give you never-ending he** everytime that piece-o-junk GM breaks down.
You're saying all those good things aout GM trying to convince yourself you're doing the sensible thing in buying the GM but DEEP, DEEP down in your gut you know the GM is a piece of CRAP compared to the SEQ.
Give in....let go.....surrender to the truth that the price differential between the GM and SEQ is stiff...but deserved.
As you know, in an effort to provide quick countermeasures to field problems, Toyota has a 100% warranty part collection program for each new model.
The original parts filter their way from the dealer and on down the "pike" to the manufacturing site, and sometimes to the part supplier. Every step of the way the parts are poked, prodded and analyzed. They have just received the first shipment of warranty parts.
Have you seen any problems or complaints with the function of the third row seat? Please be as specific as possible. Email me at the lower address there if you have had problems as described with the third row seat...
--Dianne email me at sequoia@dianne.net for this one. I am doing a favor for someone.
Comments
The questions asked dont really get at some of the objective points one would want to know about a vehicle before buying.
We all know that there is bias we hold after we have purchaced anything and I'm not sure we are the best judges of the choices we make.
As such I am not sure JD Powers data is the best to use. I would rather see short and long term tests by "experts".
No perfect system I guess but I think we need to take out as much subjectivity and personal owner bias as possible which is hard to judge.
We're interested in the Toyota Sequoia, GMC Yukon/Chevy Tahoe and Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. We've test driven both the Sequoia and Cherokee Limited and loved them both.
Yes, the Sequoia has a lot more room and drives great but it will cost almost $5,000-$7,000 more than the Cherokee Limited. We actually liked the interior finish of the Cherokee Limited better. We just wish it had more room. Plus, we got a great quote for a fully loaded Cherokee Limited with V8 for $33,500.
Ugh! I just wish we could get a Sequoia Limited for like $38,000 but I think that will be impossible.
I like the fact that the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe have more features on their fully loaded models and more horsepower than the Sequoia, and will probably cost less. If the Sequoia had 275+ horsepower then I think this would be a no-brainer.
Our budget is mid-to-high 30's. I just wish I could opt for the Yukon Denali ($42,000+), but I don't think my wife would go for it. Hell, if I'm spending $38,000 for a Sequoia, why not splurge and go for the Denali. Everything is standard and you get 320 horsepower.
Any suggestions? Advice? Help?
If one looks at the Carpoint Owner's (nonscientific)rating of their Sequoia, you can easily see how biased some owners can be, and it definitely goes both ways even for a Sequoia. Of course I am assuming that those who posted very negative ratings are actually owners of a Sequoia.
I think the bottom line is to look at different reviews and opinions from both owners and "experts". My problem with "experts" is that one biased opinion can carry a false weight.
____________________________________
Still waiting for my Desert Sand SR5
More here.
I always thought of the heavily advertised J.D. Powers car ratings as more of a marketing thing, myself, usually skewed towards short term quality (they call themselves a "marketing information services firm", fwiw).
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Most of the Sequoia Limiteds we've seen have sold for around $42,000+ and they're pretty much holding their sticker price. Dealers here in NJ have been tough to move on the price.
You're absolutely right about Toyota, though. It definitely holds its value. However, I've owned a Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler and contrary to popular belief I've had great success with American trucks. This would be my first "foreign" purchase.
One SUV I really wish had more horsepower is the Mitsubishi Montero Limited. What a nice truck! Lots of room and great off-road. But only 200 HP.
If some Toyota dealer is willing to give me a Toyota Sequoia Limited, please let me know and I'll be willing to plunk down the cash today.
There are also big regional differences in pricing and availability. I sell in VA and most of what we have coming are the SR5 4x4 models. I have over a dozen of them coming but only 3 Limiteds. Obviously, the Limited is not going to be discounted as much as an SR5. Things are probably similar in NJ.
Deming would have noticed this (but not JD Power)...
Actually on that topic, quality speaks for itself. Anyone looking at the back pages of an April (auto) issue of Consumer Reports, and who can tell the difference between red bullets (good) and black bullets (bad), can compare the long standing (10 year) difference between Toyota vehicle quality and that of other brands. And it's not just because of where you build 'em, it's because of how you build 'em.
But then there's those plastic bumpers... Do new Land Cruisers and 4Runners have plastic bumpers too??
By the way, thanks for help and advice.
"Enjoy and please dont shoot the messenger
ka..POW!!! Boy I enjoyed that.
I dunno why, but I got nailed with 4WD SR5's this last allocation. But, there's one way to fix that! Sell em out fast.
Gang, wondering: have you all seen these "sitting" at local stores? If so, what models seem to "sit" longest or be the most plentiful? I know ours sell fast here but across the country, I wonder what's makin' tracks the fastest too! Anyone have input?
-Di
I'm getting offers for all three (fully loaded) in the $35,000-$37,500 range. I'm digging that a lot.
I'm not spending $42,000+ for a fully loaded Sequoia. No way!
OTOH, $36K *will* buy a "fully" loaded Tahoe or Yukon. Don't know about a Suburban or Yukon XL at that price, however.
The bottom line is IF $36-7K is his true gag point, he needs to consider the options he's mentioned. And, at the risk of sounding heretical, they're not bad options; in fact, they're great trucks, got one myself. Personally, I been fortunate to have had wonderful experiences with every car I ever owned (2 toyotas in the mix), with one exception: Ford products. I've got lots of friends who've loved 'em, just not me...they were nightmares. Never again.
However, I'm contacting this Hollywood, Florida, Toyota place and speaking with Israel to see if he can hook me up, too. I might stretch the envelope to $38-and-change to get the Toyota. My wife really liked it.
Krisko, maybe I can get a similar deal. Who knows?
I think by this weekend we'll know what we're going to get.
I appreciate the heads-up.
After 2 months of ownership, we developed our first real problem.
We own a Seq. Lmtd. 4x4.
My wife usually drives the Seq. so she reports that there was a loud chattering
noise in the passenger rear quarter panel. She thought it might be mechanical,
like the brakes or maybe a VSC problem. The noise was so loud that it would
drown out the audio system.
When I first heard the noise I immediately thought they were electrical relays.
I took it in for service, and they confirmed that the problem was the rear
heater/AC unit that had gone bad. Had it replaced. Hopefully this is a one time
problem.
--Dianne
I am seriously considering a Sequoia as my next
vehicle (am in a 98 Expedition right now, coming
off lease in a couple of months). But I was wondering if someone can tell me if the Sequoia has full-time or automatic 4wd, or if it is only a part-time system. Also is there a low-range option?
Thanks,
--Robyn
Really I didnt write that stuff....go read the article, boycott them, send them nasty email and take pot shots at them.
I'll go away................for now.............
but I might be back.........
--Dianne
And don't give me that SR5 stuff, because I really don't like that two-tone appearance.
But, hell, I can get a Chevy Tahoe LS with the Z71 off-road package for $34,000. I'd be stupid to pass that up.
Plus, I know several people who have Tahoes, love them and have had no problems with them.
Chevy builds solid trucks.
I test drove a Tahoe and a Suburban today and I actually liked them both better. Too bad my wife's a little hesitant about the size of the Suburban, otherwise we would be getting that one.
By the way, Consumer Reports rates the Suburban as a "Best Buy."
I don't know what the fuss is about "foreign" over "American." I owned a Ford Bronco (160,000 miles) and it rarely had a problem. And I currently own a Jeep Wrangler with 127,000 and the only thing that went on that was a $3 water hose.
I have to say this, though. What's with the Sequoia sound system? It sucks! Toyota has to do something to upgrade that baby!
Until later ...
Herb Chambers Toyota of Boston. This is where I bought my truck from a guy named Bob VanWert. I would only deal with him. He is the internet sales manager and was very pleasant to work with.
Attleboro Toyota. I only dealt with them through mail and over the phone (guy named John White), but he was very responsive and was offering decent deals.
I paid $2000 under MSRP without any haggling and got a decent deal on my trade. Wherever you go, make sure that if you are trading a vehicle in that you absolutely know the fair trade in value. I used all the on-line services and was very realistic about wholesale value etc..., but most dealers are going to try to stick it to you on the trade. It's their job.
These were the good guys. Let me know if you want some advice on who to avoid.
-GOOD LUCK!
http://www.postgazette.com/businessnews/20010202wheels6.asp
And to Diane, we have not found any "soft" colors yet. We have not had any sequoias sit on the lot for more than 3 or 4 days.
http://www.postgazette.com/businessnews/20010202wheels6.asp
I THINK I WILL STICK WITH MY 98 LANDCRUISER UNTIL THEY IRON OUT A FEW OF THE KINKS THAT SEEM TO EVIDENT WITH THE NEW TOYO BEAST. NICE LOOKIN TRUCK BUT MAN IS IT SLOW :-(
GOOD LUCK
Yes to both questions. The Sequoia has a center differential, which means you can leave it 4WD all the time (which I do in the winter), but you can also select 2WD for a little better economy on dry roads if you want. The center differential also can be locked in low range - low gear, giving it a 29:1 crawl ratio.
We just experienced a three day snowstorm, and driving the Sequoia was a real pleasure. With 4WD, Traction Control, Vehicle Skid Control, M/S tires, and ABS, it is virtually flawless in snowy, icy conditions.
I wish I could say the same for the other drivers -- there were a record number of SUV rollovers in this storm. But it was not the vehicles (and not Sequoias) -- it was drivers overdriving their vehicles because they thought they could, and they wound up in the ditch. I just slowed down, turned up the CD player, and tries to keep a lot of clear space around my vehicle.
Slower than a Land Cruiser? I didn't think so. the only data I could find on 0 - 60 times was 9.4 seconds for a Land Cruiser and 8.9 seconds for the Sequoia. I'm not sure how other owners feel, but I don't find the Sequoia to be under powered or slow by any means.
Also, does the SR5 only come in the 2 tone paint?
Also, are build-to-orders taken from the dealership's or delaer's allocations? Or is it in addition to the allocation?
Thanks.
Face it, your wife is hooked on the SEQ and if you make her buy that GM bucket-of-sludge she's gonna give you never-ending he** everytime that piece-o-junk GM breaks down.
You're saying all those good things aout GM trying to convince yourself you're doing the sensible thing in buying the GM but DEEP, DEEP down in your gut you know the GM is a piece of CRAP compared to the SEQ.
Give in....let go.....surrender to the truth that the price differential between the GM and SEQ is stiff...but deserved.
cheers
The original parts filter their way from the dealer and on down the "pike" to the manufacturing site, and sometimes to the part supplier. Every step of the way the parts are poked, prodded and analyzed. They have just received the first shipment of warranty parts.
Have you seen any problems or complaints with the function of the third row seat? Please be as specific as possible. Email me at the lower address there if you have had problems as described with the third row seat...
--Dianne
email me at sequoia@dianne.net for this one. I am doing a favor for someone.