Is a Sequoia that bad???

[marley2984]

Since I prematurely sold my early bronco, I've been driving 3rd gen 4runners as my DD and camping/excursion vehicle since. I currently drive a 97 4RNR but with family expanding (3 + me) and a 70# retriever wanting an increased roll in the such activities, my spacing needs have changed. I need a bigger rig.... but since this is the primary family vacay hauler I need to weigh things out. Yes I know my post count is slim, but I signed up years ago and generally consume info from the site. So with that.... I've never owned a LandCruiser but the space offered doesnt look much larger than what I got currently. Even with extra wide load bars and dual cargo boxes on top I still need some room inside. So I've begun looking at the 1st gen Sequoia's. Yes they're basically a pickup truck with seats, but the space offered is ideal... especially with 3rd row removed. I don't rock crawl, or do extreme offroading. The extent of my travels include expedition excursions within CONUS. Family camping, fire roads, trout stream exploring and the biggest is surf fishing trips up to Long Island and down to Hatteras. These are 90% of the joys I have with the 4RNR and obviously the costco & lowes runs to top of the additional 10%. So with a mild lift with some better meats to ride on... is the Sequoia that bad?? The engine is never the issue with any Toyota... for me the confusion with it would be the suspension & 4wd system. I read some that stay away from the VSC.... dont get the ATRAC or get the ATRAC... Sequoias are horrible in sand.. etc.. etc. My question is.... with my intended use, what is your honest opinion of the 1st Gen Sequoia??? Are they capable offroad? Does anyone do beach driving to inform me off their 4WD system. Any info is appreciated... thanks

[Tundradrenalin]

It uses the same platform as the Gen1 Tundra. And my truck has never had any problems in OBX sand.


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[sequoiasoon]

Haven't done much beach but a lot of snow and some mud. Sequoia works well in 99% of what I need. If I was going to do more beach and off road I would definitely look at upgrading to at least an Eaton/TRD/Kazuma limited slip diff. The Sequoia has A-trac and stability control so you don't have much choice on that. It uses the brakes applied to one wheel to transfer torque to the other. When in slippery low traction conditions the system could overheat itself and shut down as it uses the ABS pump to do so. I haven't heard of it often but a possibility. Once it shuts down your back to one wheel spinning. The Center diff can be run open in AWD mode or locked (when on snow/sand/mud). I've been stuck (as a test) on a snowy/icy hill in 2WD (with snow tires) as the traction control tried to keep the tires from spinning and reduced the throttle. AWD drive mode got me out, locked center diff got me through 2 ft blizzard unplowed parking lots. On that same hill in same spot my Dad's Chevy Express 2WD conversion van did not get stuck(with same model snow tires). His doesn't have any "electronics" just a plain factory Chevy LSD. Motor revved up, tires spun, rear end slid to side some and away I went. One member installed a Powertrax no slip in his Sequoia and he did use it on the beach and said it was much better as it keeps rears locked when going straight. I'd prefer the (maybe just my opinion) "safety system friendly" mechanical LSD for all the road trip portions. If you know your going to off road a lot you might consider while not cheap the ARB since you can lock it when you want under those conditions plus have the air compressor to air your tires back up. Be smart (done spin to dig), air down to float on top, and keep some traction devices like those folding plastic/rigid mats/ramps and you'll probably be fine stock.

I'll try to find some of the videos to link later showing difference.

[marley2984]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. The RNR (surf) grew out of the hilux just like the sequoia is now growing out of the tundra.... i get that, its just evolution of the base.... but its the other things that concern me. I read about the rust issues.. how is that? How about VSC?

Yes I can put a locker in the rear which is fine but since the majority of time I'm not in situations to warrant it. Yes I have dreams of exploring down into Venezuela, we just do expeditions within CONUS and head a few times a year to Hatteras and Long Island and points in between to catch some sand to surf fish. Driving in the sand has never been an issue in the RNR since its so light and just does well. The post above that refers to driving his tundra out in the sand no issues... is it same 4WD?

[czechm8]

I bought an 05 Sequoia new and have put 105k on it. Very capable truck with the proper tires. Lots of room and comfortable on long trips. I have the second row buckets and console, but you would probably want the 60/40 second row.
If you want first gen, I would look at the 05 and newer - you get the vvt-i motor and six speed tranny over the 01-04.
If you are gentle and keep the revs close to 2k, you can get 18 mpg on the highway. Expect around 14 in mixed driving.
The combo if the six speed tranny and 410 gears make for a pretty good towing.

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[DJ]

I've had an '00 Tundra Access Cab since 2000 and an '01 Sequoia SR5 since 2001. I lived offroad for some years in the mountains of northern New Mexico. For much of the year, we needed 4WD to get out of our driveway. We have NEVER been stuck in either vehicle. Using Michelin LTX M/S sized P265/70R16, we went wherever we pleased in rain, snow, mud, gravel, sand, or rock. We didn't buy them to play in such environments; they were simply transportation, and if you lived where we did, you had to be able to contend with such an environment.

Some years ago, I drove back to Missouri from New Mexico as my brother drove up there from Oklahoma. We met up for a weekend of deer hunting. It snowed during the night before opening morning such that, by about 8:30 that morning, there was a foot of snow everywhere. Everywhere he went in his Bronco II, I went in my Tundra, and vice versa.

The Sequoia is just as capable. Also, the Sequoia is a fine highway cruiser. I've made some very long trips in it, including several times driving 925 miles in one day. It's very comfortable, very roomy, gives good visibility, rides well when fully and heavily loaded, and (in my unhumble opinion) the VSC/TRAC and ABS systems work well.

If I were doing what you are planning, the first generation Sequoia would be my first choice.

[flyfish-mt]

Sounds very similar to what I did. When I lived in Bozeman Montana, I owned a 98' 4runner w/ two small boys and a 100lb Golden. It was a great off-road vehicle with the proper rubber (Michelin LTX MS). However, we outgrew the 4runner and I bought an 03' Sequoia 4wd SR5 about two years ago. I was lucky and found one w/ only 64k miles for a little under $12k. Anyway, I also pulled out the 3rd row seating and it has twice the room that the 4runner had for the dog and all my fly-fishing gear. I replaced the HORRIBLE Yokohama Geolander tires w/ a set of Michelin MS2 tires and it seems to be as capable if not more so than the 4runner in the snow and mud. Of course, the 4runner is much more nimble off road than the Sequoia due to its smaller profile. The Sequoia seems to be a great alternative to the 4runner and I am only losing about 2mpg! Before buying one, check the VIN number on Toyota's website for any recalls and TSB. Mine had the ball joints replaced along with the larger brake calipers installed prior to buying it. The only problems I have had since owning it has been the left side sway bar link (broke) in which I replaced for $45 and the brake light periodically comes on. Everything on the V8 in the Sequoia is accessible unlike the V6 in the 4runner.

[sequoiasoon]

Here's the TRD/eaton differential.KAZUMA TRD LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL which is a great price.

Just had conversation this morning with a guy at work that surf casts everyday. He's been stuck a couple times and usually because he didn't air down to between 10-15 psi. Most times he was able to air down then and got out but he also now carries the maxtrax and was very enthusiastic about not traveling off road with out them again. Said it was the fastest he ever got unstuck.

A GOOD small air compressor to air back up VIAIR Corporation - 88P Part No. 00088 (this what he has in his truck) and the maxtrax https://www.maxtrax.com.au/

Videos of open vs. traction control vs. ARB
Air Locker vs LSD vs Traction Control Part 1 - YouTube

Air Locker vs LSD vs Traction Control Part 2 - YouTube

I was at my parents a couple weeks ago getting a load of wood and had my '03 in 4 lo in AWD mode for a very steep moss/grass covered hill I was trying to back up. I had turned wheel because of a tree and got the right front and left rear with almost no weight and started spinning forward and backward. I was able to lock the center differential and backed up the hill with no real problem almost like some of the video's. The problem with sandy beaches is that it just continues with no real grip. Many of the places I've seen have air hoses at the beach access points but of course the idiots vandalize/steal the chuck etc.

Like DJ the Sequoia is our trip vehicle and love it for the room, comfort (though the 17mpg highway is a little rough). Mine gets 7 people with ski gear ( I do have a Thule cargo box for the skiis/poles) comfortably to the mountain. I use it to haul my son's boy scout troop trailer. Combined with good snows It went through 1 foot of wet packing icy snow with the trailer to a cabin where the rest of group got stuck and had to hike for a while. Friend with Jeep Patriot made it also but doesn't have tow hitch for it.

[marley2984]

hey thanks to all of you that responded. Much appreciated. My wife looses me on forums for the better part of the night for one thing or another but it helps. I think I'll be shopping around for a 2005+ 1st gen and posting my RNR up on some forums very soon. Personally I'd love to see my wife in a 4th gen 4runner just so I can drive it occasionally.. and my dog Banks is a 70+ # golden I'll be posting more related to the 1st gen soon but seems that you guys dont ever have issues with the VSC engaging on driving or it being an uncapable rig.

On a sidenote... Sequiasoon - where on LI? I am LI born and raised (Northport). Moved to VA in about '95 and now it seems I need to move further south... to many Ny'ers here

[sequoiasoon]

Live in Selden (exit 62 LIE) and work in Meville.

Definitely more than capable rig. You do read of people having issues with the VSC (thread about filing complaint with NHTSA) but as every vehicle you will normally only the find the problems as those with no issues don't complain. I had to bypass my VSC once (unplugged sensor on brake reservoir) on a heavily washboard hard packed dirt road. I couldn't lock center diff as ground was too hard. Driving more than 5 mph freaked the system out. Also the "bad" experience of throttle cut at highway speed due to poor snowplow job. Locked center diff to disable VSC solved and just do that almost automatic now. The VSC works well but is definitely very sensitive. If your going to beach it make sure center diff lock works well which will deactivate VSC so you don't lose throttle. Mine has had many of the known/heavily discussed issues but a lot of those fall under minor issues IMO and with the forums help are pretty easy inexpensive fixes.

[SteveInCal]

I have a 2005 Limited that I bought CPO in 2007 and except for the VSC issue it's been great! Luckily, the VSC computer started acting up right after I bought it, so Toyota replaced it under the CPO warranty. In fact, I think searching for VSC issues is what brought me to this message board;-)

Except Sierra snow, I don't do much 4WD stuff, but it's never been a problem. Haven't driven a 2001-2004, but FWIW I'm glad I have the VVT-i motor. Mine has over 120k miles and it's going strong (knock on wood).

Like flyfish mentioned, I would check the VIN number with Toyota to see if the VSC computer was replaced. I don't know where the VSC computer is, but it might be pretty easy to replace yourself if you have issues. If you can find a CPO, it might be worth it.

[Cruisified]

funny, I thought that thread title looked familiar.

Is Sequoia that bad??

[marley2984]

haha yep thats me. I'm pretty much a member on every Toyota forum. Have been for years. Just trying to get as much input from everyone as possible. I'm not a truck hopper. The thing that annoys my wife is the fact that I will research something till I'm the testbook knowledge source and then pop on the purchase. I've owned 2 3rd gen 4RNRs for the better part of 13 years... I never even thought of buying something new. I pretty much am locked on the Sequoia now based on the feedback received. I am narrowed down to a 05, 06 or 07 and looking at the differences between the SR5 and Limited models now and the AWD that some look to offer.

[sequoiasoon]

I am narrowed down to a 05, 06 or 07 and looking at the differences between the SR5 and Limited models now and the AWD that some look to offer.

I don't think it's any different for the 05-07 but the drivetrain in my Sequoia can be run in 2H, AWD (all conditions all the time, center diff stays unlocked), 4WD (slippery only with center diff locked, also disables VSC), 4Lo (with center diff locked or unlocked).

I run 2WD normally, in normal snow I run AWD (I like the VSC feature "normally" to keep me out of trouble), Raining---I'll use AWD to get the "10 miles/month" recommended to keep all parts and actuators lubricated/moving, 4WD (locked diff) only on real crappy conditions going slower.

[MouthfulOfGrass]

I've had my '04 since new, no real problems. Replaced back door latch. Rear window doesn't work. No problems off-road, rocks, sand/beach, dirt. Keeps on truckin'.
Have had it fully loaded for family vacation (so that I can't see with the rear-view mirror) and ez-up, kayak, and cargo on top, and it runs like a champ.