Your thoughts on Toyota Sequoia's

Islandvic · Jan 27, 2006

I am thinking about getting into an SUV. If I get one, it will have to be a low milage late model used one.

What do yall know of Toyo Sequoia's? I did a little research last year and came up with bad gas milage and front rotors may be inadequate for the heavy truck (many warped under warranty).

I could probably fix the brake issue with replacing the front rotors with OEM size ones from Brembo and slap some ceramic pads on.

what do yall know about reliability, ease of DIY servicing, fit and finish, re-sale value, engine and trans performance, cost of parts, interior comfort, etc etc.

Thanks.

The Critic · Jan 27, 2006

Go ask Ekpolk.

brianl703 · Jan 27, 2006

Whenever anyone complains that the brakes in a minivan or SUV are inadequate, you have to take into account the type of driving that these vehicles often encounter..and the fact that some drivers are either on the gas or the brakes doesn't help.

thooks · Jan 27, 2006

1. I'd re-evaluate my need for a SUV.

2. What Brian said. 90% of the SUV drivers have two modes: Full blast gas or stomping on the brake. With that said-

I'd be very careful of the brakes anyway. And I wouldn't just assume I could cure the problem with "OEM Size Brembo rotors"... cause 90% of the problems associated with the Sequoia and Nissan's Armada (et al) problems reside with the idiots that engineered the things. They try to take the brake system off of a smaller vehicle and put thicker pads on it, thinking that will aid in stopping it.

Google " Nissan+Armada+brake+problems "

Me? I'd see if I could get by with a Honda CR-V. Those things seem to be a jacked-up Accord.

If not, I'd go with the Pilot. It's got a few years of legacy and the reliability is looking great.

Tosh · Jan 27, 2006

While you're at the Toyota dealership, also look at the Highlander and the new RAV4.

GoldenRod · Jan 27, 2006

SUV's are going out of style if not already so. The four door sedan is making a huge come back.

Ed_T · Jan 27, 2006

I'd vote against the Seq. I had a Tundra which was fine but wouldn't want a passenger vehicle on that frame. They're big, heavy, thirsty and clumsy. And a bit underpowered as well. Drive it for awhile and you might agree.

If you do buy one make sure all the maint. was done, get and keep proof to keep your warranty in effect. I remember something about the rear diff lube needing changing at 15k miles on the Seq, but not the Tundra. Tells me they got a problem back there.

AmericaWestCMH · Jan 27, 2006

I second the new Rav-4 recommendation. It's dimensions have grown a bit from last year, and the strong V6 (269hp) is rated a miserly 22/29mpg with 2WD. And priced in the low $20k range, it can't be much more than a used Sequoia?

unDummy · Jan 28, 2006

Sequoia is excellent.
For the brakes, use better brake pads and new rotors at each brake job.
MPG isn't too bad and is dependent on the right foot and vehicle state of tune. Toyotas are definitely more efficient then competitors in the same class.

cousincletus · Jan 28, 2006

If image means a lot you should buy American.

q2bruiser · Jan 28, 2006

I do not own the Seq but I had the 4Runner with the same engine. Great engine and of course it was rock solid. Two of my buds have the Seq and neither of them have had ANY problems with them. Yes, they are big but I thought that was the idea.

I say you cannot go wrong with a late model Seq but if you want a deal take a look at an 03 or 04 4Runner with the V8. Good truck.

Amkeer · Jan 28, 2006

Sequoia is a nice truck! I like the limited model with rear spoiler. The 4-Runners are very nice also.

thooks · Jan 28, 2006

Islandvic,

You got alot to learn, bud.

I realize "everybody in South Texas drives a big truck". But this $3 a gallon deal ain't over with.

Go ahead and produce your image. I ain't impressed.

Might take a peek at that book "Millionaire next door".

wavinwayne · Jan 28, 2006

Islandvic,

Why not just pony up for a used Land Cruiser? I've always wanted one, & if you buy one, I could just live vicariously through you.

thooks,

My office is in a office building that is full of Realtors. What Islandvic says about producing an image is more important than you realize. Sad but true.

Islandvic · Jan 28, 2006

I live in Texas where bigger is better. I am used to thirsty vehilcles. All of my cars/trucks are V-8's.

Plus, I think a male Realtor in South Texas (where everyone here drives F-250's, Suburbans, Ram 1500's, PowerStrokes, DuraMax's, Cummings diesels and Expiditions etc etc) driving a CR-V or RAV-4 would be considered kinda "girly".

I need room for clients, and need to keep up the image that I make money and that I can afford a "big SUV". It's the mentality here. If I lived in Austin, I could drive a freaking Prius and everyone would give me a thumbs-up. Here, a Prius would get you the middle finger.

Remember, I live where a very large % of U.S. production of gasoline is refined and shipped to supply America.

I understand the Sequoia would get 15mpg and a CR-V would get 30, but a $5000 commission check is twice as much as a $2500 check.

Islandvic · Jan 28, 2006

I think a few here have missed my point. I am not trying to be a "poser" or trying to look like someone I am not, but a Realtor should convey the image that they are doing well.

It's not to impress anyone, that's for the guys driving 745i's and S500's.

My broker and one of my good friends have more money than they could ever spend. If you didn't know them you striked up a conversation with them in line at a burger joint, you would think they were "average joe blow" and regular "blue collar" type. In reality, they could buy you, your family, the street you live on and the whole burger joint chain. But they don't convey that image and I am not trying to either.

I am trying to convey an image of professionalism. Realtor's are often seen driving around with their magnetic sign on the door of their vehicle. Their vehicle is often an extention of themselves. A Sequoia is "soccer mom" "family" "toyota value and craftsmenship" "quality" etc etc.

BMW 745i is "i have money" "i'm mr big swinging d***".

thooks, do you want the Realtor selling your house to drive a primered rusty 1991 Ford Taurus and wear sweatpants and flipflops, or wear slacks and a dress shirt and drive a clean respecatable vehicle showing clients your property?

waivinwayne, the LC are very very nice, I have always like the body styles from the 80's and the 90's. The new ones are actually smaller than the Sequoia. They are great though, but if I had that dough, I would get into a Denali.

cousincletus, I think Sequoia's are made in america, posibly by UAW's, so it's sorta American. I am thinking about a Tahoe LT also, but I know all about Chevy trucks and fullsize SUV's, but not much about Sequoia's so I posted a question about them.

MarkC · Jan 28, 2006

Yeah, a used LandCruiser would be better.
But a 4Runner would suffice, big enough, but not LARGE.
..."I second the new Rav-4 recommendation. It's dimensions have grown a bit from last year, and the strong V6 (269hp) is rated a miserly 22/29mpg with 2WD. And priced in the low $20k range, it can't be much more than a used Sequoia?"

---sissy.

The Critic · Jan 28, 2006

quote:

I am trying to convey an image of professionalism

True, but what is your target audience? Are you selling homes to the middle-class families? Are you selling homes to the Elite?

I think some of us here are confused. You initially mentioned your need to "show your ability to make $$$," then you later mentioned "professionalism." Those, in a way, are two different things, depending on the interpretation.

You don't have to spend tons of $$$ on a vehicle to convey the message of professionalism, but if you're trying to show that you make $$$ and still be professional, that's totally different.

Look into a Cadillac SRX. They can be had for about $35K plus some change, new. Used ones go for a few thousand less.

LarryL · Jan 28, 2006

I have an 03 4Runner V8 that is the same running gear and it's bullet proof, runs smooth and everything works. If it's what you need, you'll have no problems with it and it will keep its resale value.

Islandvic · Jan 28, 2006

People in my profession use the terms "earners" and "producers" to talk about those who do a lot of business. Those you "produce" need to look like they "produce", not show off, but not look like bums either.

My comment about "showing ability to make money" is another way of saying, "showing my ability to be a producer or an earner". I don't want to "showboat" or "flaunt" anything.

I want something nice and clients dont want to be driven around in a '93 Explorer.

Your thoughts on Toyota Sequoia's

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