[VernSchillinger]

A well negotiated Platinum 4x4 can be had for around $55k. A 2 wheel drive, even less.

I agree that the interior is not as nice, as say a LC. This being said, the deciding factor for me was not the frills (which, granted, are nice), but two other factors, which I guarantee to you 90% of the buyers hold more important, (i) the powertrain & drivetrain, and (ii) the interior flexibility.

Show me another vehicle at, even at $55K, that tops the Sequoia in its superiority when it comes to (i) and (ii) above, and I'll buy into the argument that a Platinum Sequoia is overpriced at $55k.

Also, I'm getting tired of all the talk about the NAV. Who gives a hoot if the NAV data is on HDD vs. a DVD. Do owners with DVD Navs have to insert a new disk each time they get into their vehicle? No. Are owners of either forms of NAV going to have to pay to have their map data updated if they want the latest and greatest info, be it via a new DVD or an upload? Yes.

I have a 2003 Infiniti G35 with a DVD NAV and I still find it plenty useful. Sure, it doesn't have real time traffic, a touch screen or voice commands. Guess what.....I still find it plenty useful for what a Navigation system is ultimately for....Navigation!

Also, the reason why Nissan, Mazda and other tier 2 japanese manufacturers provide additional frills (HDD Nav, HIDs, smart key, etc.) is to keep them competitive against the more established players. For eg. the Honda Accord and Camry easily outsell the Nissan Altima or Mazda 6, despite the lack of some of the frills. I'm not saying that Toyota/Honda and others should not step up with some of the gadgets, what I am saying is that they're able to outsell the others, without them. Begs the question of why?

By the way, I own a Nissan product (G35) and love it -- full disclosure before anyone gets upset that Nissan/Mazda were labeled at tier 2.