New 08 Sequoia Delivery - Observations

[tabeast]

Just took delivery of 2008. SR5 w leather and sunroof - which was very lucky for me to find (black/tan). "cost effective" - if such things are possible in a monster SUV.

the kids are crazy about it, all sorts of room inside. awesome dad.

Here is what I can offer through the process:

1. the 4wd seems (seat of pants here only) much-much slower than the 2wd (I ended up w the 2wd since I live in the south and 4wd on this vehicle, that already has lockers, seems a bit macho buy YMMV). Steering and response on the 4wd dont seem any different, but "jump" off the line as well as off the roll - both seem much more responsive in the 2wd. overall ride in the 4wd may actually bit a tiny bit better - but we are talking about going from 9 tenths of awesome to 9.1 tenths.

2. ride at high speeds is glass smooth, remarkable quiet.

3. the base stereo (ok, upgraded to the 6 disc option) is pretty darn good. I am quite pleased to say I did not pay for the JBL upgrade as I was not that impressed (nor did I now feel a need for a better unit compared to the base). If I ever want to upgrade, aftermarket is a good choice I think.

4. basic tires do better than the big tires IMO. if I recall, 275 65 18 v 275 55 20. did not ever come across a Seq with the Tundra SET port 305 50 profile tires. definitely a different ride, so it is a matter of opinion. the bridegestones that came on mine are impressive - relatively speaking.

5. I do not miss the radar or the camera absence. Not the first large truck I have driven (first I have personally owned) but I don't find it that difficult.

6. Size. I am 6-3 (and heavier than I should be). On the sunroof vehicle and the drivers seat all the way down - it is a bit of a squeeze. I have maybe an inch left. static-y hair and you are brushing the roof. It is ok - just barely , but very tight. otherwise , head leg shoulder hip nose elbow and toe room are abundant. I drove a no roof Limited (go figure - roof in an SR5, no roof in a Limited). Head room was significantly greater there.

7. fits in the garage (standard size 2 stall), takes up the whole of the volume in its side, and makes my avalon look like a matchbox toy.

Speaking of which - let me take this opportunity to relate a negative Toyota experience that you should all consider if you are looking at Toyota.

I currently own 04 4runner. 06 Avalaon. 08 Sequoia. While taking delivery of the Seq (we drove the Avalon in) , I felt a ticking in the steering column and decided to ask the service techs to take a look. I thought perhaps it was CV joints. Long story - but it is a Tech Service Bulletin thing - a part inside the steering column that impacts 05 06 Avalons (there is one post here on TSC about the bulletin - 2 now, I replied to the dude). Here is the part that really really pisses me off.

I had 44K on the Avalon. The TSB was covered by the basic warranty only. So - they want me to pay $800 to repair an issue that they know was a relatively common defect in Toyota manufacturing. They screwed up - I pay. Whatsmore, there is also a TSB for transmission shifting issue. I have had the car in twice for the transmission shifting - both time I get the "we don't feel anything" response. NOW I am out of warranty - ooops! Look what we discovered. I have to pay to fix things, that Toyota recognized as errors in their manufacturing process. Not cool, not at all. Not from somebody who just bought their 4th new toyota in 8 years. So TSB means - we think we can get away with not recalling this stuff -and increase margins from parts and service.

Obviously we each have our own experiences to deal with. My only point here is this - consider (as Toyota keeps their warranty uncompetitively short at 36K miles) - whether saving thousands on the vehicle (by buying a Chevrolet - with which I have had excellent operational reliability experience) and purchasing a 100K mile+ all points all issue warranty is not a really good option to buying Toyota.

As for me - well the Sequoia really is, in my mind, a best in class option that I managed to pick up for a wonderful price (2k below msrp). It is a vehicle that is not "out there" by anyone else - IMO. However, talk about spoiling a good thing - I ride home with a bitter taste in my mouth knowing that as soon as the warranty expires, I will pay for all Toyo's errors - and there seem to be more and more of those piling up as the great fotress of Toyota begins to show some foundation cracks.

[keg97]

First off....Congrats on your new Sequoia!

Post pics please


Second....I would talk to the service manager and if need be, the GM of the dealership. It would seem to me that if you have documentation of complaining of the issue during your warranty period and nothing was found, but a TSB is issued after your warranty expires- you have a very valid claim. I know that I have made sure that some of my concerns are noted on my service paperwork just in case something like that happens.

You may want to try another dealership. Obviously other dealers may be willing to help you out and "win you over" for future servicing, especially since you have multiple Toyotas.

This is one of the reasons that I prefer buying a nameplate that has a longer warranty, especially on a first year model. I've had both Infiniti and Acura take care of issues when I was beyond their already long warranties. The Infiniti claim was outstanding...over 1800 of work when I was a poor graduate student. Those kind of actions "buy" quite a bit of loyality, both for a brand and for specific dealership.

It also brings us to another one of my concerns about Toyota. I'll be paying 55-60K for a first year truck with only a 36K warranty. It is easier to swallow when you're buying a 20K Camry or even a 40K Sequoia, but not nearly as easy when you're dropping 60K. Especially when many of their competitors offer a 50 or 60K standard warranty.

Nevertheless...congrats and don't forget those pics!

[Trebor129]

The Sequoia is first year but shares much with the Tundra that has been out for a bit.

[dimapb]

Originally Posted by tabeast

Just took delivery of 2008. SR5 w leather and sunroof - which was very lucky for me to find (black/tan). "cost effective" - if such things are possible in a monster SUV.

the kids are crazy about it, all sorts of room inside. awesome dad.

Here is what I can offer through the process:

1. the 4wd seems (seat of pants here only) much-much slower than the 2wd (I ended up w the 2wd since I live in the south and 4wd on this vehicle, that already has lockers, seems a bit macho buy YMMV). Steering and response on the 4wd dont seem any different, but "jump" off the line as well as off the roll - both seem much more responsive in the 2wd. overall ride in the 4wd may actually bit a tiny bit better - but we are talking about going from 9 tenths of awesome to 9.1 tenths.

2. ride at high speeds is glass smooth, remarkable quiet.

3. the base stereo (ok, upgraded to the 6 disc option) is pretty darn good. I am quite pleased to say I did not pay for the JBL upgrade as I was not that impressed (nor did I now feel a need for a better unit compared to the base). If I ever want to upgrade, aftermarket is a good choice I think.

4. basic tires do better than the big tires IMO. if I recall, 275 65 18 v 275 55 20. did not ever come across a Seq with the Tundra SET port 305 50 profile tires. definitely a different ride, so it is a matter of opinion. the bridegestones that came on mine are impressive - relatively speaking.

5. I do not miss the radar or the camera absence. Not the first large truck I have driven (first I have personally owned) but I don't find it that difficult.

6. Size. I am 6-3 (and heavier than I should be). On the sunroof vehicle and the drivers seat all the way down - it is a bit of a squeeze. I have maybe an inch left. static-y hair and you are brushing the roof. It is ok - just barely , but very tight. otherwise , head leg shoulder hip nose elbow and toe room are abundant. I drove a no roof Limited (go figure - roof in an SR5, no roof in a Limited). Head room was significantly greater there.

7. fits in the garage (standard size 2 stall), takes up the whole of the volume in its side, and makes my avalon look like a matchbox toy.

Speaking of which - let me take this opportunity to relate a negative Toyota experience that you should all consider if you are looking at Toyota.

I currently own 04 4runner. 06 Avalaon. 08 Sequoia. While taking delivery of the Seq (we drove the Avalon in) , I felt a ticking in the steering column and decided to ask the service techs to take a look. I thought perhaps it was CV joints. Long story - but it is a Tech Service Bulletin thing - a part inside the steering column that impacts 05 06 Avalons (there is one post here on TSC about the bulletin - 2 now, I replied to the dude). Here is the part that really really pisses me off.

I had 44K on the Avalon. The TSB was covered by the basic warranty only. So - they want me to pay $800 to repair an issue that they know was a relatively common defect in Toyota manufacturing. They screwed up - I pay. Whatsmore, there is also a TSB for transmission shifting issue. I have had the car in twice for the transmission shifting - both time I get the "we don't feel anything" response. NOW I am out of warranty - ooops! Look what we discovered. I have to pay to fix things, that Toyota recognized as errors in their manufacturing process. Not cool, not at all. Not from somebody who just bought their 4th new toyota in 8 years. So TSB means - we think we can get away with not recalling this stuff -and increase margins from parts and service.

Obviously we each have our own experiences to deal with. My only point here is this - consider (as Toyota keeps their warranty uncompetitively short at 36K miles) - whether saving thousands on the vehicle (by buying a Chevrolet - with which I have had excellent operational reliability experience) and purchasing a 100K mile+ all points all issue warranty is not a really good option to buying Toyota.

As for me - well the Sequoia really is, in my mind, a best in class option that I managed to pick up for a wonderful price (2k below msrp). It is a vehicle that is not "out there" by anyone else - IMO. However, talk about spoiling a good thing - I ride home with a bitter taste in my mouth knowing that as soon as the warranty expires, I will pay for all Toyo's errors - and there seem to be more and more of those piling up as the great fotress of Toyota begins to show some foundation cracks.

Congrats on the new purchase!!!

In ref. to the issues with Avalon... call Toyota corprate and complaine. They will eather fix it for free or you may have to split the cost, but anything is better then you paying for it by your self.

Good Luck!

[tabeast]

Thanks for the suggestions, appreciate the guidance. I've called Toyo customer service - they are "consulting". Will update when they reply.

As for pics - come on guys - it is a near stock Black SR5. What's to see? Go to Toyota's web site, put in a South Carolina zip code - and browse dealer stock. Lots of pics there from South East Toyota of various colors and options of Sequoia's outbound from "port" to dealership.

[tabeast]

As some here suggested , I did call Toyoto regarding the clicking steering wheel in my Avalon. They called back - and told me that since I was such a loyal customer, with three new toyos in 7 years, including the 2008 Sequoia - that they would only charge me half price to fix my 2 year old Toyota.

This is to replace a part that Toyota has changed their manufacturing standards for - the part in 2007 and 2008 cars is different. But they want me to pay $400 to change the part in my 2006 to the correct part that they put in the cars today.

That sucks. ****ty product support. Arrogance has become deeply seated. Time to buy Chevrolet and extended all points warranties.

[BaBalouie1958]

Sorry to hear that Yoda will pay $400 dollars for a problem they knew already existed. As much money as you have given them in the last 7 years they should be willing to pick that up 100%. When any company starts getting the attitude that they are doing you a favor by selling you their
products it is the beginning of major problems. If this trend continues with Yoda , when im ready to trade my Seqouia I will be looking else where!

[Sequoia2003]

I would just trade in the Avalon to them for a new one and let them deal with it! I did that will my 95 Toyota Camry. My Camry was a fricken LEMON and I just traded it in for a new 96 Tacoma. Then my Tacoma blew a head gasket at 19k miles. I traded that in while it was in the shop for a 1998 Tacoma TRD.