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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.
Not all good news! If you live anywhere near New Orleans Louisiana, please steer clear of "Lakeside Toyota". These people are just not with it. Paper work errors, no help with problems, will not return phone calls, rude behavior and no knowledge of the vehicles they sell.
As for the Sequoia, it rides nice and it is a well built quality vehicle that is easy to drive given the size. It is easy to park, the seats are comfortable and it is easy for two old people to get in and out of.
How ever that is where the good ends and the questionable begins. Keep in mind we only have 1350 miles on it and so it is not really broken in.
1. Right now I have no hope of acheiving the rated MPG of 18. We pulled our 4000 lb Rv 220 miles round trip to Grand Ilse to escape Carnival and averaged only 7 MPG, this is pretty bad for speeds that seldom exceeded 60 mph. As anyone local can tell you it is mostly about 45 mph. Our around town average is about 10 and the highway average has been about 15.
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.
3. The Nav system is pretty bad! It looks about like what was available three or more years ago. You cannot change a route or do any other function with out stopping the vehicle and putting it in park. A passenger cannot do anything to the system while moving. I am sorry I did not look further on this one.
4. I have three mechanical problems, first the glass break sensor does not work, yes I have the option, the up/down switch that raises and lowers the rear of the vehicle is only partially operational and the emergency brake will not trully lock the vehicle in place. I find the plastic interior to be very soft and easily scuffed, not a good thing in a utility vehicle.
The problems with this dealer would leave a bad taste in anyones mouth but with the other problems I am right now a very unhappy owner. I called the Toyota customer support line about the problems with the dealership and they will not help except to report my complaint to the the dealer which is no help at all.
My current recomendation is to go to any dealer other than Lakeside and you might consider giving Toyota a year or two to get this one right.
I have three mechanical problems, first the glass break sensor does not work, yes I have the option, the up/down switch that raises and lowers the rear of the vehicle is only partially operational and the emergency brake will not trully lock the vehicle in place. I find the plastic interior to be very soft and easily scuffed, not a good thing in a utility vehicle.
Well on the 12th we will also have had our Platinum for one month and about 1,000 miles.
Unlike nola3716, we absolutely love our new Sequoia and really can't fault it at all. One of the best handling large SUV's you can get at any price. Very quiet, comfortable and tons of room.
Our gas mileage has'nt been too bad with around 14.5 mpg in town with spurts of freeway travel mixed in occasionaly and 17mpg on freeways exclusively at 75/78 mph.
Could probabley get 18/19 if stayed at 65mph.
I've read a lot about the dislike of the dash and had somewhat the same impression from pictures before our purchasing one. As it turns out the one we bought had the simulated wood on the dash and in person it looks a hole lot better and the whole layout grows on you as you use it and now I would not change a thing on it even if I could.
We have not been disapointed with any aspect of this truck, it's very nice.
Not all good news! If you live anywhere near New Orleans Louisiana, please steer clear of "Lakeside Toyota". These people are just not with it. Paper work errors, no help with problems, will not return phone calls, rude behavior and no knowledge of the vehicles they sell.
As for the Sequoia, it rides nice and it is a well built quality vehicle that is easy to drive given the size. It is easy to park, the seats are comfortable and it is easy for two old people to get in and out of.
How ever that is where the good ends and the questionable begins. Keep in mind we only have 1350 miles on it and so it is not really broken in.
1. Right now I have no hope of acheiving the rated MPG of 18. We pulled our 4000 lb Rv 220 miles round trip to Grand Ilse to escape Carnival and averaged only 7 MPG, this is pretty bad for speeds that seldom exceeded 60 mph. As anyone local can tell you it is mostly about 45 mph. Our around town average is about 10 and the highway average has been about 15.
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.
3. The Nav system is pretty bad! It looks about like what was available three or more years ago. You cannot change a route or do any other function with out stopping the vehicle and putting it in park. A passenger cannot do anything to the system while moving. I am sorry I did not look further on this one.
4. I have three mechanical problems, first the glass break sensor does not work, yes I have the option, the up/down switch that raises and lowers the rear of the vehicle is only partially operational and the emergency brake will not trully lock the vehicle in place. I find the plastic interior to be very soft and easily scuffed, not a good thing in a utility vehicle.
The problems with this dealer would leave a bad taste in anyones mouth but with the other problems I am right now a very unhappy owner. I called the Toyota customer support line about the problems with the dealership and they will not help except to report my complaint to the the dealer which is no help at all.
My current recomendation is to go to any dealer other than Lakeside and you might consider giving Toyota a year or two to get this one right.
First of all given your experience I would call 1 800 go Toyota and complain about your treatment from your dealership. That sounded pretty bad and I wouldn't pay for a new key on your rim's after paying 50 k plus on a New Seq.your untitled to ask for that item from Toyota Corp if your dealership didn't do there job. Yes Dealership (stealer ship) suck once they take your money it's like see you but this is not the way I want to be treated either. I'll generally tell them where to go and never return back
About Navigation issues Yes Toyota sucks in that department the overall problem's really are Toyota navi vendor and there crappy Technology is indeed very poor and sub standard. When Honda/Acura navi system are vastly superior and offer Hdd and Xm traffic features Toyota is still secondary I have problem's with that as a loyal Toyota customer myself.
Oh yea Welcome To Ts ..
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T3 Grill, Line X extra front Bumper coating (too many mod's to list)
Last edited by Tundrav8yamaha; 02-08-2008 at 10:51 PM.
Hey, tundra8yamaha, I did call the number you suggested and was told they would report my concerns to the dealer. I think you can picture how much good that did. It is the same old story with the auto industry, take your money and tell you to get lost.
Some people are so blinded by loyalty to a certain brand they cannot find a problem of any kind. Well, thank goodness we are not all the same.
Well you can't expect good gas mileage towing something that's 4000lbs with a gas engine. Diesels, on the other hand, usually do better even with high loads.
That's 4000lbs + nearly 6000lbs for the Sequoia + 2 passengers. Quite a bit of weight to be expecting great gas mileage.
Use the voice commands for the navigation while driving. If you're hungry, push the button and say, "I'm hungry." It'll then pull up restaurants in your location. Same with gas stations, grocery stores, etc.
I'm incredibly sorry to hear about the pitiful experience that your local Toyota dealership is giving you.
I work in the auto industry and have had much experience with navigation systems from all makes. The generation in the current models has been in Lexus models for several years (since 2006 in some models). Toyota is introducing HDDs finally (when they intro'd the new LS model) and now I believe in the Land Cruiser and LX 570. I think eventually this technology will get down into the remainder of the Toyotas, but it is seemingly far behind. I have a friend who has an 07 Mistubishi Outlander and 08 Mitsubishi Lancer and they BOTH have the HDD...We shall see what Toyota does in the coming years to catch up to the rest of the navigation systems (satellite traffic updates, HDDs, etc.).
__________________
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...
I'm incredibly sorry to hear about the pitiful experience that your local Toyota dealership is giving you.
I work in the auto industry and have had much experience with navigation systems from all makes. The generation in the current models has been in Lexus models for several years (since 2006 in some models). Toyota is introducing HDDs finally (when they intro'd the new LS model) and now I believe in the Land Cruiser and LX 570. I think eventually this technology will get down into the remainder of the Toyotas, but it is seemingly far behind. I have a friend who has an 07 Mistubishi Outlander and 08 Mitsubishi Lancer and they BOTH have the HDD...We shall see what Toyota does in the coming years to catch up to the rest of the navigation systems (satellite traffic updates, HDDs, etc.).
The Toyota Navi system are plain jane Junk on some models .Take the 07 Avalon Limited for example it's joy stick is pretty lame to utilize I traded that on a 08 Highlander hybrid and didn't look back
Overall media reviews including Cr reports don't care for Jbl Toyota Navigation and we as the buyer's know all too well Toyota Secondary rate Navi system is useless in the real world applications (some models). I have a friend who works at Toyota Torrance Office and there aware about these issues yet currently are rather slow in normal Toyota fashion.The new 2008 Toyota land cruiser is DVD based not Hdd based since i test drove it.
"Upgrade Package -- includes voice-activated DVD navigation system [1], backup camera [2], Bluetooth® [3] wireless technology, integrated audio and climate controls, JBL® AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD/DVD changer, 14 speakers, FM diversity reception and adjustable power antenna, power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood-grain-style trim inserts, integrated audio, multi-function display, voice-activated navigation [1] and Bluetooth® "
I know many buyer's are disappointed in Toyota premium audio system's being Jbl pretty well sums it up. Jbl really isn't premium to me and the speakers are paper crap on some Toyota. I have to say Toyota cut's you rather short on it's option's .Often at times Toyota charges a pricey sum on outdated Technology we are buyers don't expect.I used to like factory but since i updated to a Hdd Navi i didn't look back.It's interesting I've helped a few New Tundra Crew max owner's install a Hdd Navigation and there expectations were higher vs anything Toyota has provided at present.Aftermarkers Like Pioneer Z1/Z2 and D3 pretty well refine where the factory just doesn't cut it. I Just home Toyota isn't like Bmw in the I drive system where Media jumped on that pretty bad.Technology is one of those area's it's like a computer Obsolete with a few year's and replaced with the next best thing.
Features missing in Toyota navi system my unit has
1.NO hdd in the lineup yet..
2.No real time traffic (xm navi traffic) this feature is avail on the new 09 Corrolla wow cheaper car get's it.
3.No gracenotes music search based off voice command(see video)
__________________
T3 Grill, Line X extra front Bumper coating (too many mod's to list)
Last edited by Tundrav8yamaha; 02-10-2008 at 01:06 AM.
The emergency brake the dealer can fix. It's just out of adjustment. The dealer obviously didn't prep the vehicle before selling it, however this is the norm in my opinion as the dealer can charge the manufacturer much easier if the customer claims a warranty issue. As for the rest, other threads confirm your NAV argument. The 7 MPG however took me by surprise, considering your load was light. I must admit your dealer comments sound comparable to mine. Once they get your money, you own a used vehicle. My selling dealer questioned whether or not I purchased the vehicle from them when I brought it in (twice) for an alignment issue. What the heck difference should that make? It didn't put me in front of the line and the vehicle still had the dealer paper plates. It was then I realized I was dealing with idiots.
Anyway, enjoy your Sequoia. A locking lug nut, emergency brake adjustment, and a faulty glass breakage sensor should be easy fixes. The NAV and MPG you'll have to live with. Good luck.
As I was reading other Forums and Blogs, I realized why Toyota put the old stuff in their cars, ie, DVD Nav! This way it is a proven (many years of testing and correcting) technology. The most favored point for Toyota is that they build "quality", even if it is old tech.
As for the Diesel vs. Gas argument, I think all will agree that unless you drive at least 35K miles a year you will never recover the additional cost of a Diesel. 2 + 2 still equals 4. If you are just out to impress the masses and don't have any financial restrictions, buy a BIG Diesel. When the new fuels and engines appear in the US I will consider them.
In Europe you can buy these diesels and pay $7 per gallon for the highly refined fuel they require. Here the tree huggers prevent the sale of this new technology. I guess it comes with freedom.
As I was reading other Forums and Blogs, I realized why Toyota put the old stuff in their cars, ie, DVD Nav! This way it is a proven (many years of testing and correcting) technology. The most favored point for Toyota is that they build "quality", even if it is old tech.
As for the Diesel vs. Gas argument, I think all will agree that unless you drive at least 35K miles a year you will never recover the additional cost of a Diesel. 2 + 2 still equals 4. If you are just out to impress the masses and don't have any financial restrictions, buy a BIG Diesel. When the new fuels and engines appear in the US I will consider them.
In Europe you can buy these diesels and pay $7 per gallon for the highly refined fuel they require. Here the tree huggers prevent the sale of this new technology. I guess it comes with freedom.
"proven (many years of testing and correcting) technology" well let's say this Toyota took too long on providing Xm Radio and that didn't need to be tested or corrected for that madder.Toyota is way too slow to address key changes in this market that's a little disappointing from a customer stand point.Nissan has hdd with real time traffic on there pathfinder aramada.
yea dvd is proven No doubt (since introduction 02 camry) but there slower and have Less POI vs hdd which has proven storage and mulitasking dvd rom doesn't have.when Hdd can play a dvd to the rear run navigation and Xm traffic at the same time that's pretty cool and all you need is a monitor on the rear.
About Diesel really is no need for that and your right take many year's to recove that sort of like having a Hybrid but you can write that off one year on taxes
__________________
T3 Grill, Line X extra front Bumper coating (too many mod's to list)
Last edited by Tundrav8yamaha; 02-10-2008 at 10:03 AM.
Not all good news! If you live anywhere near New Orleans Louisiana, please steer clear of "Lakeside Toyota". These people are just not with it. Paper work errors, no help with problems, will not return phone calls, rude behavior and no knowledge of the vehicles they sell.
As for the Sequoia, it rides nice and it is a well built quality vehicle that is easy to drive given the size. It is easy to park, the seats are comfortable and it is easy for two old people to get in and out of.
How ever that is where the good ends and the questionable begins. Keep in mind we only have 1350 miles on it and so it is not really broken in.
1. Right now I have no hope of acheiving the rated MPG of 18. We pulled our 4000 lb Rv 220 miles round trip to Grand Ilse to escape Carnival and averaged only 7 MPG, this is pretty bad for speeds that seldom exceeded 60 mph. As anyone local can tell you it is mostly about 45 mph. Our around town average is about 10 and the highway average has been about 15.
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.
3. The Nav system is pretty bad! It looks about like what was available three or more years ago. You cannot change a route or do any other function with out stopping the vehicle and putting it in park. A passenger cannot do anything to the system while moving. I am sorry I did not look further on this one.
4. I have three mechanical problems, first the glass break sensor does not work, yes I have the option, the up/down switch that raises and lowers the rear of the vehicle is only partially operational and the emergency brake will not trully lock the vehicle in place. I find the plastic interior to be very soft and easily scuffed, not a good thing in a utility vehicle.
The problems with this dealer would leave a bad taste in anyones mouth but with the other problems I am right now a very unhappy owner. I called the Toyota customer support line about the problems with the dealership and they will not help except to report my complaint to the the dealer which is no help at all.
My current recomendation is to go to any dealer other than Lakeside and you might consider giving Toyota a year or two to get this one right.
I've had my SR5 for 1.5 months now with 1500 miles. ABSOLUTELY no problem at all. Gas mileage b/w 16-18 mixed hwy/city. I got JD Power survey with a 1 $ bill as appreciation and they had a long list of problems that i can report but i just could not find any. The silver dash looks nice with stone interior. The dealer called,emailed and mailed several times to followup on the vehicle. They are as nice as they were before selling the car.
Toyota isn't alone in being slow to offer the latest and greatest in technology and, as some have noticed, price alone doesn't appear to be the common denominater.
When looking at the Mercedes GL in comparrison, it's DVD Nav. system wasn't even "touch screen" and isn't even offered in leather as standard. Actually, I think everything was offered optional at considerable cost increases.
Our Toyota Platinum does have voice command but I have not been successful in pulling up the command list to know what commands I can give it to get the different desired results.
Also, we had the dealership install a rear intertainment system and they are having difficulty in getting it to work through the trucks sound system. They are saying that this being the first year production of the new Sequoia it is not working the same as the older models and they currently have our truck's wireing out of the dash waiting futher instruction from more experienced technitions fammiliar with this newer model. I can appreciate that they are smart enough to realize their limitations and willingness to call in the experts. They have been very accomodating and provided us a loaner and will deliver our Sequoia to us, we live 100 miles from our dealership, when they get everything working.
The Toyota Navi system are plain jane Junk on some models .Take the 07 Avalon Limited for example it's joy stick is pretty lame to utilize I traded that on a 08 Highlander hybrid and didn't look back
Overall media reviews including Cr reports don't care for Jbl Toyota Navigation and we as the buyer's know all too well Toyota Secondary rate Navi system is useless in the real world applications (some models). I have a friend who works at Toyota Torrance Office and there aware about these issues yet currently are rather slow in normal Toyota fashion.The new 2008 Toyota land cruiser is DVD based not Hdd based since i test drove it.
"Upgrade Package -- includes voice-activated DVD navigation system [1], backup camera [2], Bluetooth® [3] wireless technology, integrated audio and climate controls, JBL® AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD/DVD changer, 14 speakers, FM diversity reception and adjustable power antenna, power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood-grain-style trim inserts, integrated audio, multi-function display, voice-activated navigation [1] and Bluetooth® "
I know many buyer's are disappointed in Toyota premium audio system's being Jbl pretty well sums it up. Jbl really isn't premium to me and the speakers are paper crap on some Toyota. I have to say Toyota cut's you rather short on it's option's .Often at times Toyota charges a pricey sum on outdated Technology we are buyers don't expect.I used to like factory but since i updated to a Hdd Navi i didn't look back.It's interesting I've helped a few New Tundra Crew max owner's install a Hdd Navigation and there expectations were higher vs anything Toyota has provided at present.Aftermarkers Like Pioneer Z1/Z2 and D3 pretty well refine where the factory just doesn't cut it. I Just home Toyota isn't like Bmw in the I drive system where Media jumped on that pretty bad.Technology is one of those area's it's like a computer Obsolete with a few year's and replaced with the next best thing.
Features missing in Toyota navi system my unit has
1.NO hdd in the lineup yet..
2.No real time traffic (xm navi traffic) this feature is avail on the new 09 Corrolla wow cheaper car get's it.
3.No gracenotes music search based off voice command(see video)
I stand correct on the Land Cruiser. I am not at the dealership anymore, so I have not looked at their option packages. I know that the Lexus LX 570 has HDD, so I figured that they would've put the same technology in the Land Cruiser as well. I will say that the technology in my Tundra (and the new Highlander and other Toyotas) is a significant improvement over the Avalon's outdated and unchanged navigation system.
The three features that you mentioned as being missing have been available in other manufacturers model line up for more than a year. The top two (HDD and XM NaviTraffic) are two features that Toyota has in it's bag of tricks (see Lexus LS/Lexus LX/et al). I check Toyota's website on the Corolla, and it doesn't show the NaviTraffic...
While I am happy to have the factory Navigation in my vehicle, I would be happier if they had upgraded it even further to compete with the technology available in much lesser vehicles (I noted my friends two Mitsubishis, 2007 Outlander/2008 Lancer) that have the HDD and so on and so forth. Toyota has much improvement to make. Hopefully by the time my lease is up in 2010, they'll have made those improvements. But who knows where the competition will be by then...
Excerpt from Toyota Corolla 2009 Models: Corolla, LE, XLE, S and XRS models JBL® AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with XM satellite radio capability [4], MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth® [5] wireless technology and eight speakers in six locations (440-watt maximum power) with steering wheel-mounted audio and hands-free controls
One month with my new Platinum
Re: One month with my new Platinum
and I wouldn't pay for a new key on your rim's after paying 50 k plus on a New Seq.your untitled to ask for that item from Toyota Corp if your dealership didn't do there job. Yes Dealership (stealer ship) suck once they take your money it's like see you but this is not the way I want to be treated either. I'll generally tell them where to go and never return back 
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