LC Vs. Sequoia - Let's be honest... (1 Viewer)

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Apr 14, 2008
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Location
St. Petersburg, FL
Alright guys... Talk me down from the ledge on this...

Here are the details:

- My 97 LC has been amazing, I love owning it, seeing people gawk at it, and I love the forum and being part of an exclusive group.

Issue is I do not have time for wrenching like I used to, I might have more time next year, but moving, taking care of two houses and travel for work has not allowed me to mod/maintain my LC like I had intended.

I have a chance to trade in my 40th on a 2004 Sequoia Limited 2WD.

My LC never sees the dirt (My Wrangler does the dogs/beach/off road) it is my daily driver.

Lately with some strange driveline noises I have been hearing, reliability has been questioned.

I will NEVER get the satisfaction driving the Sequoia that I do with the LC, but I have to ask:

If I will (likely never) use this LC for what it was intended for, should I keep it?

It is too clean to beat up off road.

I am thinking go to a better DD, and look for another (93ish) LC for beating on.

HELP!!!

thanks in advance....
 
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It sounds like you're not comfortable with the LC anymore. So really that's the only thing that matters. The two vehicles really aren't comparable (given your intended use and the Sequoia is 2wd). You could just as easily be comparing the LC to a minivan (which is absolutely fine).

The Sequoia will be be 7 years younger. It is a very nice vehicle. My impression of them is they are not finished as nice as a LC (even an older one). It will be apparent it is a cheaper vehicle, albeit still a nice vehicle. But if you like them and it fits the bill, go for it.

I don't really understand the 2wd SUV thing as minivans are much better haulers/drivers/and get better mpg. But I do understand not wanting a minivan. And in FL snow isn't an issue so 4wd is overkill.

I guess what I am saying is you probably don't need a comparison - the LC isn't for you right now. In the end, it is just a tool. If you can't use the tool and need to sell it to buy the right one, that's what you need to do. Figure out what you need and do it - guilt free.
 
I would keep the LC, as you mentioned you have a jeep for the trails ect. A nice clean 80 is a rare beast these days, IMHO I would keep it.

Of course I would accept it as a gift if you keep on about getting rid of it:D

regards

Dave
 
I don't think you can compare the two vehicles. It's an apples and oranges thing. The LC is ...... well..... the ultimate vehicle. The Sequoia is nice too, just a different type of vehicle and serves it's purpose well. I would personally be happy with a Sequoia as a daily driver if I was uncomfortable with my LCs reliability. After all, it is a Toyota, and they are very nice.

If you are going to get rid of the LC, don't trade it in. Let me know how much you are asking for it first. I have been looking for a clean 40th.....like many here.....

Good Luck!
 
I don't think you can compare the two vehicles. It's an apples and oranges thing. The LC is ...... well..... the ultimate vehicle. The Sequoia is nice too, just a different type of vehicle and serves it's purpose well. I would personally be happy with a Sequoia as a daily driver if I was uncomfortable with my LCs reliability. After all, it is a Toyota, and they are very nice.

If you are going to get rid of the LC, don't trade it in. Let me know how much you are asking for it first. I have been looking for a clean 40th.....like many here.....

Good Luck!

It really is the ultimate vehicle... My LC has some rust issues, not sure a fellow mudder would want it. 141k no lockers, but other than the underside rust, CLEAN!

I have done the PHH, Axle seals, and lots of others, but I am hearing some banging in the driveline, and it sounds $$$$$.

could be just the u-joints, but I am not getting any vibration, just clunking.

I am just torn, I know the Sequoia would be a great DD and highway truck, but the LC is, well, a Land Cruiser. It gets no better.

I'm gonna take the Sequoia home for the night.

I'll see how I feel when I wake up tomorrow.
 
The tree is newer, larger, more powerfull, tows better, is more comfortable, might insure for less due to not being 4X4 and probably gets better fuel economy. All making it a better daily driver especialy if you do not see snow. I personaly am looking for a 100 to serve as a daily but I want 4X4 and do not need the extra space.
 
I wouldn't sell. The lc was the flagship model and it still is the best in my eyes even being 14 years old.

Have you tried greasing the driveline? Mine was making some pretty nasty noise before greasing it but they seem to have quiet down.

If you sell it you will probably regret it, no way a sequoia feels as solid as a 80.
 
I tried to PM you, but apparently your user CP is set to not receive PMs.

Ownership of the Sequoia has been a pleasurable experience, with very little maintenance issues. I suppose that is the benefit of ownership, but it also helps that it is properly maintained. It also would help to get one that is under warranty or buy one if you have to; these things are full of little sensors that sometimes can cause issues, such as the tire pressure sensors and traction control sensors.

While I would, of course, recommend keeping your '97, it just may not be the most practical choice for peace of mind - especially since you seem to be due for some major maintenance in the very near future.

Selling your '97 now may not be the best decision in regard to financial gain since the economy is what it is; the flip side to that is there are junk yards available with the drive train that you will possibly need for a good price. So, let's say you try to get ~$6500.00 for your '97. While that would make a decent down payment, you may not get that since there are noises in the drive train which you will need to reveal to those interested or fix prior to sale.

Hope this helps. :cheers:
 
thanks for the response... I am not sure why my PM would not work... Make sure you have checked the "Send to members that are not contacts" box on the PMs

I'll keep everyone in the loop on what happens.

In deciding on whether or not to keep the LC, I stopped at Line-X and discussed having the bottom of the 80, fender flairs and bumpers coated.

I am just torn.

Weather is great in FL right now. I love driving with the windows open.
 
I traded in my '97 on an '03 LC. The '97 had some minor problems that I hadn't gotten around to fixing, and they were accumulating. I like wrenching, but I've found a lot of other things I like more, including a second job and my family.

I'm now looking for another vehicle, and reliability is my highest priority. A 13-year-old LC is going to be cooler and more capable, but less reliable and more needy than a five-year-old 4Runner or Sequoia. I've looked at some 80s, and some 100s, but I'm going for a 4th-gen 4Runner.
 
thanks for the response... I am not sure why my PM would not work... Make sure you have checked the "Send to members that are not contacts" box on the PMs

I can receive PMs from anyone on the board. Again, you may have something checked in your UserCP that pertains to receiving/not receiving Private Messages.

If you like the 80 so much, and are willing to stop the rust issue, maybe getting rid of it will be something that you will regret.

Anyway, hope it all works out for you. :cheers:
 
I don't want to try to talk you into keeping it. You've already questioned your ownership of an 80 and are now "unsure" about it's place in your life. Sell it and get what you are comfortable with. There are plenty of other folks who would appreciate and love to have your Cruiser.
 
It is maybe my imagination but I feel that the full time 4wd on the 80 (in my case - a 97 lx450) is lot more predictable on wet roads than any 2wd I have driven. I don't think you need snow to enjoy that added (safety) advantage...and I know you get some rain in Florida
 
Maybe not a fair comparison, but my heep in 2wd is a PITA on wet roads after being spoiled by the 80. I switch to AWD when it rains, but of course that binds and hops, glad it's a company car and a lease. Something is not right about that fine Chrysler product. Maybe a 2WD Sequoia will do better.
 

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