Should I get an 02 LX an 03 Sequoia or LC?

[Jim_Chow]

Mine is already "kept in the stable" as a road trip/rec car. I'm still driving my '86 4runner...just won't die, gets 23-24mpg with lift, body armor, and big tires. Plus many drivers around the part of town where I work don't have insurance, let alone valid driver's licenses!

 

[KathmanduCruiser]

Fixed it for ya, Jim.

Mine is already "kept in the stable" as a road trip/rec car. I'm still driving my '86 4runner...just won't die, gets 23-24mpg with lift, body armor, and big tires. Plus many drivers around the part of town where I work don't have a valid driver's license, let alone insurance!

 

[gregc]

I've read conflicting reports. I was of the impression that there was a substantial difference between the transfer case technology, but on edmunds.com (and a few other sites, too) one of their editors says that the 4wd Sequoia has the same active-trac transfer as the LC. In my experience my 80-series cruiser was more stable and easier to keep out of trouble in bad weather.

You can drive a Sequoia in 4wd all day, but on ice or snow the back end tends to kick out a lot more than a 'cruiser. Perhaps it was my tires, or maybe the fzj was better-balanced than the Seq.

I DO like being able to save the 1-2 mpg on dry roads by running in 2wd.

-Greg C

I still can't figure out how the drivetrain on the LC/LX is more sophisticated than the one on the Sequoia.

It appears to me that the LC/LX have a better TRAC system. But they are both open differential based systems, with the exception of the 2005 Sequoia which actually has a viscous coupling capable of routing power fore and aft mechanically as opposed to using the brakes.

Yes I'm aware that the Sequoia defaults to 2wd mode, but with the flip of the switch you can drive it in 4wd all day as well.

Just curious, I feel the LC is a superior vehicle for many other reasons, but nobody has ever been able to explain why the drivetrain is so much more superior to me.

 

[Jim_Chow]

I've read conflicting reports. I was of the impression that there was a substantial difference between the transfer case technology, but on edmunds.com (and a few other sites, too) one of their editors says that the 4wd Sequoia has the same active-trac transfer as the LC. In my experience my 80-series cruiser was more stable and easier to keep out of trouble in bad weather.

-Greg C

Tell that to the guy on this board whose 80 slid off the road in the CA moutains, down an embankment, and into someone's backyard.

The 100's t-case is gear driven. Not sure if the Sequoia t-case is gear or chain. I would suspect it would be chain. With the geared cases, you can only shift the t-case when stopped or < 5mph. The chain cases allow shifting at a higher speed.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

editors says that the 4wd Sequoia has the same active-trac transfer as the LC.

ActiveTRAC has nothing to do with the transfer case, though I just think you're referring to the system itself.

Yes, both have ActiveTRAC though that's where it stops. Because the Seq is bigger, has a different suspension, tire size, and the like, the TRAC's programming is VERY intrusive. It watches that rear end closely (VSC) from sliding out. It also brings the vehicle to a dead stop in sand and the like as it cuts throttle big time off road. It's not designed for off-pavement though you can take it there if you like. The opposite is true of the LC/LX.

 

[Jim_Chow]

The weight distribution on the landcruisers, at least for the 80 and 100 series, is pretty equally distributed (close to 50-50 front/rear). Since the Sequoia is built on a Tundra pickup chassis, pickups usually have way too much weight up front (assuming you'll have a bunch of bricks in the back), causing the rear wheels to prematurely spin out. This might be one reason why the rear wheels kick up more sand/snow on the Sequoia.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

The weight distribution on the landcruisers, at least for the 80 and 100 series, is pretty equally distributed (close to 50-50 front/rear). Since the Sequoia is built on a Tundra pickup chassis, pickups usually have way too much weight up front (assuming you'll have a bunch of bricks in the back), causing the rear wheels to prematurely spin out. This might be one reason why the rear wheels kick up more sand/snow on the Sequoia.

Where were you in your avatar?

 

[r3run33]

not to bash the seq but my sister has an 05 seq that is 2 wd! do lc or lx come 2wd??????? no way when an suv comes 2wd you know where its marketed whyw why why would you buy a suv in 2wd i ask her this all the time no answer as of yet

 

[r3run33]

oh i forgot to say it is bigger i can fit the car seat in the middle and a lot of room in that 2nd row it is bigger on the inside not sure about the actual veh size but inside is bigger

 

[Jim_Chow]

Where were you in your avatar?

Ohio Pass near Crested Butte.

 

[gregc]

Update, known early Sequoia issues

In the interest of completeness, I've come across some known problems with 01-05 Sequoias on various boards (and my own experience now )

• VSC/TRAC/ABS lights on (figure $2500 to replace computer)
• AC compressor self-destruct (figure $3000 to replace compressor and clean AC system)
• Back Window motor not working
• Back door latch breaking
• Door latches breaking

We've been bitten by the grenading AC compressor.

I highly recommend long-term extended warranties for anyone buying a new (or used) Sequoia.

-G

 

[slimbuddha]

Thanks to the Sequoia boards, I was able to convince my wife to go with a LC over the Sequioia.

I don't own one personally, but even the "common" problems are less likely to occurr, and mostly nuisances than the issues you would have with a domestic (as you listed in the comparable models).


And don't forget, you can always do the 4-65 A/C without the repair. That's the only type of A/C we had when we were growing up.

 

[calamaridog]

I believe the LC or LX is a better used value.

You really do get a nice vehicle for the money.

 

[LukeO]

I just picked up a 04 LC with 39K miles today. I'm digging it. Of course I used to have a 03 LC which we bought brand new in 03 and would still have had our home not been demolished forcing us to adjust a few things. So I already new I'd like the 04, and it even has the back up camera and Blue Tooth, whoooooooo......fancy........


Just in time for the body style to change

I do wish 105's or even better 78's were available in diesel, but oh well.

 

[Campfire]

Here's a link to YotaTech Forum that covers Sequoia's and Tundra's.
If your not planning on wheeling with it, the LX will work great for a mall cruiser. Just be different and wave to Land Cruisers instead of snubbing your nose and sipping your Pete's coffee.
I vote for the 03 Land Cruiser with the 5 speed auto.
Calculate the depreciation on the Sequioa, then the Cruiser or LX. I don't think you'll loose as much with the LC or LX.

 

[drsales]

I am of the same as Doctorjay. I too use mine for daily DD and business car. Over 100K miles and tight..quiet...smooth etc. I will take this one well over 200-300k before any decisions are made to get another.

Just do it!

 

[justimaginejack]

3 simple things.
1) DRIVE BOTH
2) LOOK AT VALUE AND COST AS OPPOSED TO PRICE. THE LC/LX WILL HOLD THIER VALUE MUCH BETTER AND THEIR COST IS RELATIVE TO THE CONTINUED VALUE. IT DOESN'T DO YOU ANY GOOD TO BUY THE sEQUOIA AND LOSE 5-10K IN TWO YEARS.
3) RELIABILITY, THE LC/LX IS THE LONGEST RUNNING MOST RELIABLE SUV EVER BUILT. WHILE THE TUNDRA BASED AMERICAN BUILT SEQUOIA IS LEAPS AND BOUNDS AHEAD OF IT'S OTHER COMPETITION IT STILL IS NOT UP TO PAR WITH THE LC.

SIDE NOTE. THE NEW SEQUOIA AND LC WILL BE OUT SOON, PRICES WILL DROP ACCORDING TO DEMAND.