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SequoiaGeneral discussion forum for the second generation 2008 and later Toyota Sequoia.
This is a discussion thread titled "One month with my new Platinum", within the Sequoia forum, part of the SUV Forums category.
Overall I'm loving my Platinum. Sounds like the disappointments are all similar though, nav sucks, ebrake won't hold the truck, and the gas mileage while great without a trailer is horrible with it.
I was surprised on the mileage. My 2002 4runner got 20mph highway by itself, and 12-15 pulling my trailer. My Sequoia gets 18mph highway, but only 7-10mph towing the same trailer.
I'm attempting a fix for the nav system tomorrow, I'll post how it works. Voice recognition is allright for the nav, but it is lacking in the ability to input individual letters by voice. This is a simple thing to add in software and fixes roads that just cannot be recognized. For example, I was driving and trying to find y toyota dealer on Murray RD. Most roads I have had no problem entering by voice, but after over 10 attempts of every possible pronunciation it could not recognize Murray. I used the option to find dealer while driving, but that only shows you the nearest dealer, which in my case was a Lexus dealer, not the Toyota dealer I was looking for. Lame.
I also find that while in general the voice recognition is very good, it's horrible for my phone. It confuses friends names with two and four syllables. Recognizing words in software is hard, I get that, but counting syllables is not hard. Hopefully once my mod is done I will just be able to say "dial by name" (which works every time) then manually press the name I want on the nav unit by hand since it won't recognize it no matter how I train the voice. When I had only two friends in the voice recognition it worked ok, but once I entered 10 it gives me the wrong person almost every time now.
Not a big deal in my mind. I assume that the Navitraffic is subscription based. Waste of money IMO.
I have and use it's a very helpfull on driving aid
Key point system show's accident's lane closed etc on the screen Honda and Acura/nissan/Infiniti have it and so should Toyota.Since you don't have Navi I wouldn't expect you to understand it's something more hand's on and worth it based on what it does and performs.
I have and use it's a very helpfull on driving aid
Key point system show's accident's lane closed etc on the screen Honda and Acura/nissan/Infiniti have it and so should Toyota.Since you don't have Navi I wouldn't expect you to understand it's something more hand's on and worth it based on what it does and performs.
Not really worth. Especially if you have to pay for it. Unless I was a travelling salesman going to different cities all the time it is a waste of money, now if there is no cost for the subscription then maybe its worth it. If you have driven the Greater Toronto Area/Burlington/Hamilton/Whibty are you know that any route you take is slow except for the 407ETR which is electronic toll. Now having a nav system will just tell me that these routes are plugged which I already know. Now taking the side streets is not an option because they are just as bad.
If you know the area then usually you know what is busy and what is not. Radio is just as good. But I feel you do not need to pay a monthly fee to tell you the roads are busy when they always are...
For the Platinum owners--I'd like your opinions on the usefulness/value of the Platinum specific features relative to the (approximately) $3000 premium they carry over a similar Limited. From my memory, these features are:
1. Power steering column adjustment
2. Memory seats
3. TEMS
4. A/C Seats
5. Dynamic Laser Cruise Control (optional, I know, but included in the list as it is an option unique to the Platinum and typically included in most dealer's inventory)
Are these things that you use daily and appreciate? Do you feel they are worth the premium?
I am very happy with the steering column adjustment since my wife is such a shorty it is a big help when changing drivers. It is also nice to change position on a trip.
I have had memory seats in other vehicles that are more intelligent than these but still worth the money.
Don't know what TEMS are!!
It is still winter here so I don't know about the seat cooling.
The laser cruise is just ok. I like to use my cruise when on city streets to help control speeding so I keep it turned off most of the time. So far I have not driven in a situation that it was worth the money. (even on the short range it is about 20 or more car lenghts long, you would need to drive about 85 for this to be a good distance)
More on the cruise: If you are on the open road, little or no traffick at high speeds you might get some good of it. If it were not on my Platinum when I bought I would not own it now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gator Smiles
For the Platinum owners--I'd like your opinions on the usefulness/value of the Platinum specific features relative to the (approximately) $3000 premium they carry over a similar Limited. From my memory, these features are:
1. Power steering column adjustment
2. Memory seats
3. TEMS
4. A/C Seats
5. Dynamic Laser Cruise Control (optional, I know, but included in the list as it is an option unique to the Platinum and typically included in most dealer's inventory)
Are these things that you use daily and appreciate? Do you feel they are worth the premium?
TEMS is the electronic modulated suspension with sport to normal and is something I think I'd instinctively like, if it is noticeable. It is a separate system than the rear load leveling.
For the Platinum owners--I'd like your opinions on the usefulness/value of the Platinum specific features relative to the (approximately) $3000 premium they carry over a similar Limited. From my memory, these features are:
1. Power steering column adjustment
2. Memory seats
3. TEMS
4. A/C Seats
5. Dynamic Laser Cruise Control (optional, I know, but included in the list as it is an option unique to the Platinum and typically included in most dealer's inventory)
Are these things that you use daily and appreciate? Do you feel they are worth the premium?
If you take the price of a fully loaded Ltd Sequoia vs a Plat Sequoia with everything but the laser cruise, the difference in price is around $2000 (if you can negotiate a price of about $1000 over factory invoice, you might be able to do even better depending on the region you're in).
In addition to the Plat exclusive features above there's also the heated second row captain seats which are not an available option in the LTD. And the center console in the second row which is also not available in the LTD. Lastly if you're interested in the Red Rock interior with black carpeting, this interior option is only available in the Plat (no additional charge).
So the question becomes are the following options worth $2000 to you:
A/C front seats
Heated 2nd row seats
2nd row center console
H-TEMS adjustable suspension
Memory driver seat
Electric/memory telescoping/tilt steering wheel
Available Red Rock interior
The answer was yes for me, although I decided not to go with the laser cruise ($600 MSRP, $525 dealer cost). I felt the laser had too much risk to create unwanted and unexpected acceleration while towing. If I'm in cruise control, I prefer to direct any acceleration manually.
Do I feel the features worth 2-3k? Absolutely. The part I don't care for is that is has to be 2-3k overa fully loaded limited. If I had the choice, I would have paid that much extra on an SR5 instead as I didn't want all of the Platinum features, like the 20" wheels, I have no desire for them and will be looking to pick up a set of 18" wheels.
I did install a switch to enable full use of the nav system while driving. It's too bad I had to do it, but it is a HUGE improvement.
It's still below 60 degrees out every day so I've had no use for the AC seats yet.
I love the second row console.
H-TEMS is great, instantly noticable, takes a second or two tops to change. I like to put it in comfort mode most of the time, but when I tow I put it in sport mode and the chassis really settles down. Ideally Toyota would link the suspension to the air bags, and automatically stiffen the suspension when it stiffens the airbag, but having the ability to manually adjust it is the next best thing.
Memory seats are required with 10 way power seats to me if you switch drivers. Who is realistically going to make that many multiple adjustments every time they switch drivers, it's silly not have them standard with the 10 way seat and is an attempt to artifically create a super premium model, buy crippling the limited model. Look at the limited, what other manufacturer makes a 50k Limited SUV with leather seats, 10 way adjustment, and no mirrors? Toyota doesn't even do it on any other model.
Memory wheel is great, either telescoping steering wheel or adjustable pedals is really a safety requirement with an airbag if you have short drivers, it's also nice how it pulls up and out of your way when you're getting in and out of the truck.
I love the laser cruise, it's nice on road trips. I probably have different requirements than most though, I only use my Sequoia one day a week, loading up my girlfriend and four other friends, putting six motorcycles in the trailer and going to find some trails to ride. When you're switching drivers all of the time the memory seat is great for me. H-Tems is awesome when towing. Heated second row is great coming back from a snow ride where everyone is cold. One thing I have heard from passengers though is that the rear heat is too weak, 15 minutes after we've been on the highway with the heat on max and they were still cold, at least the seat heaters helped the second row.
Overall, great. Saturday I went out riding with a group of friends, six hours of driving to and from the trails. One guy slept, one drove, and the rest watched motorcycle videos which really helped pass the time. The surround sound was great too, you could hear the motorcycles go from left to right as they passed on the screen. That actually surprised me, I hadn't realized the DVD was a full surround sound setup.
Do I feel the features worth 2-3k? Absolutely. The part I don't care for is that is has to be 2-3k overa fully loaded limited. If I had the choice, I would have paid that much extra on an SR5 instead as I didn't want all of the Platinum features, like the 20" wheels, I have no desire for them and will be looking to pick up a set of 18" wheels.
I did install a switch to enable full use of the nav system while driving. It's too bad I had to do it, but it is a HUGE improvement.
It's still below 60 degrees out every day so I've had no use for the AC seats yet.
I love the second row console.
H-TEMS is great, instantly noticable, takes a second or two tops to change. I like to put it in comfort mode most of the time, but when I tow I put it in sport mode and the chassis really settles down. Ideally Toyota would link the suspension to the air bags, and automatically stiffen the suspension when it stiffens the airbag, but having the ability to manually adjust it is the next best thing.
Memory seats are required with 10 way power seats to me if you switch drivers. Who is realistically going to make that many multiple adjustments every time they switch drivers, it's silly not have them standard with the 10 way seat and is an attempt to artifically create a super premium model, buy crippling the limited model. Look at the limited, what other manufacturer makes a 50k Limited SUV with leather seats, 10 way adjustment, and no mirrors? Toyota doesn't even do it on any other model.
Memory wheel is great, either telescoping steering wheel or adjustable pedals is really a safety requirement with an airbag if you have short drivers, it's also nice how it pulls up and out of your way when you're getting in and out of the truck.
I love the laser cruise, it's nice on road trips. I probably have different requirements than most though, I only use my Sequoia one day a week, loading up my girlfriend and four other friends, putting six motorcycles in the trailer and going to find some trails to ride. When you're switching drivers all of the time the memory seat is great for me. H-Tems is awesome when towing. Heated second row is great coming back from a snow ride where everyone is cold. One thing I have heard from passengers though is that the rear heat is too weak, 15 minutes after we've been on the highway with the heat on max and they were still cold, at least the seat heaters helped the second row.
Overall, great. Saturday I went out riding with a group of friends, six hours of driving to and from the trails. One guy slept, one drove, and the rest watched motorcycle videos which really helped pass the time. The surround sound was great too, you could hear the motorcycles go from left to right as they passed on the screen. That actually surprised me, I hadn't realized the DVD was a full surround sound setup.
Was it difficult to install? Did you install the switch in the center console or some other location? Do you find yourself leaving it in the active mode most of the time (able to make entries while moving) or deactivated?
When its activated, is the movement of the vehicle on the map "jerky" because the unit works solely off the satellite and not the vehicle motion? Does the Nav "lose" where you are when you go through tunnels or around other obstructions to the satellite? Overall are there any downsides to the switch that you've found?
It is WileE's pulse speed generator box. I had a friend do it who is a Lexus tech in a few hours, it would have taken me three times as long and I would have ended up scratching something.
I still need to PM WileE and ask him about the box, overall it works for me exactly as it does on his truck except when it's activated the map doesn't track at all. Given that fact, I leave it off all the time except when I need to use the computer, but it is very helpful when I flip that switch.
I have a small radio shack toggle switch in one of the blanks on the dash. I am still looking for a factory switch to replace it with. I had read somewhere that a 2004 Tacoma fog light switch would work so I bought one but I forgot to actually check the fit before starting so after the dash was all torn apart I ended up having to find a quick replacement switch that would actually fit. It doesn't look bad, but it doesn't look factory either which is why I am still looking for a factory switch.
I actually ended up missing a turn because I was looking for a gas station while driving with the switch activated and didn't realize it was never using the GPS to do a dead reckoning of my position, it didn't tell me I had missed the turn until after I deactivated the speed pulse generator.
2. The key for the locking wheel lugs nuts was missing. No help from the dealer, just wanted us to wait around while they figured out a way to remove and replace the wheel locks. (they did not have a complete set of keys) At this point I do not have the confidence to allow them to fool with my vehicle in any capacity so I will go to another dealer for the key and pay for it.
Just learned from my dealer that the key to the locking wheels is zipped tied to the lug wrench in the storage compartment where the jack is. You need to open the door inside the front wall of the rear floor storage compartment to get to the lug wrench.
I did install a switch to enable full use of the nav system while driving. It's too bad I had to do it, but it is a HUGE improvement.
Crashing, as more time has passed are you still satisfied with the Wile switch on the Nav unit? Did you find a matching OEM switch for the dash? I assume you would install it in the blank switch location on the far right of the Plat Sequoia dash. I took delivery of my Plat Sequoia on Friday and was considering ordering the Wile switch. Any further comments on your satisfaction with its operation?
Quote:
I love the second row console.
Our family does as well. Second console is extremely flexible it its various configurations. More than I imagined.
Quote:
H-TEMS is great, instantly noticable, takes a second or two tops to change. I like to put it in comfort mode most of the time, but when I tow I put it in sport mode and the chassis really settles down. Ideally Toyota would link the suspension to the air bags, and automatically stiffen the suspension when it stiffens the airbag, but having the ability to manually adjust it is the next best thing.
The adjustable suspension is more valuable and noticeable than I was imagining. Responds quick and I find the change very noticeable. When the road is curvy the sport mode definitely improves the ride. The comfort mode is excellent on the highway and the normal setting seems best for around town with occasional curves and potholes. Great feature IMO.
Quote:
Memory seats are required with 10 way power seats to me if you switch drivers. Who is realistically going to make that many multiple adjustments every time they switch drivers, it's silly not have them standard with the 10 way seat and is an attempt to artifically create a super premium model, buy crippling the limited model. Look at the limited, what other manufacturer makes a 50k Limited SUV with leather seats, 10 way adjustment, and no mirrors? Toyota doesn't even do it on any other model.
It does seem abit short-sighted not to include the memory on the LTD. Its a great feature and a must on the 12-way Platinum seats as it includes the mirrors, tilt/telescope wheel and most seat positions of the drivers seat. The memory setting can also be programmed to the unlock feature on the key fob so that whichever key set is used to unlock the car, the driver's seat will automatically adjust to that driver. Just hold the memory button and the unlock key on the fob for a few seconds simultaneously and they will be synchronized. Nice little feature.
Its worth noting the lumbar setting and the thigh bolster setting for the driver's seat are not included in the memory feature.
Quote:
Memory wheel is great, either telescoping steering wheel or adjustable pedals is really a safety requirement with an airbag if you have short drivers, it's also nice how it pulls up and out of your way when you're getting in and out of the truck.
Excellent feature that makes getting into and out of the vehicle much easier with this feature. Nice to also have the tilt/telscope included in the memory seat setting.
My son watched a movie with the headsets. The wireless headsets are great and the sound quality was excellent. Picture was high quality for a 9in screen.
A few additional observations - I really don't understand the headroom issue people are talking about. I am 6'4" with a relatively long torso (37" sleeve) and in my normal memory seat position I have at least 2-3 inches of headroom in a Plat Seq. which includes the moonroof. Only thing I can think of is that the 12 way driver seat in the Plat gives a greater range of seat positions vs 10-way LTD driver seat or 8-way SR-5 drivers seat.
Lastly, has anyone had any success in transferring the phonebook from their phone to the handsfree phone system in a Sequoia with the Nav unit using BT? I've been able to connect the phone thru BT, but can't figure out how to transfer the phone book to the 1000 slot memory in the vehicle. Any help would be appreciated.
I'm very happy with the nav switch functionality compared to stock. That said I haven't been able to locate a factory spdt switch yet so I have a radio shack switch in the right center blank switch location so it doesn't look great. You also need to be careful to make sure to turn it off (as in back to factory) if you are driving and using the nav system or you will not get directions. For some people it apparently continues to update every few seconds when the speed pulse generator is activated. I have not had this experience, when I flip that switch it thinks my truck is stopped, even if I drive for 10 minutes on the highway it still thinks I am back where I flipped the switch.
I have headroom issues in the Platinum and I am only 6'2. I have to take off my cap when I get in my truck or I can feel the little button on top pressing into my head. I could get around the issue if I reclined the seat further but in the position I am comfortable sitting there is not enough headroom. It would be fine without the moon roof (which I would prefer not to have) but with the Platinum it is forced on you.
Crashing, as more time has passed are you still satisfied with the Wile switch on the Nav unit? Did you find a matching OEM switch for the dash? I assume you would install it in the blank switch location on the far right of the Plat Sequoia dash. I took delivery of my Plat Sequoia on Friday and was considering ordering the Wile switch. Any further comments on your satisfaction with its operation?
Our family does as well. Second console is extremely flexible it its various configurations. More than I imagined.
The adjustable suspension is more valuable and noticeable than I was imagining. Responds quick and I find the change very noticeable. When the road is curvy the sport mode definitely improves the ride. The comfort mode is excellent on the highway and the normal setting seems best for around town with occasional curves and potholes. Great feature IMO.
It does seem abit short-sighted not to include the memory on the LTD. Its a great feature and a must on the 12-way Platinum seats as it includes the mirrors, tilt/telescope wheel and most seat positions of the drivers seat. The memory setting can also be programmed to the unlock feature on the key fob so that whichever key set is used to unlock the car, the driver's seat will automatically adjust to that driver. Just hold the memory button and the unlock key on the fob for a few seconds simultaneously and they will be synchronized. Nice little feature.
Its worth noting the lumbar setting and the thigh bolster setting for the driver's seat are not included in the memory feature.
Excellent feature that makes getting into and out of the vehicle much easier with this feature. Nice to also have the tilt/telscope included in the memory seat setting.
My son watched a movie with the headsets. The wireless headsets are great and the sound quality was excellent. Picture was high quality for a 9in screen.
A few additional observations - I really don't understand the headroom issue people are talking about. I am 6'4" with a relatively long torso (37" sleeve) and in my normal memory seat position I have at least 2-3 inches of headroom in a Plat Seq. which includes the moonroof. Only thing I can think of is that the 12 way driver seat in the Plat gives a greater range of seat positions vs 10-way LTD driver seat or 8-way SR-5 drivers seat.
Lastly, has anyone had any success in transferring the phonebook from their phone to the handsfree phone system in a Sequoia with the Nav unit using BT? I've been able to connect the phone thru BT, but can't figure out how to transfer the phone book to the 1000 slot memory in the vehicle. Any help would be appreciated.
What kind of phone do you have? I should be able to give you a little bit of help if you let me know...you can PM me on here or I can give you one of my screen names as well...
__________________
TundraDG
Group1 Automotive Inc. (NYSE: GPI)
Northeast Region Accounting Administrator
2007 Tundra Double Cab Limited 4X4 4.7L (8350) Silver Sky (01D6) & Red Rock (LA21)
Loaded up with almost all Toyota had to offer, plus a few things they didn't offer...
Re: One month with my new Platinum
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