5,000 miles review of new to me 2018 Toyota Sequoia

That Toyota will last a long time. Our ‘01 Tundra is barely broke in at 220K, or there abouts. And it ain’t for sale. Brakes are kinda chintzy so plan ahead.
Yeah, I have a plan for brakes already. Pagid has a Euro compound for it. Will see how rotors hold. The engine does really good braking when downshifted. That was a problem with Sienna's brakes; it just could not sustain aggressive driving in the mountains as the engine was not particularly effective when downshifted. EBC rotors solved that problem.
I changed the coolant, some 11qt. When the weather gets better, transmission fluid (got Idemitsu; I know you used it, and @The Critic likes it), and Motul Gear 300 75W90 for all two differentials and transfer case.
 
I've owned two 2nd gen Sequoias. Big, boring, and reliable. 2013 Platinum and 2019 Platinum. No issues with either. Currently have the '19 with 55k on it.

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Yeah, I have a plan for brakes already. Pagid has a Euro compound for it. Will see how rotors hold. The engine does really good braking when downshifted. That was a problem with Sienna's brakes; it just could not sustain aggressive driving in the mountains as the engine was not particularly effective when downshifted. EBC rotors solved that problem.
I changed the coolant, some 11qt. When the weather gets better, transmission fluid (got Idemitsu; I know you used it, and @The Critic likes it), and Motul Gear 300 75W90 for all two differentials and transfer case.
Quality fluids seem to smooth out the drivetrain in Toyota trucks. That’s my experience or maybe just placebo. I generally use Red Line. The rear end drain plug makes it soooo easy. Try sucking out the differential lube in a C2 or C3 Corvette.
 
Quality fluids seem to smooth out the drivetrain in Toyota trucks. That’s my experience or maybe just placebo. I generally use Red Line. The rear end drain plug makes it soooo easy. Try sucking out the differential lube in a C2 or C3 Corvette.
I used Redline in Sienna for the transfer case and rear diff. Used once WS for transmission and the second time Motul ATF VI. Motul was a jackpot. Seriously smoothed out shifts.
 
The long heat up on the seats must be a Toyota thing. My Tacoma is the first truck to have heated seats in a Toyota I've owned. I swear it takes 8-10 miles for my behind to get warm. I do have some cheap seat covers on it, but still.

The thing I like with Toyota trucks/full frame SUV's is they're easy to service (well besides the transmission). Diffs and transfer case is super simple to D&F.

The 4WD knob is in a very similar position to my 3rd gen Tacoma's, kinda strange, but far better than my current one which is in the center console. Little wonky shifting it on the fly.
 
@edyvw

Excellent write up, you describe the experience and detail well. Edmunds should just start linking BITOG reviews; ours are better.

Lighting - I’m a bit of a light snob (hobbyist). My favorite right now is buying hella e-code 5 3/4” h4 lamps and installing them in 5 3/4 motorcycle buckets found on Amazon.

Motorcycle buckets on Amazon vary. Some aim, some dont. The two sets I’ve tried so far aren’t quite deep enough for the Hellas, so I just count out the back of the bucket, which you can’t see anyway when installed. You might find a suitable 5 3/4 led drop-in (headlight) instead, but I prefer the halogen color temperature and reputable e-code distribution. Run clear, 2 works well for aux lighting. You might want 3 if tinted amber. Just my $0.02.
 
You forgot to add resale value are great on the Sequoias even at 10 years old and high mileage. I had a 2002. If Toyota makes a PHEV Sequoia that would be nice.
 
You forgot to add resale value are great on the Sequoias even at 10 years old and high mileage. I had a 2002. If Toyota makes a PHEV Sequoia that would be nice.
Well yeah, I was talking kind of about it. The more problems that 3.4TT has, the price of used is shooting through the roof.
In 2022 brand new Limited 2nd gen was going for like $55k. Now some used are shooting over $60k that year.
No dealer wants to negotiate the price, but with a new one, they will gladly give you 0% financing and 5-10k off the price. When I was searching Sequoia, I would see new ones on AutoTrader, and most dealers never take photos of the trunk or second row. When you have to hide that in a "family" SUV, that is bad.
So, I think people are just jumping on old ones because of reliability, simplicity, and size. As I said, it is not too big, not small, however the tech is very outdated (I will install aftermarket CarPlay, probably Kenwood 10", mostly so my wife can reach it without leaning forward). But there is IMO a draw to that simplicity of physical buttons where you just start car, press the HVAC button, set whatever temperature you want and move, and not go through menus, screens etc.

On PHEV Sequoia, current one is hybrid. Good! However, besides engine issues (IMO they supposed to go BMW B58 engine in it), it is astonishing how badly designed inside it is. I think it looks exceptionally cool outside. But, 2nd gen was designed absolutely for family use first. There is that story where chief designer lived with TX family for 3 months to figure out how the average family uses cars. On new one, I have no clue what they were thinking of. Super small trunk, third-row seats that cannot fold into the floor, you cannot move second-row seats forward, etc. So, even though it is a hybrid, sales are bad. I am not sure PHEV would increase sales at all as main selling point for vehicle like that is interior practicality. I truly believe they were influenced by "YouTubo bros" who complained about 2nd generation being too bulky and not as capable bcs. independent suspension when doing hardcore off road.
 
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Great review. I have similar thoughts on most of what you said that translates to a Tundra. On the really bad, I definitely agree with the lack of steering wheel heat and the poor seat heaters. However, the one spot we differ is the steering. I really don't think the steering is that bad on these vehicles. It is light and has minimal feedback, but more than enough for they type of vehicle it is. I know others don't like it either, but I have no major complaints. Maybe I just got to used to old American vehicles I grew up with that were really light and devoid of feel.

I am interested in hearing about the Pagid brake pad upgrade. I am on my second Tundra and have never been impressed with the brakes either.

How do you like those Continental winter tires? I have Michelins on mine but thinking of trying something else for my next set.
 
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Great review. I have similar thoughts on most of what you said that translates to a Tundra. On the really bad, I definitely agree with the lack of steering wheel heat and the poor seat heaters. However, the one spot we differ is the steering. I really don't think the steering is that bad on these vehicles. It is light and has minimal feedback, but more than enough for they type of vehicle it is. I know others don't like it either, but I have no major complaints. Maybe I just got to used to old American vehicles I grew up with that were really light and devoid of feel.

I am interested in hearing about the Pagid brake pad upgrade. I am on my second Tundra and have never been impressed with the brakes either.

How do you like those Continental winter tires? I have Michelins on mine but thinking of trying something else for my next set.
These Continentals are exceptional tires. I once had them on BMW, and I spend A LOT of time skiing in the winter (probably 50-65 days of skiing, and I drive each of those days, mostly though with BMW. Sequoia only when going with kids).
They are much better than Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 (I had them twice). They do everything well, with no major issues on any surface, whether it is dry, wet, ice, packed snow, etc.
I had Pagid pads on Sienna. They improve response drastically. But they also dust more, which is normal for a pad like that.
 
You forgot to add resale value are great on the Sequoias even at 10 years old and high mileage. I had a 2002. If Toyota makes a PHEV Sequoia that would be nice.
Since new ones are 70grand....yea.
 
Since new ones are 70grand....yea.
They will gladly give you $5,000 off with 0% financing on a new one. Would not be surprised if you can already find cheaper used 3rd gen then some 2nd gen with similar equipment.
 
The guy who had the million mile Tundra with the 4.7 engine, was given a new Tundra by Toyota, and he is approaching 1 million miles on that 5.7 Tundra. So you could be driving that Sequoia for a long time.
 
Since new ones are 70grand....yea.
Same with Expeditions, Suburbans, and Armadas. 2002 Sequoia Limited was $37k brand new. Heck I can get a loaded Tacoma around $70k. Our 2021 Highlander Hybrid Platinum got totaled in deer collision and insurance gave $35k. Inflation.
 
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The guy who had the million mile Tundra with the 4.7 engine, was given a new Tundra by Toyota, and he is approaching 1 million miles on that 5.7 Tundra. So you could be driving that Sequoia for a long time.
I could. I don't drive this vehicle a lot around town, and when I do, it is when everyone is going or I need space for something else. So, it should not have hard miles. CO is a very dry state, so we will see how it goes with rust. I know it is not as bad as 1st gen, but had seen some not-so-attractive examples bcs. rust (northeast mostly).
 
Same with Expeditions, Suburbans, and Armadas. 2002 Sequoia Limited was $37k brand new. Heck I can get a loaded Tacoma around $70k. Our 2021 Highlander Hybrid Platinum got totaled in deer collision and insurance gave $35k. Inflation.

My point being is that resale value is strong because new ones are very expensive.
 
My point being is that resale value is strong because new ones are very expensive.
I would say it is different reason.
People are ready obviously to pay a lot of money for used vehicle. Lower interest rates on new ones are making it good proposition from that standpoint. But, there are two IMO, more important reasons:1. Practicality: new one is absolute miss! If one wants off road capable vehicle, 4Runner or LC are there. So, what is the point?
2. Built quality and more importantly, engine issues.

You can already find 3rd gen used ones cheaper than some 2021 and 2022 2nd generation. If they don’t fix most important issue with new one which is actually, who they built vehicle for, as a model, it will be absolute failure. Don’t forget, GM is killing it with Tahoe. And Nissan could with new Armada.
 
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Brakes have always been the weakest link when it comes to Toyota or JDM vehicles in general. Specially ceramic pads they come with out of the factory, very bad stopping power if you're a fast driver but if you drive like a grandma, they're good enough to an extent.

A few months ago I changed both pads and rotors on my Yaris and WRX to Semi-Metallic pads and Slotted/Dimpled rotors and the difference in stopping power was incredible, night and day.

What made me changed them from OEM to aftermarket was there was a road-trip where I went to San Diego, hilly coastal area where there is a lot of uphill and down hill action. The OEM Akebono pads on the 2022 WRX which ironically where GG rated could not brake consistently after a few steep downhill brake stop, leading me to slam the brakes repeatedly. It scared the heck out of me and my family passengers that I literally took them off when I got home and toss them on the trash and slap a good pair of Magma semi-metallics pads which where also ironically FF rated but did a hell lot better at handling heated rotors and fast driving braking, there was a huge reduction in pedal effort press compared to the OEM pads to get the same level of stopping power.

If you look at junkyard listings of the Yaris and 22 WRX, you'll see that many of them there have suffered front end collisions than rear ended ones. Really tells me what on earth OEMs are doing these days, a performance vehicle should come with brakes to match their intended use and power.
 
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