Welcome to the 1st gen community. My wife and I built our channel around this platform and we absolutely love it. Yes, the people in the community are awesome. Most people who buy a Sequoia for overlanding are pragmatic and don't care a thing about having a cool nameplate on the back of their vehicle. They want a reliable, cost-effective, and capable vehicle, and the 1st gen does just that.
If you're keeping the third row in and find yourself folding them up and down a lot, I recommend getting some dollar store key lanyards. Slip the key ring around one of the headrest posts, and then you won't have to strain yourself reaching to pull the seat back up. My Sequoia is an '02 and has 340k miles on it. It's rugged enough to shrug off most situations you'll encounter. Mine's got me through ice and winter storms, several road trips, unimproved roads, a bridgeless creek, and a tornado-spawning thunder storm. Also served as a guest accommodation, moving van, tow vehicle, and a changing room!
My buddy bought one for his wife's daily (2007) and his (2003) has 35's with two inches of budget lift with a bit of trimming. Yes, it rubs but after running the boarder off-road near San Diego I was surprised that it doesn't rub more. Factory locker wasn't even needed even though some obstacles looked like it was going to require them. This was done with 3 adults and 4 kids in the rig BTW
1st Gen Sequoia are already being used for overland builds for a few years now. The price has already gone up. I was looking at Sequoia to do a build with but bought a 05 Grand Cherokee because it was in better shape than most of the Sequoia's in my price range.
Always enjoy your reviews. I have an 2005 Sr5 with 210k. Hauls 8 people and pulls a car hauler and very reliable. 4.7L V8 is bulletproof! Good overland rig for less money....
Fantastic purchase! I've had my 2010 5.7 tundra since 2018 and have been eyeballing the sequoia market for a nice addition to my vehicles. Well done. Long time fan!
I bought an 03 Limited 4x4 with 195,000 miles on it in excellent shape a couple of months ago for $4,500. So far I love the thing. I lifted it 2.5 inches up front, 1.5 in the back and put 33's on it. I added a 9 inch Boss Stereo and a backup camera as well. Next up will be a storage bed platform...if I can ever decide on a design. Lol.
I’ve got two of them. A 2002 and a 2003. I love them. I love the stance, the power, reliability, and the style of them lifted. I’ve only changed a battery in I don’t n ow how many years.
07 Limited logg runner here, passed down from my pop in law. Me and my spouse are relatively simple people, yet try to be decently efficient when it comes to (cross country) traveling, camping, overlanding and generously exploring the whole pacific northwest region. Often times we simply enjoy just tossing out the 3rd row seats along with the center consol, then folding up the 2nd row seats, all to snug in a full size mattress which really fits conveniently. An awning really pairs well, especially when crawling into the Sequioa dry & comfortably after enjoying a bonfire here on the wet coast. Several other additions have been added, but as any toyota rover would tell you, the list would just keep going on. Overall, I really believe that it was great buy Mike, can't wait to see how your project turns out
Now the markets going to go even higher! Please review a first gen tundra too. Would love to hear your thoughts. Timing belt every 90k, lower ball joints with OEM are the keys to these things.
These are great cars. My mom had an 03 Limited, it was an awesome car. After buying american SUVs for years; Explorers, Expeditions and even an Excursion, my dad bought the Sequoia back in 03 for our family of 5. We used to pack that thing full for long road trips. It was absolutely bulletproof. That car sold my dad on Toyota which led him to buying Tacomas, and eventually me and my brother also being Toyota fans. My dad still kicks himself for selling that car as it was so good to him. I think the only reason he got rid of it was his business was doing really well and he needed a big section 179 deduction so he bought a fully loaded Expedition. Deep down he always regretted getting rid of that car.
If it was the same year Explorer, and still even on the road, it would rattle like hell, the windows wouldn't roll down, burn oil, and leak oil all over ther driveway. LOL
And Toyota being Toyota they STILL don’t offer a competitive product to an Expedition MAX or Suburban. Toyota has been letting its customers down since the 90’s, sadly.
Nice video! I've had my 07, aka Groot (another big tree!) for about 7 years. Good forum communities for sure. Lampson Fabworks has an Etsy shop with MOLLE panels for that rear cubby and the console. Rago Fabrication makes great ditch light brackets and other stuff for 1st Gen Tundra/Sequoia. Mine is a Limited with a functional rear air suspension that my kid and I installed new bags on. I've found it to be a very versatile rig for anything from hauling a travel trailer for longer outings to throwing a canoe atop for a lake trip to just wheeling on forest service roads. You're right about being able to sleep in the back. In fact, I have a cot that fits perfectly. Makes solo trips super easy. I'm looking forward to seeing how you build yours!
I love that you named it Groot! Haha classic. I love mine and will never sell it. Feel free to check out my channel that has a lot of 1st gen content! Cheers
My husband has been searching for one of these Sequoias for a few years and he finally got one! It’s a 2007 SR5 in blue with about 240k mi. Runs like a top and has so much room! It’s his first truck build with a budget build in mind. 2” OME lift 33’s and a muffler delete or magnaflow exhaust.
I love to welcome a new member to the sequoia community. The sequoias are amazing vehicles and I've been driving and modifying mine for years with very limited issues. I'm sure you'll love it
Mike, glad to see you pick up one of the great Toyota models. Lots can be done. I love my 1stgentundra 02' TRD which has most of the offroad fixen's even limited slip diffs.
My 07 limited can keep up with land rovers all day. The traction control is amazing off road and the low range transfer case with locking diff is extremely capable. Also comes stock with 10” of ground clearance. That’s the same as a trd off road 2020
So pumped, been watching your Chanel dive you started your taco. I’ve got an 02 sequoia that was a freebie from my father in law. Running a 2.5” OME lift and KO2s. It’s a fun weekend, Friday to work car.
After watching the whole video I’ll say I use mine for mtb camping trips. I can put all of my camping gear, a Kamado Joe jr and bike tools and stand and till have plenty of room. It’s a great rig. I’m going to add an arb bumper for a tundra eventually. Have my “build” on ih8mud.
I absolutely LOVED my ‘93 Chevy Suburban K1500 4wd!! Had the great 5.7L V8 {almost bullet proof engine}. Drove it for 10 yrs, halfway cross country several times, many family road trips, everyday driver, work rig, camping. 10 yrs only needed 4wd a dozen times, only ever got stuck once (not actually stuck but frame was hung on a culvert). The BEST Truck/SUV I’ve ever driven! [if it’s a Truck/SUV/Jeep it has to be 4x4, or it’s NOT a Truck/SUV/Jeep IMO!] Some jerk off stole it for a joyride & slung a connecting rod main bearing, engine seized. Wanted to go back to driving a P/U so got an 01 GMC Sierra 1500 Ext Cab Z71. LOVE my Sierra, gonna get another for an Overlander build (gave to my daughter when her truck broke down).
I got my 04 for 1500 right at the start of the pandemic. A mechanics wife had rear ended someone, spent a few days at the junkyard got it looking like a complete car for 2500. It now has 2.5 ome lift, 35's, full front has been done, arb front bumper. Its a ton of fun!
Luvin my 07 (8 years now).... only 121k miles. Runs just super. Offroad has been terrific. It was the same winds down here in New Mexico. Just changed out the front axles as well. Couldn't find a Land Cruiser when I was looking.... but did great with the Sequoia. Also put a reverse camera..... REALLY needed that.
I'm super impressed with the solidness of this vehicle! I've been a military mechanic for over 25 years. After I bought one, I wheeled it. OMG, this thing can handle a lot! I put a 3" toy tech suspension lift on it and now I (think) can handle any normal off-road activity I can throw at it!
I thought about it too till I saw the mpgs that thing get. Then I thought what if I added lift, tires, and RTT. I wouldn't be able to afford leaving the house lol
It’s funny you bring up the wind because Savannah, GA has been the same almost since the turn of the new year. At least once a week we are getting gusts over 30. I can think of one day this year that we haven’t had a sustained wind and that was this passed Thursday
I just got mine last week '04 from a 4Runner. Funny thing is, it has better mileage than my 4 runner. Anyway, good to have you in the Sequoia community broski. I need to do the ball-bearings too.
You’re 100% right! You didn’t get ripped off for the price but you also didn’t get a good deal. Either way it looks in good condition and it’s going to suit your needs.
Well i brought my 02 sequoia sr5 after my ford explorer exploded. Have been so happy with it. Yes i did have issues. The famous lower balljoint snapped while accelarating and was about 50mph. Old school driving dont panic hold wheel street and no braking or gas slowly get over. I upgraded the front end with a 2 or 2.5 inch lift. And replaced all balljoints, tierods, ends, control arms and of course struts. The rear recieved airbags so i can handle 1000 lbs over limits. Using bf goodrich ko2 tires. Brakes are heavier duty with stop slotted and drilled discs. The timing belt, water pump, serpentine tension pully, ignition coils, and valve cover gasket replaced. Yes i did have to replace the rear hatch latch. Also magnaflow muffler. Now when you change the suspension hight then you have to do the zero adjustment or vehicle stability lights stay on. I brought it from used car lot and would definitly do it again. Also find a great mechanic, DO NOT take it to Toyota for analyzing. I did and paid the $200 and they would do nothing until exhaust system is replaces for $16,000. I also have an issue with check engine light telling me a vacume leak. Please do not say gas cap. I love this truck towed my center counsel boat 400 miles with no problem. Now fro. New york to florida and back. And definitely get backup camera. Finally the only thing I HATE is the dam RUST. Surface right now.
Hey Mike, I had a 2006 tundra SR5. That stupid tray in the center console can be easily modified to add wireless charging. I just ghetto hot glued an amazon wireless charger under the tray and my 2006 had sweet wireless charging for my iPhone. I had to do some trimming to the plastic under the tray, but it worked great.
Just bought one this year, and put a full suspension lift, and 33x12.50 XT tires, and I'm in love with my rig. Need to chop the front rear of the wheel well, but it fits perfect.
Borrowed my mom's AR one point for a month on the road and it was amazing. Took the seats out and had a twin mattress in it and was totally comfortable
Bought an '05 two years ago. I'm running a set of Bilstein 5100s adjust to around 1.75" with OME 2" coils/Nitrochargers in the rear. 285/70r17s rub just ever so slightly in the front at full lock but I can live with that while keeping it low. Rack, tent, awning from Eezi Awn, National Luna Portable Power Pack dual battery system and fridge. This was set up as a mild offroader/touring vehicle, towing vehicle for a small boat and ski resort rig. It does these things exceptionally well while providing enough space for two of us and two large dogs. The only reason I might be selling is for a truck and a camper. Josh @1stgenoffroad is a great resource for anyone getting into the Sequoias. I've pushed this vehicle fast in the desert and slow in the rocks of Moab and its been awesome.
We had a 2002 Sequoia for 5 years over all a great rig. My wife drive it everyday to work. In stock form they are very capable. With the right tires it's amazing in snow. I recommend the Falken wildpeak atw3. They took ours everywhere. Snow, sand all over here in Oregon. I'd say the worst thing is the gas mileage. The best we got was 16 mpg with a 265/75/16 tire and wheel combo. Also in 2wheel drive they are worthless on gravel wash board roads the tc will kick in.and on the 02 you can't turn it off in 2wd. We recently traded it off. It has 400,000 miles on it. I'd like to get another first gen someday. Facebook has a Toyota Tundra Sequoia offroad group. Very nice people in it.
Just took a trip to Colorado to see a concert at the red rocks amphitheater. Every day was fine except, of course the day of the concert. That wind was no joke.
I had a 2007. Loved it. Bilstein 5100 leveling and 275/70 KO2's look sweet. I had non-stop problems with my rear hatch leaking. Could never tell how or where the water came in but living in the PNW I had quarts of water under my carpet 4-5 times a year. Very frustrating always ripping the carpet out to dry. Still wish I had it. My son and I could camp in the bad no problem. Great rig.
Rear sliding glass seals don't hold tight as they dry out and harden. Mine ends up with water in the hatch, my window regulator in the hatch is getting pretty rusty from the salty water running down into the hatch door. I ended up slipping a piece of paracord in a gap in the seal to put more pressure on the seal/glass. Seems to work.
I just bought a salvage / rebuilt title 2006 Sequoia with 147k miles on it and am looking forward to many Overland adventures in it. I'm amazed that for a 16 year old vehicle with that many miles on it I can't hear the engine running when I'm driving it and none of the lights on the dash are lit up. These are truly wonderful SUVs.
1st thing I always do when getting a new to me vehicle is swap all dome/courtesy lights to LEDs. Brighter, much easier to see & they draw almost no juice so if they got left/stuck on all night, no dead battery. I’ve never had a dead battery because the dome/courtesy lights were left on overnight after swapping to LEDs.
I bought a roll of silicone mat & use it for just that type of thing. I cut to size and use a good adhesive when needed like the top side of my center console (01 GMC SIERRA) now my phone or other items don’t slide around. And it’s more comfy to rest my arm on if I need to.
I have an 01 limited white just like yours. And I’ve started overlanding in it. Went on my first trip last October. I absolutely love mine. The only thing I don’t care for is the gas mileage. But that’s about the only negative I’ve seen so far. Well the front brakes. I put the 5th Gen 4 runner big brake upgrade on it. What a difference.
I’m a Chevy/GMC guy, but if I were going to buy an import it would be a YOTA!! My dad had a late 70’s or an ‘80 model when I was a teen. It was 2wd but you wouldn’t believe the places we took that lil Toyota truck back in the day… so I do have a place in my heart for Tacos & the lot. Sequoia doesn’t need a ton of mods, just make it more “capable” small lift for decent tires good suspension kit, roof rack, good lights, recovery gear, maybe a winch… kit it out obviously w/ the usual rig kits that you use. It’s your “beater/loaner” it doesn’t need to be an Adventure Rig or Overlander, but the normal everyday/emergency kit. Just the few mods you intend & it should be a VERY capable “beater/loaner/back-up” rig.
i just bought one aswell , i have the arctic frost white one . cant wait to see what you do with it. defenetly subscribed now .. THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anytime this car is reviewed it gets tones of comments. This car must be great. I owned one and I know how it feels. Nothing compares to it's reliability. And because of the low price it leaves the room to drive care freely. Thanks man for the great review of the "big tree". Very elaborate.
Bro as soon as you brought up that vent, or the "ball cooler", it made me think of my t100 lol! I remember when I first bought the truck and I noticed that, and I turned it around and didn't really think much of it.. It was only when I started driving I felt it hits my legs, and my God that was greatest feeling haha. You're right though, should've carried that vent over in modern vehicles!
I sure did buy one of these a few days ago for $2500, 259k. Needs a few repairs, but what a great price. I have a Tundra as well and that boy cost me $8000 3yrs ago. It now has 222k. Both are great machines. Interestingly, my GS is having the most trouble although it has a 3UZ-FE in it.
I have a 1997 T-100 and it sits outside mostly in the sun and I don’t do much with it, it is not cracked at all. I keep the truck cuz it’s been good to me.
Had a 2005 Limited for five years that I just replaced with a 2008 Limited. As much as I liked the 2005 - the 2008 is better in every way. More room, the 5.7l is so much more powerful (381HP/401LBFT) and has a much newer look to it. Looking forward to many years of service
Main difference from 1st to 2nd gens: 1st gen has a better rear end set up suspension wise for overlanding/crawling/offroading. And the 1st gen arguable looks much better. Biggest difference when out on a trail is they the 1st gen is going to be able to go more places since it’s smaller.
Agreed, although mine were Tundras. The powertrain was great with these first gens, much better than what is in the Tacoma and 4Runners today, people that don't believe me go research the engine specs, however the first gen feels cheaper. I've had a 2005, 2015, and now 2008 Tundra. 2nd gen big upgrade.
Man, I've had an 05 Tudra for a couple months. If you ever find a 3D printed attached to organize that little center console open pad/storage thing I'd love to hear about it.
Lool no they are not. The pre vvti 2uzfe engines are just more durable especially pre 02 when they were made in japan... plastic intake manifolds and vvti, more emissions and that stupid evap crap that always goes out, or the stupid secondary air injection pump on the newer 2uzs. 2uzfe pre 02 most reliable
@@ToyotaNutjob I said “best vehicles” not “most reliable” the SAIS is easily and cheaply bypassed which completely avoids that issue. No other common issues in the VVTI models but significantly more power and the facelift which I prefer. Personal preference, but I personally think the vvti models are the better rigs overall.