THE END OF AN ERA ... sad day, but I'll stick around

[PoPo]

Took these today... just had some new tires installed and cleaned the rig up for a photo-op. Hankook I-Pike RW11 275/65/17.

-Sent from my PHOTON with AutoGuide for Android

[ThirdHorseman]

Beautiful!!! One of the things I hated about my Sequoia were the ho-hum black plastic roof rails. Love that yours are silver! Much classier, and looks great with the matching side steps and bumper accent.

[PoPo]

Thanks... I think the SR5 package on these has the black plastic moldings & roof bars.

This photo didn't post for some reason:

-Sent from my PHOTON with AutoGuide for Android

[mendonsy]

So when are you gonna do the 5.7 into 4-Runner mod????

[ThirdHorseman]

I just can't believe that's a 2003...looks more "modern" than the 2011 4Runner. Enjoy!

[cswnow]

Guess you could move to Michigan and get free handouts from the Douche Bag Democrats. That's worked so well for that state. Thought this was a forum about trucks not your political whinings. Hope and Change! LOL.

[PoPo]

So, after driving the 4-Runner for awhile, I decided it was too small for us (and for sale currently: 2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4x4 V8 (4.7L) )... So, I started shopping around for a used Sequoia. To be fair, I also looked at used Tundra's, but ended up liking the Sequoia better. Test drove a bunch of them, drove HOURS to different stealerships, found a few that I was scared of (due to shady salesmen and obvious issues and/or lack of service history). Almost gave up until I found one for sale an hour away from a private seller.

What I found was this 2004 Sequoia with 125k miles on it. Talked a bunch with the owner, a family man whose wife drove the truck for the last 5 years moving the kids around. Test drove it and inspected it, as well as viewed the overly extensive service history (awesome... every little noise or issue was dealership fixed). Ended up talking them down to $9,000 and drove it home. Had it for a few weeks now and I'm really happy with it. It doesn't meet all my "truck" needs, but I'm actually planning on buying a beater Dump truck in the spring (side-jobs & such) so for the most part, I'm all set. Ironically, I'm also shopping around for a used Prius ... yeah, I know... but, the prospect of getting 45+ MPG is too hard to pass up. My wife and I will take turns driving it to/from work, and drive the bigger cars around when needed. I'm getting 16.5 right now with the Sequoia (according to the display) and I'm only on my 2nd full tank, so I'm waiting for Fuelly numbers to catch up. But, that's not bad for this sized veh with the 4.7 and winter blend fuel.

It's funny, in the past I would never buy a "daily-driver" with such high miles. But, this thing is so dang smooth, with such a detailed service history, and with Toyota's 4.7L reputation for longevity --- I couldn't pass it up, and I'm very happy with the decision so far. Efficiency mods are coming soon, as well as some aesthetic ones. But here she is so far:

[chphilo]

Congrats on your new ride. It looks good. I am thinking of trading in my wife's Sienna and getting a Sequoia. Sliding doors don't do well in winter. How is the ride comfort compared to Tundra?

[PoPo]

Congrats on your new ride. It looks good. I am thinking of trading in my wife's Sienna and getting a Sequoia. Sliding doors don't do well in winter. How is the ride comfort compared to Tundra?

Thanks man. The ride is night & day compared to the Tundra. Much softer, but still sporty. I forgot how buttery smooth the 4.7L was - It may not be the rocket that the 5.7L is, but the smoothness makes up for it, a little

[ThirdHorseman]

Hmmm I liked the 4Runner better overall, it's just so sharp, but I'm sure you appreciate the extra space!

I recently dumped the MDX and got back into a truck, but I still have my hybrid as well - it's nice to have both extremes in the same driveway I didnt think I'd ever drive one, but I'm really glad I gave it a chance!

[PoPo]

Hmmm I liked the 4Runner better overall, it's just so sharp, but I'm sure you appreciate the extra space!

I recently dumped the MDX and got back into a truck, but I still have my hybrid as well - it's nice to have both extremes in the same driveway I didnt think I'd ever drive one, but I'm really glad I gave it a chance!

Yeah, I agree (regarding the looks)... If I had my way, the Sequoia would retain its' size, but be styled exactly like the 4-Runner; the 03-09 4Runner was one of my favorite all-time SUV designs. But, considering I'm getting practically the SAME mpg's with the Sequoia, and the interior space is VASTLY increased, I couldn't pass up the Sequoia.

However, I'm also driving a Prius now Yeah, I know... I never thought I'd drive one either E, but a local stealership gave me what I wanted (in trade) for the 4Runner, and gave me a great deal on a used 2008 Prius. I've been driving it around for the last few days. My current average is around 41.5 mpg, but it's going up from some "screw-around" time in my driveway, trying to figures stuff out. That, and I'm told that I should expect less avg MPG during the winter due to the cold temps (batteries work better when its' warm) and winter-blend fuel... Looking forward to a 45+ mpg summer Actually used it as a "truck" the other day on a trip to Home Depot... Fit an 8 ft piece of Cedar (which was a pleasant surprise) along with some other crap...