Toyota 4.7 V8 2001 Seqoia - common issues?

[aigel]

Shopping for a "new" SUV. The Sequoia seems nice. How about the power plant - 4.7 l V8. Is this any good? If not, what are common issues? Anything to check when doing my PPI (DIY)?

Thanks,

George

[89911]

I posted some experiences with my 2002 Sequoia. Overall, not a bad car. The worse points are that it is somewhat underpowered, a four speed transmission, and the gas milage is poor.

Toyota Sequoia...decent family hauler/tow vehicle?

[NICKG]

ac compressors are pretty notorious for going kablammo...

[aigel]

Thanks

Unfortunately gas is too cheap right now. These were very cheap when gas was $5.

Does the V8 have chains or belts? What is the belt service interval, if it has belts?

Thanks,

George

[Flyer88]

It's a belt. I have 107K on my 2004 . Did the 90K service, replaced an oil pressure sending unit ($40) and just replaced an 02 sensor ($95). Other that that just tires, brakes and oil.

[sammyg2]

I had a 2001 tundra with that engine, bullet-proof. Never a single problem with it, although I only put around 70k on it before I traded it in on a new tundra.
I did no maintenance at all on that engine besides oil and filters because that was all that was necessary or required.

[ths911]

I had a 2002 Sequoia for 5 years. nice vehicle - oil changes, air filters, brakes and tires only for the 90k miles I put on it. Only complaint - poor gas mileage especially when towing.

[t-tom]

I have an 01 Tundra with that motor. I've got right at 85K on it and have not had a single problem. Just oil and filters.

[aigel]

Thanks everyone for chiming in.

Belt service is probably a $1k item at the dealer / independent shop from what I gather? Need to make sure I deduct enough on the price if it doesn't have receipts.

Is it an interference engine?

Thanks,

George

[kaisen]

Yes, it's interference.
Why a Sequoia?

[aigel]

Need a full size SUV for a good price quick and looking only locally minimizing travel time. I am not set on a make and model, but the older American stuff is pretty worn out on the interiors and I am staying away from the Expeditions due to bad experiences with an F150 of similar vintage.

George

[aigel]

Bougth the SUV. I was able to negotiate a very good price due to the timing belt needing changing. Not a terribly big job. That engine compartment has a lot of space - almost old school. All of the power options worked - amazing.

Unless gas goes to $5 this appears to be something that I could always sell for little loss.

I'll get busy with it over the next few weeks. Needs tires, shocks, timing belt. I will also go through the cooling system and all other fluids while I am at it.

The brakes are pretty anemic. Anything that can be done to give them a bit more bite?

George

[aigel]

Well, add a cracked exhaust manifold to the list of things to do (thank the lord for good access). Appears a common problem. I noticed an exhaust leak noise on the test drive but wasn't up to speed on this being a common issue. My guess was a donut gasket ...

The brakes can be upgraded to 03 specs which supposedly helps. So far the first 100 miles were uneventful.

I found a lot of people with 130k on the first belt (one lady with 400k) so no rush on the timing belt either, IMHO.

Thanks again everyone!

George

[vash]

its a great rig. have fun with it.