Dang it, ExPo, you've done it again! Anybody rock a 1st gen Sequoia?

[Martinjmpr]

See page 2 of this thread: http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...ing-it-for-towing-4th-gen-V6-the-answer/page3

:sombrero:

So now the ExPo folks have got the wheels in my mind turning - what about a 1st gen Sequoia instead of a 4th gen 4runner?

I guess in my mind I'd always thought of the Sequoia as a gargantuan giant of a vehicle, on par with the Suburban or Excursion. I liked the look, though - to me the proportions and shape are generally like the 3rd gen 4runner, which is thought of (correctly, I should add) as a classic.

When I look at the numbers, though, what surprises me is how close the 4th gen 4runner (with the V8) and the 1st gen Sequoia are:

Weight: 4th gen 4r: 4505
1st gen Seq: 5290 (+ 700 lb)

Wheelbase: 4th gen 4r: 109.8
1st gen Seq: 118.1 (+ 8")

OAL: 4th gen 4r: 189.2
1st gen Seq: 203.9 (+ 14")

Width: 4th gen 4r: 75.2
1st gen Seq: 78.9 (+3")

Height: 4th gen 4r: 69.3
1st gen Seq: 78.6 (+9")

Interestingly the 4runner can tow 800lbs more, I'm guessing because the Sequoia has to haul it's own fat a55 which is 700# heavier.

MPG figures (always important to me because I'm a cheap SOB) are similar with the 4runner rating 14/18 and the Sequoia rating 13/16. Close enough to call it a wash, IMO, but the Sequoia actually has longer range by virtue of it's gargantuan gas tank (26.4 vs. 23 for the 4runner.)

Biggest advantage to the Sequoia on the used market seems to be that it's not as "sexy" as the 4runner and therefore a model with equivalent miles and age will sell for less. Or to put that a different way, the same amount of $$ can buy me a newer, lower mile vehicle.

So, I know we have several folks with 1st gen Tundras, anybody out there with a 1st gen Sequoia? What trails do you run and what size tires are you using? Any good forums out there for Tundra/sequoia (since I pretty much know where all the 4runner forums are?)

 

[Clutch]

Guy I work with bought his for $11K...

http://www.chaosfab.com/97500.html

 

[p nut]

Here is a build on mud:

http://forum.ih8mud.com/95-gen-toyota-trucks/312885-bored-building-02-sequoia-mild-build.html

They're solid trucks. But in my opinion, unless you NEED that much space (kids, cargo, etc.), the V8 4Runner would be a better choice. Especially if you're DD'ing it. That Sequoia is bigger than my 100 LC, which I think is about as big as I would ever want to go.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Won't be a DD, I have a little 97 Mazda Protege for that (30+ MPG, 5 speed manual and PAID FOR! :elkgrin: )

What is the T-belt interval on the 4.7 V8? Any known weaknesses or issues of that engine?

Seems like they went from a 4 speed auto in 2004 to a 5 speed in 2005, and yet MPG actually got worse? (13/17 for the 04 model and 13/16 for the 05) Any idea why this is? Is the 4 speed the same A340 auto that's in my 4runner?

 

[p nut]

4.7L V8 is one of the best engines produced. SMOOOTH, powerful, and mine hardly burns any oil, and my oil change intervals are 7-9k miles (synthetic). The UOA company I use always comments how great the 2uzfe engines are, as the tests almost always comes back with great results. 90k TB interval (same as most of the other TB'ed toyota engines).

I believe the MPG figures went down due to the changes in MPG test procedures at that time.

 

[jim65wagon]

Transmission is A340F for the 2004 and A750F for the 2005.

 

[Mrknowitall]

The Sequoia cought my intrest, too, especially when a nice one jumped in front of me in the used car lot, for the same money as the minivan we bought.
Vs. the 4Runner... you get a lot of space- like a whole RAV4 worth of space extra. And it is the same width, but the WB is longer, its 15" longer overall and has a 2 1/2' bigger turning radius. That may not bother you in what you're doing. What intreagued me abouth the bigger size is the same as what swayed me from a wagon to full minivan*: For lighter trips (w/o kayaks & bikes), I can keep everything inside, away from rain, grime and thieving hands, where with a smaller vehicle, stuff ends up on the roof or a hitch carrier really quick.

*at the moment, the most financially sound decision.

 

[deadbeat son]

MPG figures (always important to me because I'm a cheap SOB) are similar with the 4runner rating 14/18 and the Sequoia rating 13/16. Close enough to call it a wash, IMO, but the Sequoia actually has longer range by virtue of it's gargantuan gas tank (26.4 vs. 23 for the 4runner.)

The range is close enough to consider it a wash as well:
4R - 414 vs SQ - 422 highway.

 

[offthebeatenpath]

From what I recall after also considering the 1st gen Sq a bit- the front suspension is same/similar to 1st gen Tundras, but the rear is a different animal. As far as aftermarket options, that seemed like it was the sticking point- there's not a lot of aftermarket options. I'm sure there's plenty of custom stuff that's been done, but there aren't many off the shelf suspension upgrades (mainly speaking of the rear). I could be wrong, it was a year or so a go that I was looking into it myself. It's definitely bigger. If you like that, then you'll like it. If not, well then, you probably won't. Go find one to drive- that's my 2 cents.

 

[deadbeat son]

Toytec offers 3" rear lift coils for the 1st gen Sequoia. I'm not sure who makes them, but I imagine it's probably Eibach.

 

[Clutch]

:sombrero:

 

[MattScott]

I've always wondered why more people don't choose the Sequoia, it actually presents a good value.

 

[achampagne]

I have seen a lifted one running around Portland, ME a few times, looks really good, maybe a 3" lift on 32" MT's and some sliders. I really liked it.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Funny thing I'm finding is that in my price range (<$18k) there seem to be more low-mileage limited's than SR5s. I honestly don't want leather seats, satellite nave or a sunroof (my concern is that the sunroof could leak) so that's a little bit of a struggle. These Sequoias sure are loaded up with luxuries!

 

[spd33]

I picked one up a couple months back after selling my LX470 a while ago. Mine is bone stock w/ the exception of removing the running boards. I have 4 little ones to tote on our adventures and although the most rugged terrain that we are likely see is forest service roads, it is a great platform and a solid truck. There is virtually no aftermarket support but in reality, a 2.5" lift would be ideal to fit a nice 33" tire and be very capable overall.