Opinion of the Sequoia

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TexYoung

TexYoung

SILVER Star
10 Year
Joined
Aug 4, 2015
Threads
57
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353
Location
Fort Worth, Texas
I was wanting to buy a 100 series Land Cruiser but looks like I am settling for a Sequoia due to they are much less expensive for the 2008-2009 models. Gotta keep Mamma happy with the budget. I thought I would get some experienced opinions on some questions.
1. Is this the same drivetrain as the 100 series in comparable years?
2. Can I expect to get 400K with good maintenance, timing chain, water pump every 100k, etc. as do the 100 series?
3. Is it as strong for mild off-road as the 100 series.
4. Do they tow well?
5. Those that have them what do you hate about them?
6. What do you like about them?
7. Is there a good supply of aftermarket stuff for both the first and second generation models?

Thanks, any input will be greatly appreciated!
 
TexYoung said:
I was wanting to buy a 100 series Land Cruiser but looks like I am settling for a Sequoia due to they are much less expensive for the 2008-2009 models. Gotta keep Mamma happy with the budget. I thought I would get some experienced opinions on some questions.
1. Is this the same drivetrain as the 100 series in comparable years?
2. Can I expect to get 400K with good maintenance, timing chain, water pump every 100k, etc. as do the 100 series?
3. Is it as strong for mild off-road as the 100 series.
4. Do they tow well?
5. Those that have them what do you hate about them?
6. What do you like about them?
7. Is there a good supply of aftermarket stuff for both the first and second generation models?

Thanks, any input will be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...

1. No, the vast majority of the 2008 on up sequoias have the 5.7 like the 200 series.
2. 400k, yes. No timing belt/water pump replacement on the 5.7 or 4.6--if you happen to find one with the 4.7, then yes.
3. 1st or second gen sequoias are huge compared to the 100...especially the 2nd gen. They will all handle fire roads and sand just fine, but the 100 in stock form is far more capable.
4. Towing is great, depending on what you want to tow. The 4.7 in the 1st gen and the 100 is a little underpowered for the mountains, but gets the job done. The 5.7 is a beast in either rig.
5. 1st gen rear hatch handle breaks. 2nd gen you can get the platinum trim with 8 passenger seating. Cargo room is relatively limited on both if you use the third row. Third row folds into the floor on the 2nd gen, fold and tumble on 1st gen.
6. Comfortable--easily one of the best highway rigs out there. Thoughtful design features for cupholders, ergonomics, and storage.
7. Not really--1st gen has some crossover from the tundra, but almost everything requires some modification in order to fit. Off the shelf is pretty limited to ball joint spacers and lift blocks. Going bigger than 33s will be a custom job or really, really spendy. Not sure on the 2nd gen.

Extra thoughts. If budget is a primary concern, a 150k 1st gen limited model goes for sub 8k. A few more thousand will get you an 05-07 with the VVT-I motor and the 5 speed tranny. A 100 series is in that ball park as well. If you step up to the 2nd gen in top level trims, you are looking at more like 15-20k. That part of your post doesn't quite compute. You can easily find a 100 series for less money than an 08 sequoia. Unless you are only looking at 07ish 100 series'. Either way, good luck and I hope this helps some.

Dan
 
KliersLC said:
1. No, the vast majority of the 2008 on up sequoias have the 5.7 like the 200 series.
2. 400k, yes. No timing belt/water pump replacement on the 5.7 or 4.6--if you happen to find one with the 4.7, then yes.
3. 1st or second gen sequoias are huge compared to the 100...especially the 2nd gen. They will all handle fire roads and sand just fine, but the 100 in stock form is far more capable.
4. Towing is great, depending on what you want to tow. The 4.7 in the 1st gen and the 100 is a little underpowered for the mountains, but gets the job done. The 5.7 is a beast in either rig.
5. 1st gen rear hatch handle breaks. 2nd gen you can get the platinum trim with 8 passenger seating. Cargo room is relatively limited on both if you use the third row. Third row folds into the floor on the 2nd gen, fold and tumble on 1st gen.
6. Comfortable--easily one of the best highway rigs out there. Thoughtful design features for cupholders, ergonomics, and storage.
7. Not really--1st gen has some crossover from the tundra, but almost everything requires some modification in order to fit. Off the shelf is pretty limited to ball joint spacers and lift blocks. Going bigger than 33s will be a custom job or really, really spendy. Not sure on the 2nd gen.

Extra thoughts. If budget is a primary concern, a 150k 1st gen limited model goes for sub 8k. A few more thousand will get you an 05-07 with the VVT-I motor and the 5 speed tranny. A 100 series is in that ball park as well. If you step up to the 2nd gen in top level trims, you are looking at more like 15-20k. That part of your post doesn't quite compute. You can easily find a 100 series for less money than an 08 sequoia. Unless you are only looking at 07ish 100 series'. Either way, good luck and I hope this helps some.

Dan
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Great input! Much appreciated. Yes, I am trying to stay under 10 years old because the Credit Union I go through has better terms for vehicles less than 10 years old. The 07-08 LC's are considerably higher than the 07-08 Sequoias. Thanks again!
 
TexYoung said:
Great input! Much appreciated. Yes, I am trying to stay under 10 years old because the Credit Union I go through has better terms for vehicles less than 10 years old. The 07-08 LC's are considerably higher than the 07-08 Sequoias. Thanks again!
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That makes more sense. not sure what your budget is but there is a significant difference between the 1st and 2nd gen sequoias. 08 was the first year of the 2nd gen and some have had the typical first year growing pains. the 07 is the last year of the 1st gen and as such, are rock solid. Any issues would likely have been resolved by now though. 07 limited with low miles will probably set you back less than an 08 SR5 with equivalent miles. I'd drive both with the wife and see what you guys prefer.
 
08/09 Sequoias are getting relatively cheap. Buy one with the 5.7, it shares the same larger 6 speed transmission with the LC 200 and Tundra. Make sure it has the tow package, many do. Aftermarket is good for everything but the rear IRS suspension, which is unique to the model. I offer shocks and springs for it.
 
bjowett said:
08/09 Sequoias are getting relatively cheap. Buy one with the 5.7, it shares the same larger 6 speed transmission with the LC 200 and Tundra. Make sure it has the tow package, many do. Aftermarket is good for everything but the rear IRS suspension, which is unique to the model. I offer shocks and springs for it.
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Thanks
 
i would stay away from the air suspension, just my personal preference. over time the bags can start to leak and most common problem is the height sensor arms brake and you lose all suspension from the bags. the air suspension can get expensive to replace and wasn't very common so there wont be as much used parts available. you can get a platinum with coil springs in the rear
 
bigredmachine said:
i would stay away from the air suspension, just my personal preference. over time the bags can start to leak and most common problem is the height sensor arms brake and you lose all suspension from the bags. the air suspension can get expensive to replace and wasn't very common so there wont be as much used parts available. you can get a platinum with coil springs in the rear
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Good point! Thanks. Still looking for the right one.
 
My wife drives a 2014 Platinum and it's a fantastic highway cruiser, people mover, and great for towing. It's luxury car quiet even on BFG AT 2s and has been extremely reliable. While not as capable as a 100 series, it's more on road friendly. It will never be a wheeler, but is more than capable for dirt trails and trips over the pass to the ski hill.
 
We have a 2003 and love it. 340,000+ miles on it and engine does not yet burn oil. (allways have used Mobile 1...very important) Have replaced bellt once, running on borrowed time now, replaced alternator this year, and nothing else. Gets around 80,000/per brake job and 60-80,000 per tires...much better than the land cruiser. Problem that Michelin has replaced MS with MS2 which is not as good. Wanders over road as does original tires. The MS were like having tenny runners on the car. If rear seats left out...plenty of cargo room. LOVE the automatic load levelers that came with it for towing but now you have to get the platinum level to get that. Does what my '93 LC can do as I don't rock crawl nor mud swamp. Has more power than needed...wish they'd work on fuel economy rather than HP as the new '17 have an even larger engine with the same economy.
 
To answer another question: When we first bought our 2003 Sequoia, the "universe" suggested it was not an off-road vehicle but certainly a backroad vehicle. Fast forward to now and it pushes it to more of a off-road capable, just not a hard-core rockcrawler/mudswamper....even though basically it's the same one. Toyota seems to want to push the 4-Runner as the LC replacement keeping the LC as an expensive elitist alternative for those with lots of $$$. As such, the Sequoia fits in as a "family" alternative. Anyone out there want to take on that suggestion/proposition?
 
hikermike said:
To answer another question: When we first bought our 2003 Sequoia, the "universe" suggested it was not an off-road vehicle but certainly a backroad vehicle. Fast forward to now and it pushes it to more of a off-road capable, just not a hard-core rockcrawler/mudswamper....even though basically it's the same one. Toyota seems to want to push the 4-Runner as the LC replacement keeping the LC as an expensive elitist alternative for those with lots of $$$. As such, the Sequoia fits in as a "family" alternative. Anyone out there want to take on that suggestion/proposition?
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I am still looking for the right one at the right price. All of these comments are awesome! Thanks!
 
I feel your pain. I am looking to pick one up next year myself. We are a family of six and i wantto be able to tow a boat as well. Killing my fj60.
 
the gimpey one said:
I feel your pain. I am looking to pick one up next year myself. We are a family of six and i wantto be able to tow a boat as well. Killing my fj60.
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In the process of looking, I test drove a 2017 200. That is a slice of heaven. But it was loaded up and was $90K
 
Just to add that I found my '01 Limited 4wd went everywhere I normally go with my 100. I go to Hot Springs Off Road Park at least once a year, and I usually take something different each year. I have taken 80s, 100s, and my Sequoia, and the Sequoia went everywhere the other trucks did........and the "trails" we went on were MUCH more difficult than fire roads! (All the Sequoia had was Bilstein 5100s in front, Stubbs Welding sliders, and 275/70-16 BFG KO1s).

Everyone who saw it was surprised and impressed at what it did.....including me!
 
dnp said:
Just to add that I found my '01 Limited 4wd went everywhere I normally go with my 100. I go to Hot Springs Off Road Park at least once a year, and I usually take something different each year. I have taken 80s, 100s, and my Sequoia, and the Sequoia went everywhere the other trucks did........and the "trails" we went on were MUCH more difficult than fire roads! (All the Sequoia had was Bilstein 5100s in front, Stubbs Welding sliders, and 275/70-16 BFG KO1s).

Everyone who saw it was surprised and impressed at what it did.....including me!
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That's good news. I just bought one. I got a 2008 Platinum. What a great truck. Looking forward to trying it off road. I will be checking to see what equipment I can find for it. Thanks for everybody's input!
 
Bilstein offers 4600 and 5100 for the rear. I build King 2.5" shocks for the rear, they increase the droop travel by about 1.5", which helps a lot with articulation and reduces topping out of the suspension. They come in emulsion or remote reservoir. Anything Tundra will fit the front...
 
bjowett said:
Bilstein offers 4600 and 5100 for the rear. I build King 2.5" shocks for the rear, they increase the droop travel by about 1.5", which helps a lot with articulation and reduces topping out of the suspension. They come in emulsion or remote reservoir. Anything Tundra will fit the front...
Click to expand...
How about front bumper and skid plate?
 
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