2008 Toyota Sequoia interior....What a shame

[Heatwave3]

I think you made a good choice (closing remarks) now if Toyota did a design change in a few Year's on the Intrestment cluster to the Dash layout it would surely Get my vote on the Tundra and Seq.

Unfortunately if future Sequoia buyers are waiting for a redesigned dash, my guess is it'll be at least 2 yrs and possibly 3 as Toyota has to amortize the dash R&D cost of the Tundra/Sequoia over probably several years to get their investment back.

[pagemaster]

Toyota's a large corporation and they make their decisions based on self-interest and profit. If maintaining a broad, extensive and sometimes overlapping product portfolio makes more money than a more limited portfolio, then they'll keep products like the LC and the sequoia together on the showroom floor for as long as the money is rolling in. When its stops, they will adjust accordingly.

This makes sense if two products overlap competely but with the 200series/Sequioa debate...both vehicle truly market to two different buyer needs. One (200 series) a vehicle that appeals to a true die hard Toyota fan that wants a large size suv, good interior, with tougher ride and frame/chassis components and very good off road capability. The other (Sequioa) a vehicel that appeals to a more people moving family lifestlye type vehicle, boat puller and interior flexibility and function..this buyer is a completely different buyer than the 200 series. IMO.

I think the differences between the 200 series and Sequioa are greater than ever and that I believe is a good thing as it givess buyers more choice compared to GM, FORD, NISSAN etc. Those companies do not offer two top level full size suvs on different platforms with different rear suspension and different interiors, different configurations etc. Not bad for Toyota to have.

You will see a new Sequioa 3rd gen before you see another gen Land cruiser as the LC usually stay around for 9 years.

that a less overlapping and more limited menu of products will in the end make more money for Toyota

I think Toyota will further seperate the 200 series and Sequioa. The Sequioa will very likely have a hybrid system very soon and I will put money on the Landcruiser being the first Toyota vehicle (along with Tundra) to offer a Toyota SUV diesel. Landcruiser have been offered with a diesels before I bet money you will see it again. Plus Toyota already has an outstanding 4.5 diesel that is a little to small for the Tundra.

Unfortunately if future Sequoia buyers are waiting for a redesigned dash, my guess is it'll be at least 2 yrs and possibly 3 as Toyota has to amortize the dash R&D cost of the Tundra/Sequoia over probably several years to get their investment back.

I doubt Toyota will make any serious change to the interior. They have never really completely revamped an interior in the past and I can see it now.

think you made a good choice (closing remarks)

I think this was a great thread debate and should be looked back when someone is bored.

[Heatwave3]

This makes sense if two products overlap competely but with the 200series/Sequioa debate...both vehicle truly market to two different buyer needs. One (200 series) a vehicle that appeals to a true die hard Toyota fan that wants a large size suv, good interior, with tougher ride and frame/chassis components and very good off road capability. The other (Sequioa) a vehicel that appeals to a more people moving family lifestlye type vehicle, boat puller and interior flexibility and function..this buyer is a completely different buyer than the 200 series. IMO.

I respect your opinion however I disagree. From a personal perspective I exceed by a fair amount the demographics you shared of a typical "American buyer of a LC". I comparison shopped both the LC, LX and Sequoia (not to mention the QX, Nav and GM products). It was an easy decision for me as I found the Sequoia a superior designed vehicle for my needs. These products overlapped without question....for me. Therefore the only way you can state that these products don't overlap is to suggest I am a datapoint of one that does not reflect the rest of the American large SUV marketplace.

Since I live in the US marketplace and you do not, I believe it is reasonable for me to say that I have a better sense of what products overlap than you do...at least for the US consumer of these products.

I think the differences between the 200 series and Sequioa are greater than ever and that I believe is a good thing as it givess buyers more choice compared to GM, FORD, NISSAN etc. Those companies do not offer two top level full size suvs on different platforms with different rear suspension and different interiors, different configurations etc. Not bad for Toyota to have.

Actually as a consumer of these products I see them as more similar than ever. Same engine, same transmission, same 4wd capability. In fact the only differences you have been able to point to are relatively inconsequential such as # of vents and bolt covers whereas the design advantages built into the Sequoia are of "substance" to an American Consumer, ie. fold flat 3rd row seat, IRS, dramatically greater leg room for second row passengers. These are features sought by a higher income demographic possibly even more so when comparing these 2 vehicles on the exact same showroom floor. I simply think your view that these products do not overlap is outdated and IMO the eventual sales will substantiate that perspective.

You will see a new Sequioa 3rd gen before you see another gen Land cruiser as the LC usually stay around for 9 years.

IMO the Gen 3 Sequoia will be launched about 2-3yrs after the LC platform has been retired from the US Marketplace and designated a ROW vehicle for Toyota.

I think Toyota will further seperate the 200 series and Sequioa. The Sequioa will very likely have a hybrid system very soon and I will put money on the Landcruiser being the first Toyota vehicle (along with Tundra) to offer a Toyota SUV diesel. Landcruiser have been offered with a diesels before I bet money you will see it again. Plus Toyota already has an outstanding 4.5 diesel that is a little to small for the Tundra.

Actually if you do some research, you'll see that Toyota is already making plans for a diesel and a hybrid Tundra/Sequoia for the US. I do agree with you that the 200 series LC and Sequoia will further separate however IMO the separation will be measured in Oceans and R&D budgets, as the majority of investment gets applied to the Sequoia Platform for the US and the LC gets assigned to overseas duty.

I doubt Toyota will make any serious change to the interior. They have never really completely revamped an interior in the past and I can see it now.

Uhhhh....I think the Sequoia's interior is a pretty complete revamp over last year's model while the LC and LX are essentially unchanged. Pretty easy to determine which vehicle platform got the bulk of R&D budget.

[pagemaster]

I think the Sequoia's interior is a pretty complete revamp over last . .

I am talking about redesigning the interior interior whilel keeping the it with the 2nd generation. Sequioa interior will barely change for the next 5 years.

year's model while the LC and LX are essentially unchanged
Pretty easy to determine which vehicle platform got the bulk of R&D budget

Explain to me how a new frame, new diesel, Japan built 5.7, two different inteiors (lx is nothing like LC) two different suspensions (LX and LC have differnt suspensions), brand new rear axle, new gearing, upgrades such as 10 airbags and pre crash system, worlds first 4 zone HVAC, updated navi with integrated HVAC did not get any R and D.....

Sequioa is just a boxed Tundra with a Sienna rear end....most of the Sequioa was designed from money spent on Tunda as well as suspension from Sienna.

[Heatwave3]

I am talking about redesigning the interior interior whilel keeping the it with the 2nd generation. Sequioa interior will barely change for the next 5 years.

We'll see. I think there will be a significant freshening of the Sequoia interior by 2010. Particularly for the Lexus version of the Sequoia.

Explain to me how a new frame, new diesel, Japan built 5.7, two different inteiors (lx is nothing like LC) two different suspensions (LX and LC have differnt suspensions), brand new rear axle, new gearing, upgrades such as 10 airbags and pre crash system, worlds first 4 zone HVAC, updated navi with integrated HVAC did not get any R and D.....

They used a few new welding techniques and a different type of steel and kept the essential design configuration of the old frame. Toyota spent more on the marketing budget then they did on the LC frame design to convince loyalists they were getting a whole new vehicle when in reality they were getting very minor tweaks with a few new 3rd party accessories.

The diesel is irrelevant as its not available in the US. The 5.7 was designed in Cal. Where it's made is also irrelevant. Both suspensions of the LX and LC rely on live axles. Ever wonder why the best rock climbing vehicles and every monster truck and every high performance vehicle on the planet has an independent rear suspension? It's because its a far better approach to keeping power on the road and delivering better and more predictable handling. The only case for a live axle is in tractor trailers and large vehicles where handling is of lesser importance.

The American market demands a better handling vehicle and the Sequoia delivers it with the technically superior handling characteristics of an IRS over the antiquated live axle rear drivetrain design of the LC. The bonus upside is a frame that can better accomodate a fold flat 3rd row seat. The absence of IRS essentially eliminates the ability to have a 3rd row fold flat seat (ie. LC, LX, Escalade, Suburban and Yukon.)

GM will be the last large SUV manufacturer to produce an IRS suspension on their fullsize SUV line. Ford has done it with the Expedition and Navigator, Mercedes has done it with the GL series. Nissan has done it with the QX and Armada. Toyota has now done it with the Sequoia. GM will follow in less than 2 years with the Escalade/Yukon/Suburban.

The LC will retain its live rear axle since IMO it will no longer be sold in the US and instead become a ROW product where the investment into a better handling rear suspension is not necessary. An IRS will be an absolute must to be a competitive luxury SUV in the American market. When the music stops playing there will be one less chair and unfortunately the LC platform will be out of the US SUV musical chair game.

[pagemaster]

The diesel is irrelevant as its not available in the US. The 5.7 was designed in Cal. Where it's made is also irrelevant.

How can it not? If Toyota cut cost on the 200 series they would have outsource 5.7 production to the Alabama plant in USA. They didnt. Also R and D into a 10.4litre per 100k diesel engine is pretty impressive given that it produces 270hp and 580 ft-lb of torque and is used in 5600lb SUV.

The 5.7 was designed in Cal

The 5.7 was not Cal design. The Tundra was designed in Cal minus the engine. The 5.7 is based on the 4.6 LS460 motor THIS IS FACT. Designed in Japan...prototype 5.7 iForce motors for Tundra were built in Japan. The 5.7 was born in Japan with the design of 4.6 and maybe tweaked in USA (which I doubt). Also...another FACT is that the Tundra which the Sequia half is was technically engineered in Michigan.
2007 Toyota Tundra
Was it designed for the Tunda. NO DOUBT. But it also had the Sequioa, LX and LC in mind.

FYI....6 speed is used throughout the world in the 4.5 diesel.

technically superior handling characteristics of an IRS over the antiquated live axle rear drivetrain design of the LC

Technically superior is right if you are driving a BMW or a Porche.... But don't forget that your platinum Sequioa can haul less, travel not as far off road, and has a slower top speed that the Landcruiser. Oh yeah...load floor is also higher and it also hauls less cubic feet than 1st gen Sequioa which was a solid axle. There are tradeoffs to IRS...Car and driver said handling was not much improved because of IRS.


1200 LBS payload is piss poor from a full size SUV.

The absence of IRS essentially eliminates the ability to have a 3rd row fold flat seat

Who cares. if hauling people were your priority you should get a Sienna which has the same rear end.

American market demands a better

Yet America demands a spray painted dash like the Sequioa....come on.... a spray painted dash is rediculous.

They used a few new welding techniques and a different type of steel and kept the essential design configuration of the old frame

This is an opinion of your and is clearly not a fact. READ BELOW

the LX570 and the Land Cruiser ride on a single-purpose frame that is box-sectioned front to back and durability-tested to be the heaviest and toughest the automaker offers (it's even hardier than the '07 Tundra's, says Toyota).


mmmm....isn't the Sequioa using the same welding factory as the Tundra in Princton Indiana...same place where Sienna is made...oh yeah..350 less payload capacity yet can tow about the same..Toyota spent more on finding ways to cut costs as to spray painting the dash than they did making a rugged tough hauling Sequioa.

The only case for a live axle is in tractor trailers and large vehicles where handling is of lesser importance.

And you are an authority of this? How?

different type of steel

Toyota uses the same high tensile steel on Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequioa and Toyota 200 series vehicles. It is just used differently in each application.

An IRS will be an absolute must to be a competitive luxury SUV in the American market

Honestly heatwave..Is the Sequioa Platinum REALLY a luxury SUV?

[Tundrav8yamaha]

Originally Posted by pagemaster

How can it not? If Toyota cut cost on the 200 series they would have outsource 5.7 production to the Alabama plant in USA. They didnt. Also R and D into a 10.4litre per 100k diesel engine is pretty impressive given that it produces 270hp and 580 ft-lb of torque and is used in 5600lb SUV.



The 5.7 was not Cal design. The Tundra was designed in Cal minus the engine. The 5.7 is a stroked 4.6 LS460 motor THIS IS FACT. Designed in Japan...prototype 5.7 iForce motors for Tundra were built in Japan. The 5.7 was born in Japan with the design of 4.6 and maybe tweaked in USA (which I doubt). Also...another FACT is that the Tundra which the Sequia half is was technically engineered in Michigan.
2007 Toyota Tundra
Was it designed for the Tunda. NO DOUBT. But it also had the Sequioa, LX and LC in mind.

FYI....6 speed is used throughout the world in the 4.5 diesel.



Technically superior is right if you are driving a BMW or a Porche.... But don't forget that your platinum Sequioa can haul less, travel not as far off road, and has a slower top speed that the Landcruiser. Oh yeah...load floor is also higher and it also hauls less cubic feet than 1st gen Sequioa which was a solid axle. There are tradeoffs to IRS...Car and driver said handle was not improved because of IRS.


1200 LBS payload is piss poor from a full size SUV.


Who cares. if hauling people were your priority you should get a Sienna which has the same rear end.



Yet America demands a spray painted dash like the Sequioa....come on.... a spray painted dash is rediculous.



This is an opinion of your and is clearly not a fact. READ BELOW

the LX570 and the Land Cruiser ride on a single-purpose frame that is box-sectioned front to back and durability-tested to be the heaviest and toughest the automaker offers (it's even hardier than the '07 Tundra's, says Toyota).


mmmm....isn't the Sequioa using the same welding factory as the Tundra in Princton Indiana...same place where Sienna is made...oh yeah..350 less payload capacity yet can tow about the same..Toyota spent more on finding ways to cut costs as to spray painting the dash than they did making a rugged tough hauling Sequioa.



And you are an authority of this? How?



Toyota uses the same high tensile steel on Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequioa and Toyota 200 series vehicles. It is just used differently in each application.



Honestly heatwave..Is the Sequioa Platinum REALLY a luxury SUV?

Im a reading this like jeez who cares. I think Heatwave has made his point's very well he saved close to $20k on his Sequioa plat yet it has a lot of the features many are looking for in this type class of Suv beyond the cheap Interior Dash. m The Toyota Seq Platinum (2 high level levels )as I stated before is sort of stilly in my opinion however they will sell to a different new breed of customer shopping the Luxury nameplates.Feature wise Toyota comes out Ahead in some area's but lack's on Interior Features and state of the art Techlogy.Being Toyota is the discounted bunch of the group sure this model core Isn't Luxury but the content alone people will take notice on saving a whole lot.May people shopping the Avalon also review the Entry level Lexus Es and Gs yet many skip them and buy a Toyota and come out ahead sometimes.It's all about what suits your needs like heatwave stated and I agree

[pagemaster]

[QUOTE]The Toyota Seq Platinum (2 high level levels[ /QUOTE]

I think they should kill the limited trim level or a least put the seats from platinum in the limited. The seats in the platinum are softer than the tougher leather seat surface which is the same as Tundra. The preforated leather is much nicer.

[Heatwave3]

How can it not? If Toyota cut cost on the 200 series they would have outsource 5.7 production to the Alabama plant in USA. They didnt. Also R and D into a 10.4litre per 100k diesel engine is pretty impressive given that it produces 270hp and 580 ft-lb of torque and is used in 5600lb SUV.

Page, what's with you and the salivating over the diesel? Its not in the US market and its not likely to come here anytime soon in the LC. Its an irrelevant point and has no impact on the timeline for the demise of the LC platorm in the US.

Technically superior is right if you are driving a BMW or a Porche.... But don't forget that your platinum Sequioa can haul less, travel not as far off road, and has a slower top speed that the Landcruiser. Oh yeah...load floor is also higher and it also hauls less cubic feet than 1st gen Sequioa which was a solid axle. There are tradeoffs to IRS...Car and driver said handling was not much improved because of IRS.

Interesting how you conveniently ignored the fact that every new design of a large SUV has been re-engineered to have an IRS. The new MB GL, the new Sequoia, the new Navigator, the new Expedition, the new QX56, the new Armada. As compared to the company the LC and LX are keeping which essentially are the outdated designs of the Suburban, Yukon and Escalade. Even the performance "luxury" SUVs have an IRS such as the Cayenne and Range Rover. That leaves the LC as Don Quixote trying to sell their outdated solid rear axle suspension as superior. Not gonna fly with Americans and Toyota knew that when they developed the Sequoia with a new IRS for greater handling and passenger comfort.

And I am confident that the GM designs are being hurried through engineering to develop a new IRS that can haul people more comfortable than the current solid axle and yet still tow large capacities. Once GM transitions to an IRS, that will leave the LC/LX as the only large suv claiming they have a superior design with a solid rear axle...and that's not gonna fly with American luxury suv buyers. That'll be the same time the LC is shipped overseas as a ROW platform in the same way Toyota designated the HiAce minivan to ROW markets and replaced it with the Previa/Sienna.

Who cares. if hauling people were your priority you should get a Sienna which has the same rear end.

Americans care. They want their SUV to be capable of hauling the family comfortably and conveniently as well as tow a heavy "toy". In both of these cases the Sequoia is the superior platform with a more flexible interior and far more legroom in all three rows than is available in the LC platform. If payload is a primary need, you should be looking at a pickup with a solid rear axle and leaf springs. Definitely a far superior design for carrying heavy payloads.

I'm perplexed why you're emphasizing payload at the expense of passenger comfort. I think that argument only makes the Sequoia a far more attractive alternative than the LC for Americans because it means you're getting greater comfort for passengers, more flexibility in the interior design and better handling with the Sequoia's IRS vs the outdated technology of the rear solid axle of the LC that emphasizes payload over comfort and handling.

Geez...let me see...which design is likely to be more attractive to US consumers?...the one that handles better, carries passengers more comfortably and can tow a heavier toy OR the one than can carry more bags of concrete stacked on the laps of the passengers. Uhhh...easy call for most buyers.....other than those stuck in the past with images of African safaris influencing their purchasing decision...all six of those folks will end up buying a LC.

And you are an authority of this? How?

Because I say so...take it or leave it.

Honestly heatwave..Is the Sequioa Platinum REALLY a luxury SUV?

Without a doubt, it can be outfitted as a luxury SUV and I have the facts to prove it....just scan the pics below and any right-minded person will come to the same conclusion that the new 08 Platinum Sequoia is without question a luxury vehicle. Having owned alot of luxury vehicles, I think I'm a reasonable judge. However I'll let the readers judge for themselves by looking at the pics below.

[Tundrav8yamaha]

Originally Posted by Heatwave3

Page, what's with you and the salivating over the diesel? Its not in the US market and its not likely to come here anytime soon in the LC. Its an irrelevant point and has no impact on the timeline for the demise of the LC platorm in the US.


Interesting how you conveniently ignored the fact that every new design of a large SUV has been re-engineered to have an IRS. The new MB GL, the new Sequoia, the new Navigator, the new Expedition, the new QX56, the new Armada. As compared to the company the LC and LX are keeping which essentially are the outdated designs of the Suburban, Yukon and Escalade. Even the performance "luxury" SUVs have an IRS such as the Cayenne and Range Rover. That leaves the LC as Don Quixote trying to sell their outdated solid rear axle suspension as superior. Not gonna fly with Americans and Toyota knew that when they developed the Sequoia with a new IRS for greater handling and passenger comfort.

And I am confident that the GM designs are being hurried through engineering to develop a new IRS that can haul people more comfortable than the current solid axle and yet still tow large capacities. Once GM transitions to an IRS, that will leave the LC/LX as the only large suv claiming they have a superior design with a solid rear axle...and that's not gonna fly with American luxury suv buyers. That'll be the same time the LC is shipped overseas as a ROW platform in the same way Toyota designated the HiAce minivan to ROW markets and replaced it with the Previa/Sienna.


Americans care. They want their SUV to be capable of hauling the family comfortably and conveniently as well as tow a heavy "toy". In both of these cases the Sequoia is the superior platform with a more flexible interior and far more legroom in all three rows than is available in the LC platform. If payload is a primary need, you should be looking at a pickup with a solid rear axle and leaf springs. Definitely a far superior design for carrying heavy payloads.

I'm perplexed why you're emphasizing payload at the expense of passenger comfort. I think that argument only makes the Sequoia a far more attractive alternative than the LC for Americans because it means you're getting greater comfort for passengers, more flexibility in the interior design and better handling with the Sequoia's IRS vs the outdated technology of the rear solid axle of the LC that emphasizes payload over comfort and handling.

Geez...let me see...which design is likely to be more attractive to US consumers?...the one that handles better, carries passengers more comfortably and can tow a heavier toy OR the one than can carry more bags of concrete stacked on the laps of the passengers. Uhhh...easy call for most buyers.....other than those stuck in the past with images of African safaris influencing their purchasing decision...all six of those folks will end up buying a LC.


Because I say so...take it or leave it.


Without a doubt, it can be outfitted as a luxury SUV and I have the facts to prove it....just scan the pics below and any right-minded person will come to the same conclusion that the new 08 Platinum Sequoia is without question a luxury vehicle. Having owned alot of luxury vehicles, I think I'm a reasonable judge. However I'll let the readers judge for themselves by looking at the pics below.

It's great looking on Paper but I doubt I would conside this a Luxury Branded product. Toyota really doesnt define that to me either but Lexus doesn't have anything close to the 3rd row of seat's like the power in the floor like your seq has. For what the Limited Seq has it's not a big deal breaker in my book either when I can buy an sr5 and save. The Plat is overpriced in a market that is somewhat now dead in sales.Toyota is rather late in this game but i guess the trim is more suited on the lines to a Gmc Yukon Denail owner or Eddie Baurer/King ranch buyer seeking a little more fancy Options.

How do you like the red rock's leather interior? My friend has that on his Tundra Crewmax Limited and I liked that level of trim too which has growen on me now from flaming to red hot chill peppar

P.s Word of advice I would get a screen saver on your Factory Dvd based navigation system.I have a screen saver on mine and it cut's the glare out and people can not stratch it..

[Heatwave3]

It's great looking on Paper but I doubt I would conside this a Luxury Branded product. Toyota really doesnt define that to me either but Lexus doesn't have anything close to the 3rd row of seat's like the power in the floor like your seq has. For what the Limited Seq has it's not a big deal breaker in my book either when I can buy an sr5 and save. The Plat is overpriced in a market that is somewhat now dead in sales.Toyota is rather late in this game but i guess the trim is more suited on the lines to a Gmc Yukon Denail owner or Eddie Baurer/King ranch buyer seeking a little more fancy Options.

I have to say I'm confused by the entire discussion around "luxury suvs". I for one, could afford a Range Rover, LX570, Cayenne... hell even a $120K G-Wagon if that was the best vehicle with the most luxury that met my needs. I've shopped them all and wanted as much luxury as I could get and at the same time as much space, comfort, luxury features and towing capacity as possible.

I'd love to know what edmunds uses as their criteria for the 34 suv models they list as "luxury suvs". I find the Platinum Sequoia to be more luxurious, with more luxury features than about 80% of the models on their list. (BTW how on earth does the Hummer H3 get classified as a "Luxury suv"?)

How do you like the red rock's leather interior? My friend has that on his Tundra Crewmax Limited and I liked that level of trim too which has growen on me now from flaming to red hot chill peppar

I was unsure about the Red Rock/Black carpeting until I took delivery. Having owned multiple BMWs I would now take this interior leather and color scheme over even my past 740iL. I think with a few tastefully placed real wood accents, the overall interior of this Sequoia will be superb, at least IMO.

P.s Word of advice I would get a screen saver on your Factory Dvd based navigation system.I have a screen saver on mine and it cut's the glare out and people can not stratch it.

Where'd you get your screen saver and are some brands better than others for seeing from the angle in the Sequoia?

[Tundrav8yamaha]

Originally Posted by Heatwave3

I have to say I'm confused by the entire discussion around "luxury suvs". I for one, could afford a Range Rover, LX570, Cayenne... hell even a $120K G-Wagon if that was the best vehicle with the most luxury that met my needs. I've shopped them all and wanted as much luxury as I could get and at the same time as much space, comfort, luxury features and towing capacity as possible.

I'd love to know what edmunds uses as their criteria for the 34 luxury suv models they list as I find the Platinum Sequoia to be more luxurious, with more luxury features than about 80% of the models on their list. (BTW how on earth does the Hummer H3 get classified as a "Luxury suv"?)


I was unsure about the Red Rock/Black carpeting until I took delivery. Having owned multiple BMWs I would now take this interior leather and color scheme over even my past 740iL. I think with a few tastefully placed real wood accents, the overall interior of this Sequoia will be superb, at least IMO.


Where'd you get your screen saver and are some brands better than others for seeing from the angle in the Sequoia?

The Hummer is crap sorry but it's too gutless for my taste and I'm not into image or status rig's to really care it's all what i like too just like your viewpoint were very similar there .

The screen saver is a thin overlay of plastic that protect's the finish and has uv protection and clear coat on the top layer of the plastic.Prime reason for having this protect's your screen against nail's and other harmfull scratches.I'll pm you what mine look's like.

Erik

[mdolloff]

First, Hi there Heatwave (or hd from edmunds - I think)... anyway for what it is worth at this point, I would like to weigh in. I too am a new owner of an 08 Seq Platinum. (about 7 weeks now). Believe me, I have driven them all, and by far and away the Seq is hands down the best vehicle I have ever owned. Sounds extreme I know, but it's how i feel. Like Heatwave, I have had multiple SUV's, luxury cars etc. and the Seq nails it on every meaniful aspect. The debate vs. the LC seems rooted in sentimental affection. (sorry Page). I had a Land Cruiser and it's nice but there are just too many substantive reasons why the Seq is just an all around better vehicle. Sorry to burst your bubble Page, but Heat is spot on regarding the demise of the LC. The good news is Page that given your sentimental attachment to the LC, hurry and buy one (or another one if you already have one), put it in storage as it will one day be a nice rare collectable. Heat, I have yet to see you on 78... don't let me keep hogging the stares of envy as I go ripping by the all the annoying 18 wheelers in my luxurious black Sequoia Platinum !!!

[Heatwave3]

Originally Posted by mdolloff

First, Hi there Heatwave (or hd from edmunds - I think)... anyway for what it is worth at this point, I would like to weigh in. I too am a new owner of an 08 Seq Platinum. (about 7 weeks now). Believe me, I have driven them all, and by far and away the Seq is hands down the best vehicle I have ever owned. Sounds extreme I know, but it's how i feel. Like Heatwave, I have had multiple SUV's, luxury cars etc. and the Seq nails it on every meaniful aspect. The debate vs. the LC seems rooted in sentimental affection. (sorry Page). I had a Land Cruiser and it's nice but there are just too many substantive reasons why the Seq is just an all around better vehicle. Sorry to burst your bubble Page, but Heat is spot on regarding the demise of the LC. The good news is Page that given your sentimental attachment to the LC, hurry and buy one (or another one if you already have one), put it in storage as it will one day be a nice rare collectable. Heat, I have yet to see you on 78... don't let me keep hogging the stares of envy as I go ripping by the all the annoying 18 wheelers in my luxurious black Sequoia Platinum !!!

Its good to see I'm not alone in my view of the Sequoia. I think if gas goes to $4/gal then large suvs will be under significant pressure. The remaining buyers will be those with a real need for a large, comfortable, people moving capabilities with significant towing ability. The rest of the "large" suv buyers will move to minivans and smaller x-over suvs. In the end, I think the Sequoia could end up as beneficiary giving real large suv buyer's the most luxury, performance, space, flexibility and capability for the $.

I take 78 but have been taking the DXL when the weather's bad and the Sequoia when its nice out (Trying to avoid the dirt if possible till I can get a coat of wax on it this weekend.)

BTW, here's pics of my Denali XL Cars For Sale: Car Details - AutoTrader.com

[Tundrav8yamaha]

Originally Posted by mdolloff

First, Hi there Heatwave (or hd from edmunds - I think)... anyway for what it is worth at this point, I would like to weigh in. I too am a new owner of an 08 Seq Platinum. (about 7 weeks now). Believe me, I have driven them all, and by far and away the Seq is hands down the best vehicle I have ever owned. Sounds extreme I know, but it's how i feel. Like Heatwave, I have had multiple SUV's, luxury cars etc. and the Seq nails it on every meaniful aspect. The debate vs. the LC seems rooted in sentimental affection. (sorry Page). I had a Land Cruiser and it's nice but there are just too many substantive reasons why the Seq is just an all around better vehicle. Sorry to burst your bubble Page, but Heat is spot on regarding the demise of the LC. The good news is Page that given your sentimental attachment to the LC, hurry and buy one (or another one if you already have one), put it in storage as it will one day be a nice rare collectable. Heat, I have yet to see you on 78... don't let me keep hogging the stares of envy as I go ripping by the all the annoying 18 wheelers in my luxurious black Sequoia Platinum !!!

Those stares of envy go away and fade away soon believe me when I got my new 00 Tundra people looked now it's the next best thing sadly.
It's funny you guy call this a Luxury Suv who would have thought normal truck based suv's being called that. Sure it might have some feature but still very much rides like a harsh truck's offers poor Mpg and ride height is a tab bit high to some people (mainly older people).These SUV customers are a tuff group usually cater to Soccer mom's and large Mormon family yes i stated it too .Buyers expect the kitchen sink heated and massaging front seat's like the lexus Ls and what else might can I think of roof airbag next.Overall it's a Large piece of a glorified 35k (sr5) 55k(plat) heavy steal trim in my opinion.Yea I can buy anything I want in the Toyota Lineup too but after seeing this in person it just didn't add up on the asking price. I know the sr5 trim would be surely suited more on the average buyers for the Sequoia.Plat Buyers are mainly the eddie Baurer or Limited or gap types

My friend who work's at Toyota Torrance Corp office mentioned to me Toyota is trying to cater to a different group of buyers on this new trim levels beyond Limited Seq and there monitoring it's progress.Can we expect to see a platform on a Lexus it's very possible. I strongly Doubt The Land Cruiser platform would go anytime soon.Land cruiser 4wd has a lot to do with it's capability vs the Seq.I very much enjoyed reading these thread's from this group and I hope you all are happy with your purschases. I do have a question for the both of you what changes would you like to see in the future with this Model and trim line? I know in my opinion a Hybrid Seq would be great and I look forward to seeing a V8 Hybrid like in our Highlander 3.3 v6.

Erik