I'm looking to buy a 1-st gen Sequoia and I was wondering if anyone could give me help on what the differences (improvements) are between the years, what to look for from each, and which one would be best. I'll be towing a car/trailer (about 5000lbs) so if there are any Sequoia specific suggestions I'd be really happy to hear them too.
Cant remember the years 100%. but the 01-03 or 04's have the japanease 4.7 and the new ones have the american motors which have more HP but get less MPG's i have a 03 and the power is great
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2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4x4 V8
R.I.P 2003 Toyota Tacoma TRD all D'Hoed up
A rule of thumb: If you can't describe your idea clearly and simply, you haven't thought it through.
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Why would you consider buying one in the first place?
I've owned two Toyota vehicles in the past: 80' Corolla; 92" Truck; and now my 02 Sequoia. I bought them based on it's (seemingly) mechanical simplicity, Toyota track record for quality and my own personal history owning these cars. Altough the engine of my 02 Sequoia has got a lot of torque, I've experienced three interior door latches breaking, an interior rattling noise near the third seat that I can't isolate, the radio shorting out, a plastic seat panel breaking, and finally, the rear latch not being able to lock. It seems as though Toyota quality HAS changed over the years, and for the worse.
I wouldn't mind so much if it were my vehicle, but it's the family ride; my wife drives it, and we just can't not have her vehicle un-secured. I've never had these many problems with a Japanese car, namely a Toyota, ever. With the repairs that I've already done on this vehicle and the cost of fuel I'm putting into it, it's getting to the point where it's ludicris to even own it. I could give you mine, but I owe too much on the loan to do that. Consider another car why don't you.... quit while you're ahead.
Last edited by ffspiel; 09-15-2008 at 07:49 PM.
Reason: Didn't like the sound of the initial post.
Wow! Nice first post! Go buy a Ford or Chevy and report back after 5 yrs of ownership and see if you still feel the same way.
Back on topic..........
If you want a 1st gen, then get a 2005 or newer. The new VVT-i motor and 5 speed tranny introduced in the '05 is worth a few extra $$. The new tranny plus the 4:10 rear end make a nice towing machine.
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05 Sequoia 4x4 Ltd. Phantom Grey Pearl, Weld 20" wheels on Toyo tires, MagnaFlow cat-back, Amsoil fluids, custom 15" overhead DVD system, Eclipse NAV system w/camera, Sirius tuner. Hybrid Audio Technologies drivers and DLS coaxials, TRU B-2110 and H-1 amps, 13" eD sub, iPod hookup. SilverStar Ultra lamps.
wow! Nice First Post! Go Buy A Ford Or Chevy And Report Back After 5 Yrs Of Ownership And See If You Still Feel The Same Way.
Back On Topic..........
If You Want A 1st Gen, Then Get A 2005 Or Newer. The New Vvt-i Motor And 5 Speed Tranny Introduced In The '05 Is Worth A Few Extra $$. The New Tranny Plus The 4:10 Rear End Make A Nice Towing Machine.
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2006 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4x4 w/ lxr package, 7008 navi, rear entartaiment system, 20" x-sp enkei.
2001 Toyota Tundra SR5 4x4 - TRD 9+Psi Supercharged, JBA Ceramic Headers, Walboro 255LPH Fuel Pump, 1UZ Rods, 20" x-sp enkei wheels, 7009 navi w/custom JBL wire harness + OEM XM/Sirus radio, drive by wire, and many other mods.
Back in '05 I was looking for a used Sequoia but ended-up buying a new '05 due to the increased HP (rated at 281 in '05 but since reduced to 272 for '06 & '07, I think, due to changes in the rating procedure.) and the 5 speed transmission.
Other than a passenger power mirror going out (fixed under warranty) and the radio going on the fritz (fixed by disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes) ours has been trouble-free for almost 4 years and 45K miles.
Toyota is not perfect but I have owned american cars that were much worse and none that were better in terms of reliability. At the prices you can buy a used Sequoia right now (you can find low mileage '05 & '06, even 4x4 for well under $20K) I'd have no hesitation buying one again.
We went with the '05 because of the updated engine and transmission. No complaints - I've never had a vehicle I liked better than this one... and I've owned a Saturn!
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2008 Starcraft ST 2700BH behind 2005 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4x4.
Linked by ProPride 3P 1400, stopped by Prodigy, guided by Garmin nüvi 760.
I had a 2002 and now own a 2007 Sequoia. The tranny in my 2002 blew up at 113,000 miles, most likely due to the dreaded weak overdrive gears. if you're going to be towing, get a later model. There is some debate as to when Toyota upgraded the OD so do your homework. Better yet, get an '05 and later.
Overall reliability on the 2002 was decent but far, far from perfect, and much less reliable than my 1999 4Runner, 1995 Pathfinder and 1991 Nissan pickup truck. I had three rear latches break, minor, I know, and a few minor electrical issues related to the DC cig/aux power systems. The AC compressor went up at about 60,000 miles, and the entire AC system had to be replaced. This was due the undersized compressor lube lines that would not allow enough compressor lubrication in high heat conditions, as indicated by Toyota's TSB. Toyota was kind enough to cover the parts while I ate the labor.
I hope the new one is going to be less troublesome.