Also feeling lucky I bought my 2021 in December 2020. Got it below MSRP but we also did a lot of business with that dealer so it worked out great.
First Post. Which Sequoia to Buy? Edit: THIS ONE!!!! Now with Pics!
- Thread starter Perfect Tommy
- Start date
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PerfectTommy, keep us posted on your search. Hoping the right sequoia turns up for you.
I noticed Fred Anderson Toyota posted this video recently, so I guess this vehicle is still available. But I don’t care for their dealer add ons.
I noticed Fred Anderson Toyota posted this video recently, so I guess this vehicle is still available. But I don’t care for their dealer add ons.
- Thread starter
- #83
@goodnightnyc - The right vehicle surely, but the price is too much to take. I spoke to them. Vehicle is listed at MSRP, plus $800 for special tires, plus about that much more for the odd safe, plus the usual assortment of mats, cables, etc. On top of those charges they add $1300 for paint protectant and a $5000 'market adjustment'.
I told them that if they would drop the $5K market adjustment I would swallow the rest. No dice.
- Thread starter
- #84
AAAHHNNND, the new one is out.
Interesting: the new one looks good and the off-road/towing capabilities appear to be much improved. OTOH, room for third-row passengers and storage area are diminished (especially don't like the 'raised platform' thing with the seats down. that sacrifices a lot of storage). Then there is the TwinTurboHybrid v V8: massive power/torque v bullet-proof-edness ....
BUT THE REAL NEWS, AND, of course, A QUESTION: have located two very nice vehicles, both TRD Sports (with leather!) in Grey. both within $1000 of one another.
Which one seems like the better deal?
a 2019 with 20K miles, CPO, one-owner. Cannot see in person, but have lots of photos. looks great. Toyota dealer.
a 2021 with 23K miles, one owner. Not CPO, not a Toyota dealer (a luxury-brand dealer). Drove it. Looks flawless. Getting a PPI by a Toyota dealer in the next 24hrs.
Interesting: the new one looks good and the off-road/towing capabilities appear to be much improved. OTOH, room for third-row passengers and storage area are diminished (especially don't like the 'raised platform' thing with the seats down. that sacrifices a lot of storage). Then there is the TwinTurboHybrid v V8: massive power/torque v bullet-proof-edness ....
BUT THE REAL NEWS, AND, of course, A QUESTION: have located two very nice vehicles, both TRD Sports (with leather!) in Grey. both within $1000 of one another.
Which one seems like the better deal?
a 2019 with 20K miles, CPO, one-owner. Cannot see in person, but have lots of photos. looks great. Toyota dealer.
a 2021 with 23K miles, one owner. Not CPO, not a Toyota dealer (a luxury-brand dealer). Drove it. Looks flawless. Getting a PPI by a Toyota dealer in the next 24hrs.
The 2021 had meaningful changes to the infotainment from a modernity perspective. If the PPI checks out I'd lean that direction
I'd go for the newer one, considering the price and mileage are about the same.
- Thread starter
- #87
@VentoGT and @goodnightnyc : that is what I am thinking. The Apple Play and a few other things are useful upgrades. The rubber is two years newer, etc.
Given all that I have seen, it seems to be a good car: underside is flawless, not a mar on any paint surface, etc. Embarrassed by what I will end up paying for it ... (not MSRP), but this appears to be as good a deal as possible at the moment.
And while it might be best to wait a few months, even into the summer when the new version is available, I really need a replacement before then, i.e. before the current Old Faithful bites the dust (plus, we are planning a summer road-trip; would be great to be able to get off-road when we do).
Will have news in a couple of days. In the meantime, I keep looking.
Given all that I have seen, it seems to be a good car: underside is flawless, not a mar on any paint surface, etc. Embarrassed by what I will end up paying for it ... (not MSRP), but this appears to be as good a deal as possible at the moment.
And while it might be best to wait a few months, even into the summer when the new version is available, I really need a replacement before then, i.e. before the current Old Faithful bites the dust (plus, we are planning a summer road-trip; would be great to be able to get off-road when we do).
Will have news in a couple of days. In the meantime, I keep looking.
When I was shopping for my 2021, I was looking at lightly used options, and even then back in last August the used examples were within a few thousand dollars of MSRP or even OVER MSRP. So don't feel too bad about it--if you are keeping the truck for the long haul it will amortize over a long period. You're in a tough spot wanting a car that has stopped production and was never a big seller so there are comparatively fewer used examples of them. Will be very interesting to see what happens to the Gen 2 leftover inventory once the 23s are on the lots
- Thread starter
- #89
If I buy this one, it guarantees hundreds of flawless, low-mileage Sequoias of only the choicest spec on the lots by June.
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joseywales
Renaissance Redneck
I’d go for the ‘21 as well if it passes the inspection. Certified doesn’t mean much in my opinion.
- Thread starter
- #91
I thought the CPO was a comprehensive going-over. No matter. The PPI is probably about as complete. As explained, the Toyota dealership will check everything they can see (no opening to inspect injectors, for example; but will pull wheels and check brake pads), concentrating on the mechanical components like belts, fluids, connectors, lines, suspension articulation and, of course, scratches and damage. In the case of this vehicle I expect a very clean bill-of-health.
IMPORTANT P.S. Hope this doesn’t break any rules, but if anyone is looking for a 2019 I can recommend a very nice one. TRD Sport, Magnetic Grey Metallic with leather, CPO, 20k miles, offered by the original dealer. The salesman has been very accommodating and provided all the pics I requested and disclosed everything he could about previous ownership. Looks like a great vehicle.
joseywales
Renaissance Redneck
I don’t think (I could be wrong for a second time), they are going internal on a CPO truck either. They can get a very good idea on the state of an engine by hooking up to the diagnostic port. Any anomalies are stored in the memory there, even if they don’t trigger a CEL. Just ask them to be very thorough. I’m sure they would do the same inspection as they do for CPO if you paid them to. They likely can’t “certify” it, but they can tell you if it would qualify or not. When you’re looking at a $75,000 used vehicle, another $1,000 for total piece of mind is worth it in my opinion. You could wait and see if they have any reservations about it after the PPI before asking them to dig deeper too.
- Thread starter
- #93
Thanks. Excellent advice. I will confirm they read the diagnostics, and ask about the full CPO analysis.
- Thread starter
- #94
FINALLY! GOT IT! It is a crazy story. And this is how it began ...
yesterday, during my Daily Frustration, I happened upon an ad for a '21 TRD Sport with very low miles, and (in today's world) a very low price. Didn't have time to immediately pursue it, but based on recent experience there was no hurry, since: it never existed, was sold, or the price was misrepresented. Being an optimist, called the dealer late in the day. Asked the salesman about "the Sequoia" and he replied: "Which one"? I saw the Sport what other one do you have? "A 2021 TRD Pro, in Lunar Rock" ... I was speechless for a second ... the Holy Grail. The vehicle I wanted from the start but lamented ever getting because of scarcity and absolutely unconscionable prices.
Well, he had my curiosity; now he had my interest. The Pro is a 9,000 mile, never-titled, the dealership owner‘s driver/demo! Asked him to send pictures while I studied the Carfax and other data available. Preliminary pics were stupefying; really clean, like new vehicle. While I was at it, I looked into the info on the Sport. The Sport was a 6,000mi, CPO that had been sold at this dealership just months ago (turned in for a fancier something). Beyond that, it had the Premium package (leather seats, a must) and a Convenience package (meh; a take-it-or-leave it). Magnetic Grey Metallic, my other favorite color.
By then the dealership had closed so I couldn't even place a deposit on either car. Last night I pulled all the info I could find on each car and compared everything I could. emailed the salesman and asked for specific photos of each and a reading from the diagnostic ports.
The more I looked into it, the more difficult the decision.
This morning started receiving the photos. Each car was pristine: undersides, interiors and no exterior chips or scratches to be seen. Diagnostics were A-OK. Both looked like brand new cars.
So, I was faced with a tough decision.
The Pro
Pro: it's a Pro! I Lunar Rock!. what else could you want? How about Never Titled! Flawless. 9,000 miles.
Con: for some reason it was not CPO, so the warranty period is what remains on the original warranty (from the date the dealership owner took possession), about 24 months, 25,000 miles. The only other drawback is that it is fitted with the 'upgrade' off-road tires. No big deal, but not necessary*.
The Sport
Pro: 6,000 miles. Remainder of original warranty, plus the CPO 7yr/100K warranty. All the 'Right Stuff' (leather interior, Bilsteins, TRD sway bars, etc.). Plus, some 'niceties' that are essentially extraneous to my checklist. A few thousand dollars less expensive.
Con: it's not a Pro, so lacks the Fox shocks, lighter TRD alloy wheels, better skid plate. Aesthetics aren't quite as nice (has that little chrome trim around the grill).
So, getting back to my original query: which Sequoia to buy?
GUESS: Which one did I buy?
* my preference for road and off-road are the Michelin OEM tires. My experience is that they are as capable off-road as the big, chunky tires and are better and quieter road tires.
yesterday, during my Daily Frustration, I happened upon an ad for a '21 TRD Sport with very low miles, and (in today's world) a very low price. Didn't have time to immediately pursue it, but based on recent experience there was no hurry, since: it never existed, was sold, or the price was misrepresented. Being an optimist, called the dealer late in the day. Asked the salesman about "the Sequoia" and he replied: "Which one"? I saw the Sport what other one do you have? "A 2021 TRD Pro, in Lunar Rock" ... I was speechless for a second ... the Holy Grail. The vehicle I wanted from the start but lamented ever getting because of scarcity and absolutely unconscionable prices.
Well, he had my curiosity; now he had my interest. The Pro is a 9,000 mile, never-titled, the dealership owner‘s driver/demo! Asked him to send pictures while I studied the Carfax and other data available. Preliminary pics were stupefying; really clean, like new vehicle. While I was at it, I looked into the info on the Sport. The Sport was a 6,000mi, CPO that had been sold at this dealership just months ago (turned in for a fancier something). Beyond that, it had the Premium package (leather seats, a must) and a Convenience package (meh; a take-it-or-leave it). Magnetic Grey Metallic, my other favorite color.
By then the dealership had closed so I couldn't even place a deposit on either car. Last night I pulled all the info I could find on each car and compared everything I could. emailed the salesman and asked for specific photos of each and a reading from the diagnostic ports.
The more I looked into it, the more difficult the decision.
This morning started receiving the photos. Each car was pristine: undersides, interiors and no exterior chips or scratches to be seen. Diagnostics were A-OK. Both looked like brand new cars.
So, I was faced with a tough decision.
The Pro
Pro: it's a Pro! I Lunar Rock!. what else could you want? How about Never Titled! Flawless. 9,000 miles.
Con: for some reason it was not CPO, so the warranty period is what remains on the original warranty (from the date the dealership owner took possession), about 24 months, 25,000 miles. The only other drawback is that it is fitted with the 'upgrade' off-road tires. No big deal, but not necessary*.
The Sport
Pro: 6,000 miles. Remainder of original warranty, plus the CPO 7yr/100K warranty. All the 'Right Stuff' (leather interior, Bilsteins, TRD sway bars, etc.). Plus, some 'niceties' that are essentially extraneous to my checklist. A few thousand dollars less expensive.
Con: it's not a Pro, so lacks the Fox shocks, lighter TRD alloy wheels, better skid plate. Aesthetics aren't quite as nice (has that little chrome trim around the grill).
So, getting back to my original query: which Sequoia to buy?
GUESS: Which one did I buy?
* my preference for road and off-road are the Michelin OEM tires. My experience is that they are as capable off-road as the big, chunky tires and are better and quieter road tires.
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You got the Sport! 
- Thread starter
- #96
YOU ARE CORRECT, SIR!You got the Sport!
Obvious Choice? Really came down to: $4,000 less expensive, better warranty, fewer miles.
My thinking is that the difference in prices will pay for any upgrades/changes I make (in the near future). The color is almost as good, and may even ‘age’ better. I have to either pick it up (3+ hr drive) or arrange to have it shipped ( that will be an adventure; the dealer wont’t do that) so I won’t have it in possession for about a week.
In the meantime, planning has already begun: some sort of underbody rust protection (saw elsewhere you used FluidFilm - are you happy with that?); ceramic coat the exterior (unless I discover a newer super-space-age ideal alternative); all-weather mats/liners (a necessity with snow and sand). I might even get the TRD grill right away; I like the clean, no-chrome look.
Then I want to drive it and see what we really need. The Bilsteins might be fine, will check over the skid plate and running boards to see whether they will be tough enough for the off-road trips we are already planning. The only other accessories for immediate acquisition are making a disaster kit and getting a compressor/inflator.
After all the frustration, and in spite of what would have been a stupid price 12-15 months ago, I am really stoked to get it and drive.
Awesome, yeah I figured warranty and price were the two biggest factors.
Where is it located?
Yes, I think the Fluid film is a great thing.....this is my first year using it and I immediately felt so much better driving through the wet, salty streets for the first time this year knowing my trucks undersides weren't getting destroyed by salt.
I used Turtle Wax ceramic wax/coating this year and for the price, it definitely did a good job. There are plenty of others out there, I read a good review about the Turtle Wax and went with it. I don't car if I need to apply it several times a year.
Look at 3D MaxPider floor mats.....amazing and I prefer them to WeatherTechs, lighter, they don't slip and they look great! The cargo mat folds up 3x when you have the 3rd row seats up. You can get them at Autoanything.com or Rockauto.com.....Amazon too!
Yeah, I'd give it some time with your stock suspension and see how it drives/handles.
Where is it located?
Yes, I think the Fluid film is a great thing.....this is my first year using it and I immediately felt so much better driving through the wet, salty streets for the first time this year knowing my trucks undersides weren't getting destroyed by salt.
I used Turtle Wax ceramic wax/coating this year and for the price, it definitely did a good job. There are plenty of others out there, I read a good review about the Turtle Wax and went with it. I don't car if I need to apply it several times a year.
Look at 3D MaxPider floor mats.....amazing and I prefer them to WeatherTechs, lighter, they don't slip and they look great! The cargo mat folds up 3x when you have the 3rd row seats up. You can get them at Autoanything.com or Rockauto.com.....Amazon too!
Yeah, I'd give it some time with your stock suspension and see how it drives/handles.
- Thread starter
- #98
Thanks, and thanks for the tips. Will check them all out for sure. I worry about the salt; we moved here recently from the South and the corrosion on the cars is spooky, especially since I intend to keep this one a long time. Seems like the competition has moved ahead of WeatherTech: I see a lot of disappointment in their stuff.
The car is in Wisconsin and we are in Illinois (far enough from Chicago). The drive isn’t terrible, just a matter of scheduling: finding a day when the family can manage the drive or an overnight.
Congrats! Sounds like you got a nice rig. Post some pics when you can.
- Thread starter
- #100
Thank you. And thanks for the guidance. Will post pics as soon as we bring the vehicle home. I cannot wait.
