I am in the market for a newer truck and like the sequoia for more space. I am hoping for maybe a hint of better mileage. what issues should I look out for?
I am considering buying a sequoia....any advice?
- Thread starter angerhater
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Malleus
Far west of Siegen
Don't. Worst truck I've ever owned. No end to the drivetrain problems.
I had a 2001 and loved it. I know that's much older than what you're looking at, but I can share a few thoughts on the space/cargo aspects, which are still similar. Also, not sure of your situation: how many in your family, how big/small of a vehicle you're used to, do you go on road-trips/camping, are you looking for comments on off-road capabilities, etc... BTW, though mine was a 4x4, I didn't have it for off-road reasons -- got it because I wanted a better quality vehicle than the Suburban I was driving, and slightly better gas mileage (yes, I was splitting hairs at 15 vs 18 mpg). We had 4 kids, and though it didn't have as much space in the back as the Suburban, it was fine 90% of the time. But for the road trips and camping, we *really* missed the convenience of the space the Suburban had; I thought we'd be fine getting one of those platform racks you fit into your trailer hitch, but it never really made up the difference, and ended up with the added hassles of keeping those things dry, and at the same time making sure nothing plastic was near the tailpipe (lesson learned, ha ha) --not to mention, the hassle of not being able to leave anything on it you didn't want stolen while sleeping in a hotel (sigh). Again, not sure of your situation, but good luck in your search!
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From a mechanical perspective, ours was great for the most part - the only issue we had was when an O2 sensor triggered the engine light, but the O2 sensor wasn't bad -- Toyota dealership said it was a known issue where the computer board was designed with "too strict" threshold values for O2 and that Toyota came out with a new board that had the correct (less strict) threshold settings. I said, "great, so you're going to replace it?" and they said, "for $1200" - and I said "nope, if this is a known manufacturer's defect issue, Toyota should replace it" but they weren't willing so I said forget it and ended up trading it in about 9 months later. That was the only negative experience we had with it, though.
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From a mechanical perspective, ours was great for the most part - the only issue we had was when an O2 sensor triggered the engine light, but the O2 sensor wasn't bad -- Toyota dealership said it was a known issue where the computer board was designed with "too strict" threshold values for O2 and that Toyota came out with a new board that had the correct (less strict) threshold settings. I said, "great, so you're going to replace it?" and they said, "for $1200" - and I said "nope, if this is a known manufacturer's defect issue, Toyota should replace it" but they weren't willing so I said forget it and ended up trading it in about 9 months later. That was the only negative experience we had with it, though.
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lt1fire
SILVER Star
you may want to consider the 100 as well. Prices on those are now just about equal to comparable Sequoias... that wasn't the case a few years back.
off the top of my head
Pros for the Sequoia:
more space
tundra suspension so it can actually be lifted higher and by coils not torsion bars
can be bought in 2wd and if 4wd can be shifted to 2wd if that is your fancy
Cons:
The 100 is built to a much better standard just feels better as you drive it
100 is a much better wheeler stock vs stock
The I-force supposedly has weaker Con Rods
Rest of the drive line isn't as robust as the 100
Those are just off the top of my head there are plenty of threads in the 100 section on the subject.
If you aren't looking to wheel it much and are just in need of space i'd also include the Tahoe and Suburban in your search. Can be had for much cheaper and the LS based vortec engines are some of the hardiest out there unless you are trying to hit a million miles in one. Lol. For the fleet vehicles I managed the first gen tundras and the vortec GM's were the ones that gave us the least amount of trouble for had logged miles.
But all of this is off topic. Your original question was about the Sequoia. So if you are looking to replace the 80 in DD tool hauling duty I think that is a great idea. Keep the 80 for wheeling and replace with a newer rig for DD.
off the top of my head
Pros for the Sequoia:
more space
tundra suspension so it can actually be lifted higher and by coils not torsion bars
can be bought in 2wd and if 4wd can be shifted to 2wd if that is your fancy
Cons:
The 100 is built to a much better standard just feels better as you drive it
100 is a much better wheeler stock vs stock
The I-force supposedly has weaker Con Rods
Rest of the drive line isn't as robust as the 100
Those are just off the top of my head there are plenty of threads in the 100 section on the subject.
If you aren't looking to wheel it much and are just in need of space i'd also include the Tahoe and Suburban in your search. Can be had for much cheaper and the LS based vortec engines are some of the hardiest out there unless you are trying to hit a million miles in one. Lol. For the fleet vehicles I managed the first gen tundras and the vortec GM's were the ones that gave us the least amount of trouble for had logged miles.
But all of this is off topic. Your original question was about the Sequoia. So if you are looking to replace the 80 in DD tool hauling duty I think that is a great idea. Keep the 80 for wheeling and replace with a newer rig for DD.
cboyd
GOLD Star
Watch out for frame rust. Now that I live in MA, I hear a ton of these get frame swaps for significant thru-rust on the frame. There was a manufacturing issue in the earlier days.
I drive 100s. I'd go that route.
I drive 100s. I'd go that route.
- Thread starter
- #8
thanks for the input guys.
We owned a 2003 for about 5-6 years and it was a great vehicle. Only problems we had was 02 sensors, which were easy, and the roll up rear window motor. Super comfortable and lots of room. I regret letting it go but we ended up with a GX470 (which has been an awesome vehicle, just a little small). I would happily purchase another one up to 2007 as I don't care for the newer models. Good luck!
With the weight of the Sequoia - Would recommend the newer A750F transmission on years 2005 to 2007. The 4-speed on the Sequoia is the 4Runner 4-speed (A340F) vs the heftier A343F LX/100 4-speed.
I can give you details of temperature comparisons between my 3rd Gen 4Runner and 4th Gen to let you know the risk of the lighter weight transmission, but basically the A750 handles the Sequoia's weight, loaded or towing, etc much better.
I can give you details of temperature comparisons between my 3rd Gen 4Runner and 4th Gen to let you know the risk of the lighter weight transmission, but basically the A750 handles the Sequoia's weight, loaded or towing, etc much better.
How much space do you need? We pack 4 kids (3 still in nannystate car seats) in our 2007. So far it has been a great vehicle for us and the 4x4 gives us more confidence on backroads than the minivan but it isnt an offroad rig. Just went on a 3 night trip to Pigeon Forge and was able to pack all the excessive luggage/toys/hairdryers inside, but used a hitch carrier for the 2 seat stroller. Car seats are the girth equivalent of a 300lb man, so the 3rd row can only fit 2 and there is no room for an adult to sit between.
Build quality; my 20 year old 80 has less interior squeeks and rattles than this vehicle that is half the age. I have been in the rear hatch 3 times. Once voluntarily to install a backup cam, once to fix the window motor, and another to replace the broken latch. A CEL was fixed with a new gas cap.
Its 3rd oil change is this week and I will also be changing plugs, belt, and front diff fluid as I work through PM. No regrets getting it, the big tree fits our needs without going even larger. Without the space needs, a 100 would be better and we will probably be 200 shopping when we rotate out of the carseat requirements.
Build quality; my 20 year old 80 has less interior squeeks and rattles than this vehicle that is half the age. I have been in the rear hatch 3 times. Once voluntarily to install a backup cam, once to fix the window motor, and another to replace the broken latch. A CEL was fixed with a new gas cap.
Its 3rd oil change is this week and I will also be changing plugs, belt, and front diff fluid as I work through PM. No regrets getting it, the big tree fits our needs without going even larger. Without the space needs, a 100 would be better and we will probably be 200 shopping when we rotate out of the carseat requirements.
Malleus
Far west of Siegen
2001. We sold it when the dealership couldn't fix the constant driveline problems, under warranty. Oh, and that really handy roll down window on the liftgate funnels exhaust into the truck when open. I was told by a coworker, who had just sold his, not to buy one. I didn't listen and made the same mistake he did.
The roll down window is only good for putting more crap in the cargo area when you can't open the door due to an also overloaded hitch carrier.
I did use the autodown function on my remote recently as I stepped out of the grocery store so that I could put a few bags in the back. Was the envy of a at least a few soccer moms.
- Thread starter
- #14
I tend to carry lots of tools. recent job even had the front seat full. I have managed to carry 2300lbs of tile stuff in my 80. and I will likely carry a typical load of 400lbs of tools. more space = more tools.
my fj80 still runs great but needs a new exhaust and the seals on the tranny replaced, and the rear main seal too....and the power steering seals....shes about to turn 230k. so I was thinking something newer with better mileage might be a good idea. what kind of mileage were youz averaging??
my fj80 still runs great but needs a new exhaust and the seals on the tranny replaced, and the rear main seal too....and the power steering seals....shes about to turn 230k. so I was thinking something newer with better mileage might be a good idea. what kind of mileage were youz averaging??
NCFJ
Supporting Vendor
Why do you not use a pickup or van?
- Thread starter
- #16
A pick up won't keep my tools dry. AndToyota does not make a vancruiser
fourtrax
SILVER Star
get a tundra and do something like this
Toyota Tunda long bed 8 ' bed cap shell by A.R.E. W/ tool boxes & Rack
Toyota Tunda long bed 8 ' bed cap shell by A.R.E. W/ tool boxes & Rack
- Thread starter
- #19
I have a 5-6 k budget
