Honest thoughts, 100 series or Sequoia for me?

[Shakazulu12]

I know the LC is the greatest and all, but it looks like its going to take forever to find one that I like, and decent Sequoia's pop up all the time.

I'll be using this on weekends only, I snowboard a ton and need something with 4 wheel drive and some power for going to the mountain (currently using my old dodge stratus, just not enough room etc)

I won't ever take it very far off road, fishing and camping every once in a while is it and its nothing I have never been able to get my car over.

The interior space isn't that big of an issue, they are both big, and all the gear is going on the roof in a yakima box anyway for the most part.

Does the AWD system of the LC offer an advantage over the Sequoia's at all?

Are their certian aspects of one or the other that affect their snow performance, tires being equal? Different traction control systems or something like that? I'm willing to wait it out if I have to and find the LC/LX I want, but I'm also wondering if I'm blindly going the wrong route. There aren't any other vehicles that I'm really digging, simply due to the reliability reputation of Toyota. I want to buy used with high miles just becuase of the $ factor, it won't get used enough to justify going new.

Thanks so much for the help in advance!!

 

[calamaridog]

If interior space isn't an issue then why not get a newer 4runner?

As far as the differences, the LX and LC are just nicer. Nothing wrong with the Sequoia but the 100 series vehicles are just nicer.

 

[firetruck41]

Sounds like Sequoia will fill your needs, the 100 series is higher quality, but it is hard to describe. If you spend a day in a "loaded" Sequoia and then spend a day in a 100 series, you will know that there is a difference, it is just hard to explain...

 

[ATLcrusher]

Ben's right (on both counts). Given that you could probably get a better price on a similarly used Sequoia, you should go that route.

 

[subspd]

I was looking at both myself not long ago. The Sequoia is nice dont get me wrong, it has more room behind the 3rd seat. But once we drove an LC and Seqouia back to back we decided on the LC. right away. Consumer Reports rates it a little higher quality and the interior parts are much nicer (plastic, leather, etc.). BUT they do cost a little more... at the same time its very hard to go wrong with a LC. We decided on the LC and will haven't felt any regret since. In fact we are constantly commenting on how perfect it is.
just my 2 cents

 

[SWUtah]

If interior space isn't an issue then why not get a newer 4runner?

As far as the differences, the LX and LC are just nicer. Nothing wrong with the Sequoia but the 100 series vehicles are just nicer.

Get a "new" AWD 4runner SE V8, it comes with the XREAS suspension. I have both and the wife and I both think that the 4runner rides better for the moderate off road stuff, plus it is quicker on the highway and with the XREAS it also handles great on the highway. You should be able to get the new 4runner for around $30K, with the full factory warranty and if your concerned about the payment you can get a longer and lower rate on a new vehicle then on a used vehicle. Good luck.

 

[macneill]

Sounds like the Sequoia will suit all your needs. Like said, the LC is just plain nice and will retain it's value much longer.

 

[stewbo]

If your looking at a weekend occasional vehicle and you don't mind it being used with high mileage, then how about an 80 series? All the money you save on purchase can be used for upgrades , or just saved. Everyone here will agree about that its offroad capability is well documented.

 

[e9999]

the LC has a better 4wd system I believe, better quality likely, probably more overbuilt and reliable, and as mentioned exudes a certain je ne sais quoi.
Friend of mine (loaded) bought a 4WD sequoia. Commented on me recently that he regretted not buying the LC.
But for the application you describe, the Seq is probably just fine.

 

[hoser]

Shaka--

In general, the LC does most everything better than the Sequoia except in price and roominess. The Sequoia is slightly quicker and gets better mpg. A couple things to consider when comparing an older (say 2000 LC) to a newer (say 2003) Sequoia. The Sequoia has front, side and head level airbags while the LC has only front airbags. The Sequoia also has downhill assist and auto load leveling suspension. Keep in mind, pre 2000 LC's don't have Traction control which personally, I'd give high priority in the snow/ice.

As for 4wd system/traction control, I only remember reading this thread. I know there are differences but I think there was also changes in the 4wd system throughout the Sequoia's years. Perhaps a Sequoia/Tundra forum would be a better information source.

 

[flyfish4life]

...The Sequoia has front, side and head level airbags while the LC has only front airbags. The Sequoia also has downhill assist and auto load leveling suspension. Keep in mind, pre 2000 LC's don't have Traction control which personally, I'd give high priority in the snow/ice.

As for 4wd system/traction control, I only remember reading this thread. I know there are differences but I think there was also changes in the 4wd system throughout the Sequoia's years. Perhaps a Sequoia/Tundra forum would be a better information source.

The Sequoia does not have DAC or UAC nor does it have the self leveling deal - that is the GX and I believe Runner. 4WD system is very similar except it is selectable. Sequoia also has poor visibility IMO - high windows and large C-pillars obstruct view when backing up and switching lanes. Drivetrain does not seem as refined either. Having said that, I have 112K miles on my '01 Sequoia and its been relatively problem free. I am looking at upgrading to the LC when I find the right deal.

 

[dclee]

As someone else mentioned, the 4Runner is a nice compromise. You can even get a full-time 4WD version like the LC, with the advantage of the Torsen center LSD (when unocked). Also all the modern saftey and traction features. And in size, it will be easier to maneuver in the town and in the boonies alike, yet still hold almost as much cargo as the 80 Series. I just wish they hadn't put on the funky Chevy Avalanche fenders!

If it were me, I might look into a 2000 LC for the traction control. That plus full-time 4WD (which the Sequoia doesn't have) would give it a decided advantage in the snow, IMHO.

 

[hoser]

The Sequoia does not have DAC or UAC nor does it have the self leveling deal - that is the GX and I believe Runner.

Oops, the Sequoia has "brake assist" rather than downhill assist. However, the Sequioa does have self-leveling as an option in 2003+.

Shaka, For model year changes, you can download eBrochures from Toyota's website.
http://toyota.com/toyota/html/tcuv/ebrochure.jsp

 

[Jim_Chow]

As someone else mentioned, the 4Runner is a nice compromise. You can even get a full-time 4WD version like the LC, with the advantage of the Torsen center LSD (when unocked). Also all the modern saftey and traction features. And in size, it will be easier to maneuver in the town and in the boonies alike, yet still hold almost as much cargo as the 80 Series. I just wish they hadn't put on the funky Chevy Avalanche fenders!

If it were me, I might look into a 2000 LC for the traction control. That plus full-time 4WD (which the Sequoia doesn't have) would give it a decided advantage in the snow, IMHO.

I think those funky, black fenders were only on the '03 version, and they didn't sell well until they made them color coordinated w/o the lame indentations. IMHO, they should have stamped the entire panel from steel like on the 100. I agree. If you don't care that much about the space, the 4runner will be easier to maneuver on narrow roads/tight parking lots than a Sequoia, has the same engine, plus is less weight=better fuel economy. There's no point on dragging a bunch of extra weight around town if you don't have to since you'll have a removeable box on the roof regardless.

 

[Shakazulu12]

I actually really like the size of the landcruiser, even though I don't need it, I have always preferred more metal around me. I have not had any seat time in the 4runner though, I quickly glanced at a sport version, which had a cloth interior which I couldn't stand. Sat in a landcruiser that had 75k on it, later an LX470 that had 140k on it and immediatly noticed it was much more quality, perhaps this was just due to the leather interior though?

I haven't sat in or driven the Sequoia though, I think a trip to a dealership this weekend is in order, I tend to pick up on quality differences between vehicles very quickly, it drives me nuts which is the reason why I ruled out the Armada and QX56 within three minutes sitting in one.

It sounds like I erroniously assumed that the quality was the same on the Sequoia as the LC, I'll check them out closer, and perhaps check out the 4runner limited as well.

I ruled out the 80 series just because I want a v8.

I never finance cars. but 30k is the most I would spend for something like this, and of course the further from that the better. I was planning on around 25

 

[calamaridog]

The Land Cruisers seem to be the best used value for Toyota SUV's. The others are more popular and seem to hold their value better.

 

[subspd]

Sounds to me like you want a LC keep looking and you will find a good deal. 80k miles for $17k is not uncommon. check this one out

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyo...4604117482QQcategoryZ6443QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Shakazulu12]

Yeah, after reading more I think the LC/LX is what I want, I'm focusing on 2000+ now though, just for the TRAC system

 

[Shakazulu12]

double post, deleted

 

[subspd]

Yeah, after reading more I think the LC/LX is what I want, I'm focusing on 2000+ now though, just for the TRAC system

Only needed in the snow and ice IMHO... But isn't that what you deal with?