To Sequoia or not to Sequoia, that is the question?? (1 Viewer)

[TexYoung]

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!

 

[parker019]

Disclaimer. This 'advice' is worth exactly what you are paying for it

I owned a 2002 sequoia for 6 yrs (we were 2nd owner. Bought it in 2005).

Great vehicle. It was my wife's grocery getter. Very reliable rig.

When it was time for wife to get a new ride, I elected to sell Sequioa instead of keep it as I would rather have an 80.

Stock 60/62/80 or 100 series are capable and intended for use off road. Solid front axles and removable 3rd member (excluding 100 series) make it easy to add lockers aftermarket if not factory equipped. Deep wheel wheels allow for tire mod up to 33 with zero cutting of wheel well. Easy to lift. There is a wide selection of after market serious off road gear. The same cannot be said for any year model sequoia.

I don't care what any sequoia owner will tell you, the reality is those rigs are designed by Toyota to be grocery getters / mall cruisers / people haulers.

That's why they are significantly cheaper than the equivalent year model LC.

I have seen Seqoia in Moab, etc. They can be OK for that. But I have always wanted a LC. That's why i didn't keep my wife's sequioa as my rig.

But this is your $. So buy what you want and what makes you happy!

My $0.02

 

[parker019]

Forgot to mention another disringushing feature ... manual transfer case on all LC 60/62/80/100. But you get the idea.

 

[1911]

2. Can I expect to get 400K with good maintenance, timing chain, water pump every 100k, etc. as do the 100 series?

That's about whats on the one I bought new and maintained well; one of our sons has been using it for his family car for a while now. Still runs great and drives nice.

5. Those that have them what do you hate about them?

Nothing really. It's not a LC but for a big family car it's hard to beat.

6. What do you like about them?

Powerful for its size. Very quiet for a big family car. Very comfortable road trip car. Good A/C. Stone reliable. Beats the s*** out of a suburban nine ways to Sunday.

 

[Flank]

I agree, that if you're looking for a grocery-getter with a nice engine and a big interior, very nice trucks. My Dad still drives a (Probably the only) lifted '02 in Las that I've ever seen, bought it in '04. Can't compare the late '00 models, but he has loved his for the size and driving comfort. He sold his 80 that he bought new to get the Sequoia. That being said, he was never truly in love with the Seq as much as his cruiser and is now looking for a 100 or 200 to replace it. But this is also 12 years later.

The newer models will probably use similar suspension components to the Tundras, which enjoyed some aftermarket support, but as they are mall cruisers, they will never receive large scale aftermarket options. My dad laments the fact he could not find an aftermarket bumper for his without going full custom fab.

If you are looking to get a mild lift - I know Pro-Comp makes stuff, and probably some others, but it will most likely require research. For mild stuff, it will do fine. But... what is mild to you? Its upgradability and offroad toughness will not encroach on the 100 in the long run, I suspect.

That being said - money talks and perhaps you need to be the testimonial that says "I bought my sequoia and I love it offroad and it kicks Ass and my family loves it."

 

[TexYoung]

Disclaimer. This 'advice' is worth exactly what you are paying for it

I owned a 2002 sequoia for 6 yrs (we were 2nd owner. Bought it in 2005).

Great vehicle. It was my wife's grocery getter. Very reliable rig.

When it was time for wife to get a new ride, I elected to sell Sequioa instead of keep it as I would rather have an 80.

Stock 60/62/80 or 100 series are capable and intended for use off road. Solid front axles and removable 3rd member (excluding 100 series) make it easy to add lockers aftermarket if not factory equipped. Deep wheel wheels allow for tire mod up to 33 with zero cutting of wheel well. Easy to lift. There is a wide selection of after market serious off road gear. The same cannot be said for any year model sequoia.

I don't care what any sequoia owner will tell you, the reality is those rigs are designed by Toyota to be grocery getters / mall cruisers / people haulers.

That's why they are significantly cheaper than the equivalent year model LC.

I have seen Seqoia in Moab, etc. They can be OK for that. But I have always wanted a LC. That's why i didn't keep my wife's sequioa as my rig.

But this is your $. So buy what you want and what makes you happy!

My $0.02

 

[Michael Hanson]

Hi, It's not a Land Cruiser , I'd buy a Denali instead. My experience driving both. Mike

 

[TexYoung]

I really appreciate everyone's advice. It is worth more than 2c to me. I haven't actually driven a Sequoia yet. I know one of you mentioned the transfer case. So it has an automatic transfer case? Exactly what does that mean, you don't determine when it goes into 4X, it does?

 

[YotaJosh]

I've owned a first gen Sequoia (2007 and down) and now a second gen Sequoia (2008 and up). It's my wifes car mostly, and we use it for light duty camping trips with the kids (more interior room than the FJ60).

Since you mentioned 08/09 year models, I'll tailor my answers to that generation...

1. Is this the same drivetrain as the 100 series in comparable years?

100 series has a 4.7l V8. Sequoia has the 5.7l V8. Same as the new Tundra and 200 series. 2nd gen Sequoias are IRS (independent rear suspension. 100/200 series are solid axle in the rear.

2. Can I expect to get 400K with good maintenance, timing chain, water pump every 100k, etc. as do the 100 series?

I have 138k on ours. No major problems to date. Just usual maintenance. These motors have timing chains instead of belts, which is allegedly good for the life of the motor. 4.7l uses a 90k interval belt.

3. Is it as strong for mild off-road as the 100 series.

Probably not due to size, weight, and IRS.

4. Do they tow well?

Mine tows good. Utility trailer is barely there. Haven't towed a car hauler with a crawler truck on it yet, but I will in March 2017 when we head to the Roundup.

5. Those that have them what do you hate about them?

Nothing really other than being a huge vehicle. It has lots of electronic features that I dread failing. Gas mileage sucks (but it'll pass anything but a gas station!)

6. What do you like about them?

Great ride. Lots of room. Lots of power. Still has decent 4WD components (2WD, AWD, and 4WD options and a low range). Tcase is electronically shifted with a dial.

7. Is there a good supply of aftermarket stuff for both the first and second generation models?

Never really looked too hard at aftermarket stuff, but I've seen lifted and armored Sequoias (both generations) around town, so I know some stuff is available.

One thing my wife really liked is that we got our 2008 for right at $19K and it looks exactly like the 2016 models that are around $60K new at the dealership.

 

[TexYoung]

I've owned a first gen Sequoia (2007 and down) and now a second gen Sequoia (2008 and up). It's my wifes car mostly, and we use it for light duty camping trips with the kids (more interior room than the FJ60).

Since you mentioned 08/09 year models, I'll tailor my answers to that generation...


100 series has a 4.7l V8. Sequoia has the 5.7l V8. Same as the new Tundra and 200 series. 2nd gen Sequoias are IRS (independent rear suspension. 100/200 series are solid axle in the rear.


I have 138k on ours. No major problems to date. Just usual maintenance. These motors have timing chains instead of belts, which is allegedly good for the life of the motor. 4.7l uses a 90k interval belt.


Probably not due to size, weight, and IRS.


Mine tows good. Utility trailer is barely there. Haven't towed a car hauler with a crawler truck on it yet, but I will in March 2017 when we head to the Roundup.


Nothing really other than being a huge vehicle. It has lots of electronic features that I dread failing. Gas mileage sucks (but it'll pass anything but a gas station!)


Great ride. Lots of room. Lots of power. Still has decent 4WD components (2WD, AWD, and 4WD options and a low range). Tcase is electronically shifted with a dial.


Never really looked too hard at aftermarket stuff, but I've seen lifted and armored Sequoias (both generations) around town, so I know some stuff is available.

One thing my wife really liked is that we got our 2008 for right at $19K and it looks exactly like the 2016 models that are around $60K new at the dealership.

Thanks for the info. All good stuff

 

[chris777]

You do realize that they dont have low 4 wheel drive, right? All toyotas are consistently reliable. If you just want a soccer mom vehicle, should be a great choice.

 

[hank14]

You do realize that they dont have low 4 wheel drive, right? All toyotas are consistently reliable. If you just want a soccer mom vehicle, should be a great choice.

From YotaJosh above:
"Still has decent 4WD components (2WD, AWD, and 4WD options and a low range). Tcase is electronically shifted with a dial."

I have had 2 4wd 2006 Sequoias. Better than Chevy or Ford in my $0.02, but not up to 100 series quality.

I've had a few problems with things like the rear hatch power window on both of mine, problems with the rear airbag suspension on my 1st 2006, and the overall interior fit and finish is not as nice (of course).

Mine can be used full time 4wd like a 100 series, manual center diff lock, and 4wd low range as well.

As far as I know the 4.7 motor is identical.

Aftermarket off road support is not nearly as good for the Sequoia- no ARB bumpers, sliders, or OME lift solutions like available for cruisers or Tundras- at least not last time I looked for my 06.

Other than that, it is comfortable and capable for family road trips and mild off reloading at affordable prices.

 

[TexYoung]

I bought a 2008 2 weeks ago and am really enjoying it. Talk about a smooth ride. I got a Platinum that is loaded and has the 5.7 V8. I am looking forward to doing some light off-roading with it and towing my 40. I found some bumpers for it. 2008 Toyota Sequoia Custom 4x4 Off-Road Bumpers – CARiD.com
Thanks to everyone for their input!

 

[hank14]

It's good they're offering bumpers for the 08 and up. Nothing for the earlier generation. I called Slee Off Road when I got mine and they said there was not enough interest to pursue it like there is for 4runners and Cruisers.