[mk10108]

Hey folks I've own 4 Toyotas in my life. cars and trucks, all of them over 100K.

The wife wanted an 08 Sequoia and gave me a mission statement to go get one. Diving into my cave, I narrowed it down to a 2WD SR5 NON tow package. I wanted the 3.9 rear end to improve gas milage. The tow package has a 4.3 ratio. The 3.9 ratio non tow package cruises at 250 rpm lower at 65 mph (1500 rpm) than the tow package.

Non tow packages exist however they're rare. One in Nor Cal, one in Bakersfield and two in So Cal. I was not thrilled with my dealers' pricing and started searching for a better one. The best any one could do was 32.6K for the base SR5. So I started looking at competing models and test drove the Nissan Armada & Ford Expedition. The Chevy was out because I did not fit. (I'm 6' 6" and the wife is 6'2").

The Nissan fit great, plenty of room for the driver and the second row was a couch. Motor was nice but during the test drive I passed through a slightly rough road surface the front wheel started to shimmy. It tracked straight but as soon as the road surface became smooth the shimming stopped. Also the steering was quick but any small movements and you were heading in a different direction. You could get used to it but first time on a coverleaf it gets very interesting. The design and performance was great (3rd row a little short legged) but reviewing the forums and checking JP power I found the quality was lacking.

The Ford was almost an afterthought. I fit well with more leg room than the Sequioa while the ride was smoother. I researched the Eddie Bauer and liked what I saw. Down on power with 300 HP vs. 381 for the Sequoias however, Fords torque is 365 ft lbs at 3750 rpm compared to Toyotas' 401 ft lbs at 3600 rpm. Giving up 36 ft lbs but considering the Ford falls short 255 cc's in motor size, has 8 less valves and only two cams, I say still impressive. Also the engine is set further back than the Sequoia putting a lot of frame between you and someones rear bumper. No doubt this contributes to the 5 star safety rating for all occupants. Sequoia is 5 star for the driver, 4 star front passenger and not rated for rear seat occupants.

The frame is hydroformed and sports the same structure from front to rear, the Sequoia's is welded stamped steel in three different forms from front to rear.

Payload is very interesting. The Expedition can support 1822 lbs vs. Sequoia's 1350 lbs. Quick calculations show if 8 adults travel in the Toyota their average weight per person can be 168 lbs. The Ford is 227 lbs. Chalk a plus for blue oval. I'm sure the corn feed boys in Iowa appreciate the payload.

The Eddie has leather, adjustable pedals, better instruments (the toyota's seem to be offset in relation to the steering wheel) 3rd row auto fold down. Auto lift gate. Rear Camera thru mirror. Fold Flat rear seats (Sequoia's fold flat but are angled up towards the drivers seat). Rear DVD, 6 CD, GPS NAV, sat radio with 6 speakers. Paint is two tone and equiped with 18 inch alloy wheels. The rear end is 3.31 ratio and with the 6 speed tranny, I'm able to get 20-22 mpg on the highway at 65-70 mph. And 16 in the city. Same milage as a Buick Enclave AWD or Buick Acadia. Also if I lock my keys in the vehicle, I have a code to open the door.

The MSRP list at 42,370 and I was able to get it for 35,890, ($3282 below invoice) and no trade. I give up a reclining second row center seat and a telescoping steering wheel. I gain payload, more driver leg room, smooth ride and some coin.

My only reservation about purchasing domestic was long term reliability. My toyotas have been flawless except for the warped rotors on the 02 Camry, so I purchased a 5 yr / 100,000 mile Ford Factory Bumper to Bumper extended warranty for $1570. Good at any Ford dealership with a 50 dollar deductable. Not a bad value considering the electronics on the Expedition.

The wife did test drive the Sequoia and was a bit annoyed when I drove up in the Expedition. I told her to "talk to the hand until you drive it and comment on the leg room". Needless to say after her first drive she was quite happy with my selection.

I'm not saying you should purchase a Expedition and the jury is still out on the long term relabilty but getting a loaded Eddie for what you pay for Limited or a low Plat is something one should think about. I spent many a night weighing the pro's and cons of both vehicles and I seriously looked at and test drove the lambda platform. I'm happy with my decision because it fit my needs better than all the SUV's I considered..

Best regards to all on this forum and I hope your Sequoia's serve you well.