This is my "new to me" 2009 Toyota Sequoia:
This vehicle is replacing my 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4.
I know, I know...it's a cardinal sin to trade down in the auto world. Well after owning 25 vehicles over the years I know my way around wheeling and dealing with dealerships and this was a good deal for me, bad deal for them.
The Tacoma was an awesome truck, quite capable off road and a head turner around town. At the end of the day though it wasn't a well researched purchase (an impulse purchase actually) that ended up being simply too small for my needs and the needs of my family. With a larger towing capacity, and infinitely more cargo and people capacity, this Sequoia should work much better for us. Oh, and it was less than 1/2 the price.
First impressions:
1. This thing is smooth! The Tacoma, with it's KO2's and cheap dealer installed lift was always a little harsh to drive for long distances. Cruising 400 or 500 miles in a day would leave you fatigued. This thing is like a Lazy Boy Recliner on wheels.
2. There's room for days in this thing! My daughter is taking after my genetics and, at age 12, has outgrown my 21 year old son and my wife. The Tacoma just wasn't practical anymore for family trips or even grocery store runs. With my daughter sitting in the back seat my wife was practically sitting on the dash. Not the case in the Sequoia...heck, even I could sit in the 2nd row comfortably with my 6' 4" self.
3. The V8 is a nice upgrade from the new V6 Toyota introduced in the Tacoma for 2016. There were times that Tacoma couldn't get out of it's own way. After owning V8 F150's (and an ecoboost) it's nice to be back in something with V8 power.
Only downsides are:
1. The color. Never been a fan of black vehicles and the scratches they constantly show, but I'll get over it.
2. The V8 is a little thirsty, but I knew that going in so I can't complain.
3. Independent suspension wasn't something I was looking for in the rear end, but I guess it'll be alright for our uses.
Thus far I've repaired broken door locks, swapped the factory radio for a Kenwood unit, installed a backup camera, replaced the rearview mirror with an autodimming/compass unit, tossed in a brake controller and replaced some interior trim. I'll post some write ups on those items shortly.
My overall plan is to put a 2.5 to 3 inch lift on it, swap to something more off road worthy than the street Michellin's it has now and then just drive it. Whatever deficiencies come up then I'll address as I go. The family and I do quite a bit of camping and fishing around the south east and have some trips planned to Colorado and Montana in the next few years. We'll see where this goes...
This vehicle is replacing my 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4.
I know, I know...it's a cardinal sin to trade down in the auto world. Well after owning 25 vehicles over the years I know my way around wheeling and dealing with dealerships and this was a good deal for me, bad deal for them.
The Tacoma was an awesome truck, quite capable off road and a head turner around town. At the end of the day though it wasn't a well researched purchase (an impulse purchase actually) that ended up being simply too small for my needs and the needs of my family. With a larger towing capacity, and infinitely more cargo and people capacity, this Sequoia should work much better for us. Oh, and it was less than 1/2 the price.
First impressions:
1. This thing is smooth! The Tacoma, with it's KO2's and cheap dealer installed lift was always a little harsh to drive for long distances. Cruising 400 or 500 miles in a day would leave you fatigued. This thing is like a Lazy Boy Recliner on wheels.
2. There's room for days in this thing! My daughter is taking after my genetics and, at age 12, has outgrown my 21 year old son and my wife. The Tacoma just wasn't practical anymore for family trips or even grocery store runs. With my daughter sitting in the back seat my wife was practically sitting on the dash. Not the case in the Sequoia...heck, even I could sit in the 2nd row comfortably with my 6' 4" self.
3. The V8 is a nice upgrade from the new V6 Toyota introduced in the Tacoma for 2016. There were times that Tacoma couldn't get out of it's own way. After owning V8 F150's (and an ecoboost) it's nice to be back in something with V8 power.
Only downsides are:
1. The color. Never been a fan of black vehicles and the scratches they constantly show, but I'll get over it.
2. The V8 is a little thirsty, but I knew that going in so I can't complain.
3. Independent suspension wasn't something I was looking for in the rear end, but I guess it'll be alright for our uses.
Thus far I've repaired broken door locks, swapped the factory radio for a Kenwood unit, installed a backup camera, replaced the rearview mirror with an autodimming/compass unit, tossed in a brake controller and replaced some interior trim. I'll post some write ups on those items shortly.
My overall plan is to put a 2.5 to 3 inch lift on it, swap to something more off road worthy than the street Michellin's it has now and then just drive it. Whatever deficiencies come up then I'll address as I go. The family and I do quite a bit of camping and fishing around the south east and have some trips planned to Colorado and Montana in the next few years. We'll see where this goes...