Martinjmpr
06-19-2012, 01:17 PM
Hi, folks. I hang out over on the Expedition Portal forums and T4R.org, but I'm over here to see if I can get some info on the 1st gen Sequoia.
Long story short, my 3rd gen 4runner, nice as it is, just can't cut it as a tow vehicle, and I want something a little bigger and frankly, a little newer as my 99 is starting to show its age. I've narrowed down my search to either a 4th gen V8 4runner or a Sequoia. At this point, I'm really favoring the Sequoia in terms of overall capability.
First off, my questions only pertain to the later versions of the 1st gen, 2005 - 2007. The reason for that is that my bank gives me a lower interest rate on vehicles < 7 model years old, and also the fact that I want the 5 speed auto since one of my gripes about my 3rd gen is its 4 speed auto (and my understanding is that the 2001 - 2004 Sequoias have the same A340 4 speed auto tranny that my 4runner has.)
Anyway, here goes:
1. I understand the 4.7 V8 is an 'interference' engine with a timing belt. Assuming I'm getting a vehicle with ~95,000 miles, it's probably reasonable to assume the T-belt has not been changed. What are people paying for a basic T-belt replacement? I did the belt on my 4runner and it was around $800 OTD by the time they did the water pump and the inevitable pulleys and seals that always seem to need replacing at the same time. Can I expect about the same for the 4.7 or is it usually more?
2. This may be a dumb question, but can I assume that the 4.7 that is in the Sequoia is the same 4.7 that's in the 100-series LC, the LC Prado (A/K/A Lexus GX-470) and the 4th gen 4runner? Do they "tweak" the 4.7 differently for different vehicles?
3. Any known weaknesses/"issues" with the '05+ models? Does the transmission have an external cooler or is it integrated into the radiator like the 4runners?
4. Any known problems with the electronic-shifting 4wd? Whether I get the 4runner or the Sequoia, this will be the first 4wd vehicle I've owned (out of about 7 previous 4wd vehicles) to have the electric switch as opposed to an actual lever. I have to admit I'd prefer a lever but I also grudgingly acknowledge that Toyota and others have been using the electric switched T-cases for years now without any significant increase in problems (and it's not like manual-shifted T-cases are without their problems either.) From what I've determined, the Sequoia has the same multi-mode T-case that the later 3rd gen and the 4th gen V6 4runners have, i.e. it has a locking center diff that allows you to run in 4wd (unlocked) on the road and then lock it for off road.
5. Although it seems strange for a vehicle as large as the Sequoia, what kind of MPG figures are people getting, real world. I know the EPA ratings are 13/16 for a 4wd model (which is what I'd get) but is that pretty much what people are seeing? FWIW, the MPG in my 4runner was pretty close to the EPA estimated 16/20.
6. Any issues with overall quality for the US built Sequoia as opposed to the Japanese built 4runner? I've owned both a US built Toyota ('04 Tacoma) and a Japan built (my current '99 4runner) and honestly, I can't tell the difference in terms of fit and finish.
Thanks in advance and if any of the answers are found in a FAQ or something, I couldn't find it.
And, not really a question, but in doing my shopping it seems to me I'm finding an inordinate amount of Limiteds out there - like 1 in 3 for sale seems to be a limited. Strange, with 4runners it's like 1 in 10. Is that the way it is? This is kind of a bummer for me because I don't like leather seats and I don't want a sunroof (concerns about leakage.)
Martin
Long story short, my 3rd gen 4runner, nice as it is, just can't cut it as a tow vehicle, and I want something a little bigger and frankly, a little newer as my 99 is starting to show its age. I've narrowed down my search to either a 4th gen V8 4runner or a Sequoia. At this point, I'm really favoring the Sequoia in terms of overall capability.
First off, my questions only pertain to the later versions of the 1st gen, 2005 - 2007. The reason for that is that my bank gives me a lower interest rate on vehicles < 7 model years old, and also the fact that I want the 5 speed auto since one of my gripes about my 3rd gen is its 4 speed auto (and my understanding is that the 2001 - 2004 Sequoias have the same A340 4 speed auto tranny that my 4runner has.)
Anyway, here goes:
1. I understand the 4.7 V8 is an 'interference' engine with a timing belt. Assuming I'm getting a vehicle with ~95,000 miles, it's probably reasonable to assume the T-belt has not been changed. What are people paying for a basic T-belt replacement? I did the belt on my 4runner and it was around $800 OTD by the time they did the water pump and the inevitable pulleys and seals that always seem to need replacing at the same time. Can I expect about the same for the 4.7 or is it usually more?
2. This may be a dumb question, but can I assume that the 4.7 that is in the Sequoia is the same 4.7 that's in the 100-series LC, the LC Prado (A/K/A Lexus GX-470) and the 4th gen 4runner? Do they "tweak" the 4.7 differently for different vehicles?
3. Any known weaknesses/"issues" with the '05+ models? Does the transmission have an external cooler or is it integrated into the radiator like the 4runners?
4. Any known problems with the electronic-shifting 4wd? Whether I get the 4runner or the Sequoia, this will be the first 4wd vehicle I've owned (out of about 7 previous 4wd vehicles) to have the electric switch as opposed to an actual lever. I have to admit I'd prefer a lever but I also grudgingly acknowledge that Toyota and others have been using the electric switched T-cases for years now without any significant increase in problems (and it's not like manual-shifted T-cases are without their problems either.) From what I've determined, the Sequoia has the same multi-mode T-case that the later 3rd gen and the 4th gen V6 4runners have, i.e. it has a locking center diff that allows you to run in 4wd (unlocked) on the road and then lock it for off road.
5. Although it seems strange for a vehicle as large as the Sequoia, what kind of MPG figures are people getting, real world. I know the EPA ratings are 13/16 for a 4wd model (which is what I'd get) but is that pretty much what people are seeing? FWIW, the MPG in my 4runner was pretty close to the EPA estimated 16/20.
6. Any issues with overall quality for the US built Sequoia as opposed to the Japanese built 4runner? I've owned both a US built Toyota ('04 Tacoma) and a Japan built (my current '99 4runner) and honestly, I can't tell the difference in terms of fit and finish.
Thanks in advance and if any of the answers are found in a FAQ or something, I couldn't find it.
And, not really a question, but in doing my shopping it seems to me I'm finding an inordinate amount of Limiteds out there - like 1 in 3 for sale seems to be a limited. Strange, with 4runners it's like 1 in 10. Is that the way it is? This is kind of a bummer for me because I don't like leather seats and I don't want a sunroof (concerns about leakage.)
Martin