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

[kaisen]

Another benefit of the second-row captains is their ability to RECLINE. Makes a big difference for comfort on a long trip and the safety of little ones to sleep with the seat belt in the correct position. With the bench, kids tend to sleep 'sideways' with the seatbelt in the wrong place

[carnutzzz]

No contest.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Was it a 2007+? Make sure you look at a newer one, they're a big improvement.

In regards to the seating, how many kids do you have to haul around? We almost didn't buy our MPV because it has captain's chairs in the middle. After having them, we wouldn't buy anything else. It makes rear seat access SO MUCH EASIER. No more messing with flipping seats forward every time you have to load the 3rd row, and no more crawling through that subsequent little hole to the back. It also makes life much easier when mom has to crawl back there mid-family vacation.

Sure you lose a seatbelt, but lets face it, the middle of the 2nd row is nearly worthless anyway. Especially when you already have two car seats installed (like I do). Speaking of car seats, with captain's chairs you don't have to remove the car-seat in order to flip the 2nd row seat for access. Another bonus if you have little kids.

EDIT: Something that helped us when we wanted to test drive everything - CarMax. If there's one near you, it's a huge help. Even if you don't like their cars or prices (I think they're high), you can still drive very nearly one of everything. That gives you a good sample to help focus your shopping. It beats driving around town to different dealers.

I have 2 kids, both in car seats. The pacifica has two seats with a console in the middle. It's usless. The kids can't reach it and all kinds of stuff falls down there. One big seat would work better.

We have Carmax, the wife rings in a lot on this decision as well. No Tahoe.... I mentioned I looked at it. Someone said it above....I'm not hauling construction equipment. An occasional pull of the Porsche to the track... A lot more Lowes and Home Depot runs. Where's P-o-P? I'm sure he'd have something to say on this.

[kaisen]

Steve, sounds like you have decided on an old-body Sequoia SR5 (Limiteds from 2006-up have the more popular quad seats).

Are you thinking 4x4 or 2wd?

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by kaisen

Steve, sounds like you have decided on an old-body Sequoia SR5 (Limiteds from 2006-up have the more popular quad seats).

Are you thinking 4x4 or 2wd?

Ah, so that's the difference! The wife's specifications are leather heated seats. I have seen the SR5s both ways, leather and not. Sunroof (for me!) and not. Old body is fine with me. The new one looks much bigger, but I was told by a w time owner that it's actually smaller inside. Go figure.

The only reason I'd consider 4wd is because I bought my Cherokee in 1999 (now gone) and it was RWD only. I did it for the extra 2 mpg. But I always felt like a weenie for not buying the 4WD and regretted it. Yeah, it's a fricken Jeep.

(I was going to post a link to the one I found on Carmax that I liked, but they must have sold it.).

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

(I was going to post a link to the one I found on Carmax that I liked, but they must have sold it.).

Tell us about it. Details, we need details

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by kaisen

Tell us about it. Details, we need details

2005 (I think) Silver on Grey Leather SR5, 4wd, sunroof, 58K miles, $24,990. So right about where I want to be on price. I have done a lot of browsing at Carmax. I'm never impressed with the cleanliness of the cars. They claim to prep them before delivery since anyone (like me) could be crawling all over them. But, damn, they are often pretty dirty.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

2005 (I think) Silver on Grey Leather SR5, 4wd, sunroof, 58K miles, $24,990.

Honestly that's about $2000-2500 too high, unless it was incredibly exceptional.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

2005 (I think) Silver on Grey Leather SR5, 4wd, sunroof, 58K miles, $24,990. So right about where I want to be on price. I have done a lot of browsing at Carmax. I'm never impressed with the cleanliness of the cars. They claim to prep them before delivery since anyone (like me) could be crawling all over them. But, damn, they are often pretty dirty.

Yup. For a company that boasts about their thorough reconditioning process, most of their cars are pretty damn dirty. Some even to the extent of sticky pop in the cupholder, blatantly broken interior bits, etc. In my opinion they're more hype than substance, and their cars are always overpriced.

[911boost]

If you just have two kids in car seats, and aren't planning on doing any heavy towing, etc., why are you looking at that size of an SUV? What about the Toyota 4Runner? Don't they have the same V8 as the Sequoia in the SR5 Limited model?

Seriously, do you need something that big?

(My wifes DD vehicle is a Volvo XC90, with three rows of seats. We have only used the third row a handful of times, of course, I have always either had a Tahoe or the Excursion at the same time).

Bill

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by BSiple

If you just have two kids in car seats, and aren't planning on doing any heavy towing, etc., why are you looking at that size of an SUV? What about the Toyota 4Runner? Don't they have the same V8 as the Sequoia in the SR5 Limited model?

Seriously, do you need something that big?

(My wifes DD vehicle is a Volvo XC90, with three rows of seats. We have only used the third row a handful of times, of course, I have always either had a Tahoe or the Excursion at the same time).

Bill

We got rid of our 4Runner when we had our second kid. Great SUV if the only people you ever haul are your family. Our current minivan can seat 7, which we use pretty often.

[89911]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=264737151&dealer_id=64329659&car_year=2004&rdm=1246940549890&model=SEQUOIA&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2002&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=100&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=1357599&showZipError=y&make=TOYOTA&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=15044&advanced=&end_year=2006&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=16&standard=false&rdpage=thumb

Here is a local one. I would remain patient and look for a private deal if possible. I would not worry about the year of the car also if it out of warranty.

[VaSteve]

I liked the 4runner but that thing is tiny inside. The rear seat doesn't even fold flat. If it was just me, I,d get that and be done with it.

[onewhippedpuppy]

One of the stupidest things I've ever done is spring for an extended warranty on my 4Runner. 65k later when I sold it to Paul (Seahawk) I hadn't used it a single time. You buy a Toyota because they're reliable, why spend more for a warranty you won't use?

[Jim Richards]

You need this, Steve.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Oooooh, a family truckster!!!

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by 89911

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=264737151&dealer_id=64329659&car_year=2004&rdm=1246940549890&model=SEQUOIA&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2002&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=100&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=1357599&showZipError=y&make=TOYOTA&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=15044&advanced=&end_year=2006&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=16&standard=false&rdpage=thumb

Here is a local one......

Funny how how states in his ad that he inherited a 2004 GMC Yukon and that's why he's getting rid of the Sequoia because he doesn't need two SUVs. Ironic, isn't it?

[VaSteve]

I'd take any free SUV!

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

I'd take any free SUV!

He already owned an SUV. Why not sell the Yukon and keep the Sequoia?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by kaisen

He already owned an SUV. Why not sell the Yukon and keep the Sequoia?

Just guessing, but Sequoia = more money in pocket?