Hi all. I had been shopping for 9th Gen Suburbans and Yukon XLs for overlanding/dispersed vehicle camping, but after driving a few, I'm underwhelmed. I like the build quality and ride quality of the Camry I've driven for the past 12 years and there's no reason I shouldn't enjoy that in my overlanding vehicle as well. Mechanics I know have great things to say about the Sequoia, though most are pushing me toward the 5.7L engine in Gen 2. Problem is, there are far fewer 2nd Gen Sequoias for sale as compared to 1st Gen. Those are that are available are priced quite high and all seem to have at least 230,000 miles on them before they go to market (guess that's a testament to their durability and desirability...no one wants to let them go). However, there are plenty of 1st Gen Sequoias for sale, substantially cheaper, closer to home and many of them with low odometer readings.
I'd likely stick with 2005-2007 1st Gen vehicles to get the improvements on the 4.7L engine and the 5-speed transmission. 2nd Gen, based on my budget, I'd have to shop 2008-2012 model years. Before I drive halfway across the country to buy a 2nd Gen Sequoia that I like, is there any reason I need a 2nd Gen over a 1st Gen? Even if, as some have told me, the 4.7 isn't as great as the 5.7, I'll be saving a bundle on the purchase price, which I can apply to future repairs. Other things I've been told: slight drop in MPG on the 4.7 vs the 5.7, and frame rust issues with the 2001-2008 model years. But neither of those is a deal breaker for me.
I'd love to hear from anyone who has experience in driving a late-1st Gen and/or early-2nd Gen Sequoia, particularly regarding any of the following points:
- Highway ride quality
- Off-road suspension performance
- 4WD system performance
- Engine or transmission issues
- Rear living space
I'll be completely removing the third and second row seating to maximize my living space, and it looks like that will be easier in the 1st Gen Sequoias (let me know if I'm wrong there). As for my overlanding habits, I drive a lot of rocky, sandy or grassy two-tracks getting to remote campsites on federal lands. No hardcore off-road hijinx...I move slowly and carefully. Also worth noting that I've never towed anything and never will.
I appreciate your feedback on this. I hope to make a purchase in the next month or so. Thanks!
I'd likely stick with 2005-2007 1st Gen vehicles to get the improvements on the 4.7L engine and the 5-speed transmission. 2nd Gen, based on my budget, I'd have to shop 2008-2012 model years. Before I drive halfway across the country to buy a 2nd Gen Sequoia that I like, is there any reason I need a 2nd Gen over a 1st Gen? Even if, as some have told me, the 4.7 isn't as great as the 5.7, I'll be saving a bundle on the purchase price, which I can apply to future repairs. Other things I've been told: slight drop in MPG on the 4.7 vs the 5.7, and frame rust issues with the 2001-2008 model years. But neither of those is a deal breaker for me.
I'd love to hear from anyone who has experience in driving a late-1st Gen and/or early-2nd Gen Sequoia, particularly regarding any of the following points:
- Highway ride quality
- Off-road suspension performance
- 4WD system performance
- Engine or transmission issues
- Rear living space
I'll be completely removing the third and second row seating to maximize my living space, and it looks like that will be easier in the 1st Gen Sequoias (let me know if I'm wrong there). As for my overlanding habits, I drive a lot of rocky, sandy or grassy two-tracks getting to remote campsites on federal lands. No hardcore off-road hijinx...I move slowly and carefully. Also worth noting that I've never towed anything and never will.
I appreciate your feedback on this. I hope to make a purchase in the next month or so. Thanks!
