HELP me decide on a larger Toyota SUV

CO_FlyFisher

CO_FlyFisher

New member
I slid and hit a curb on Monday morning coming in to work in my other vehicle. In all likelihood it will be totaled, even though it is just suspension at one corner and a fender.

:roadkill:

The combination of that and the fact that my wife is pregnant with our third, we've been considering a larger SUV, especially for our camping and fishing trips. We were thinking about waiting until next spring, but this accident might be forcing my hand now.

I'm currently thinking about an '03-'04 Sequoia or a '99-'00 Land Cruiser. I'm thinking I can probably get either for about $13,500, though the LC could be a bit more money. I would like to find one with usual mileage for the given year (appx. 12k/year or less), and 4WD of course (not sure if they're even avail. w/o it, but had to say it just in case).

My in-laws have an '02 Sequoia that I drive a fair amount, so I feel like I know that vehicle pretty well (I usually drive when we all take it up into the mountains skiing). That, being newer, and the fact I can probably get one cheaper than an LC has me thinking to look that direction.

I’m just getting starting on my real research between the two, and I know some of you have experience with these trucks and opinions to share. So, help a bro out! What do you guys think the pros/cons are to each? TIA!!!

:thanks:

PS - We're keeping the 4Runner; no question there.
 
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Sienna AWD. Just kidding! :D

I think that the Sequoia is a good option...it is roomier with more cargo space than the Land Cruiser. However, being that the TLC is Toyota's best, i think that you should go for the TLC IF you all can fit in there comfortably...remember, it is you two + kids + lots of baby stuff! Build quality and off-road performance certainly favor the TLC.

So, my vote is TLC IF you all can fit AND it won't be too much of a financial burden/stress. And TLC is certainly a "holy grail" for Toyota off-roaders.

Edit: not sure if it is true, but i think that the Sequoia does not let you lock the center diff in 4-HI. My memory is hazy, but i think that it was one of the major "WTF" issue with Sequoia of that generation and thus a hindrance to some off-roaders.

Good luck...you can't really go wrong with either.
 
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One more thing...i would try and get the 2001-2005 TLC rather than the earlier years...maybe get 2003-2005. I think that VSC and traction control became standard in 2001. Although you don't get the rear locker as you did in 1999-2000 models, it is a safer vehicle overall due to VSC. This is for your wife, right? VSC may be more valuable than the rear locker.

I think that in 2003, TLC got the 5-speed auto tranny, which is always nice. Side curtain airbags also became standard around this time. Don't quote me on this, but i think that the TLC had some issues with the front differential before 2001...it was mainly for off-roaders though...i think it had something to do with the front diff failing if you punch the gas while in reverse up a hill or something. So, Toyota strengthened the front diff in 2001 (i think).

With any TLC (and Sequoia??), i would make sure that the previous owner has already fix the exhaust manifold cracks, which happens on most TLC after 60k miles. Sequoia shared the same powertrain...so, look into that also. Starter goes bad too. But, the main thing is the exhaust manifold cracks, which is at least $1000 EACH SIDE. My brother's 2001 Lexus LX470 suffered the cracks at 60k miles. He was not happy. The good news is that besides the starter and exhaust manifolds, the TLC is otherwise rock solid.
 
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Thai, thanks for the info! These are exactly the types of things I am looking for! I did not know about the exhaust manifold crack issue (I'll have to let my in-laws know too; I think theirs is well over 60k), and I'm not sure about the center diff lock on the Sequoia. I do know my in-law's '02 does have a center diff lock switch, so I'm going to have to check on that one.

So you're thinking the Sequoia is bigger (has more interior space) than the LC? I was thinking they were about the same, so that would certainly be a big factor. On the usual trip next year, we'll have the two kids (7 and 4) plus a baby, plus a dog/dog crate in the back, plus a cooler, plus other gear and clothes. I have a Yakima 18 cft roof box I use too. This past summer on our trips I hauled all of that minus the baby, and we were really pushing it for space in the 4Runner.

Unfortunately, I do not think I can afford to get into a newer LC than '00 looking at the used prices around here, thus the model year range given. I'd LOVE to be able to, but it won't happen.

Also, yes, my wife will be driving this vehicle mostly with the kids during the week. :lookout: It'll also be our "family" truck for big trips, towing, and what not so it doesn't necessarily have to have complete off-road prowess like the LC (that's what the 4Runner will be for and hopefully I can start building it out now), but I do still want some decent capability.

Sienna... LMAO!!! :lmao: U R funny! :lol:
 
If that is the case, then I would go for Sequoia...it is bigger, slightly better mpg, and has more safety features than a 99-00 TLC.
 
15's??? Every Sequoia I've ever noticed had 16's or 17's (and I've ALWAYS liked the Sequoia's smoked split 5-spoke 17's).

So far, my research is indicating that a Sequoia is indeed the better choice given my constraints. Need to watch out for their lower balljoint issue (recall) though, or have it fixed if need be.

Keep the comments coming please! :thanks:
 
Sequoia's aren't bad. I like the newer ones more than the older ones, but the older ones aren't bad.

I've seen quite a few Sequoias with smaller wheels.
 
Heh. I like the newer Sequoias better too, but NOT their price!!! I don't know where you guys are getting 15" rims from. Looking at the brocures on Toyota Reference, Sequoias were never equipped with 15" wheels of any sort from the factory unless it was after '04.

Another thing to note, it seems that the rear hatch handle on the Sequoias are prone to breaking (I've already fixed my in-law's twice).
 
Dude, seriously? I know you want a Toyota, but let's add it up:

1. You
2. Wifey
3. 7 YO
4. 4 YO
5. Baby
6. Dog crate
7. Cooler
8. HOW MANY CAR SEATS??

Much as I hate to say it, you need an Expedition, or Suburban, or an E350 van.

I have a friend with a (maybe) 10 YO LC - and while it's a fantastic vehicle, it sure doesn't seem anywhere near big enough for all your stuff. Just sayin'.
 
Have you looked at the latest Highlander? The new ones are no longer built on that stupid, Camry chassis. However, with 3 kids and a dog... Philsey has a good point.. might not be big enough.
Problem is, (sorry if this offends, but its true.) you go with an American made product.. expect American made mx problems.
 
Sequoia is big enough

philsey said:
Dude, seriously? I know you want a Toyota, but let's add it up:

1. You
2. Wifey
3. 7 YO
4. 4 YO
5. Baby
6. Dog crate
7. Cooler
8. HOW MANY CAR SEATS??

Much as I hate to say it, you need an Expedition, or Suburban, or an E350 van.

I have a friend with a (maybe) 10 YO LC - and while it's a fantastic vehicle, it sure doesn't seem anywhere near big enough for all your stuff. Just sayin'.
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Nah, the sequoia is plenty big. We already get everything on that list except the baby into our '99 4Runner. We regularly have 4 adults and 4 kids in my in-law's sequoia, and there's still a fair amount of cargo space behind the 3rd row. Three car seats will fit fine across the 2nd row of the Sequoia (find the right 3 car seats and you can actually get them all in the back seat of my 4Runner), and we'll most likely drive w/o the 3rd row most of the time on trips. That'll be plenty of space back there. Remember, I also have an 18cft Yakima roof box for additional space if necessary.

Another thing to remember is that the kids' legs don't reach the floor, so you have quite a bit of room for their bags on the floor in the 2nd row.
 
CO_FlyFisher said:
Nah, the sequoia is plenty big. We already get everything on that list except the baby into our '99 4Runner. We regularly have 4 adults and 4 kids in my in-law's sequoia, and there's still a fair amount of cargo space behind the 3rd row. Three car seats will fit fine across the 2nd row of the Sequoia (find the right 3 car seats and you can actually get them all in the back seat of my 4Runner), and we'll most likely drive w/o the 3rd row most of the time on trips. That'll be plenty of space back there. Remember, I also have an 18cft Yakima roof box for additional space if necessary.

Another thing to remember is that the kids' legs don't reach the floor, so you have quite a bit of room for their bags on the floor in the 2nd row.
Click to expand...

How about in a couple of years when there a lot bigger? Wouldn't it make sense to get a vehicle that you could use for a longer period of time?
 
You guys are making good points. If I had not had the experience with my in-law's Sequoia I might be apt to take your advice. However, even when the kids are teenagers, we can use just 1/2 of the 3rd row and still have a fair bit of room in the back.

Simply put, I don't want to go bigger.
 
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