I just picked up a 2002 sequoia 4wd with 190k miles. The guy took pretty good care of it as he put a whole new suspension all around and tires. Super solid truck scored for $2500
Watched this three times before going to look at a Sequoia. Helped a lot and I even educated the owner on a few things 😂 bought it and I’m thrilled with it so far
Honestly , after the first timing belt replaced at 90,000 miles , really should do it 60 ,000 miles after as mine just broke at 265,000 miles. It is an INTERFERENCE engine , I thought the car was done ! took a chance and I replaced the belts water pump tensioner as I had nothing to lose . Re times the engine and the car has not been as good as it as been after this repair. I thought the valves bent or pistons damaged it apparently did not ! this engine is bulletproof .
Is your sequoia a pre facelift or post facelift? I’ve actually heard that even though the motors ARE interference, the Pre facelift motors are more than likely ok after a timing belt break compared against the VVTI post facelift motors. Also, do you know if the timing belt that snapped was a Toyota belt? Maybe it was a cheaper 3rd party belt
@@isaacspoon we have a brake issue with ours it's a 2001 it has a shimmy when you brake from high speed. It shakes really hard and concerning and I've replaced the brakes all around and the front rotors which fixed it briefly and then went right back to the same issues.
@@isaacspoon we also just had that radiator explode a few months ago. Replaced it myself because why not but the brake issues are driving my nuts I know there was a recall on the brakes for 01 the dealer said they don't have the open recall anymore so it's 100% on me
@@wackaircaftmechanic2312 replaced the rotars and did breaks all around. completely stopped the shimmy drawer said they heat up and warp really fast I upgraded the rotars to better than oem and the pads to better than oem and it seems to have fixed the problem. also fixed the VSC light and e break light from coming on
I’m about to buy one with 284k on it. Engine and trans feel strong. For about 800$ lol. I’m so stoked. Gonna put everything I’m saving into the timing belt ball joints and everything you mentioned. Thanks bro!
I had a 2006 SR5. My trouble spots to watch for: - Rear axle seals have been a known issue. I'm not sure if this is visible without pulling brake drums, but it's worth having inspected prior to purchase, because it's a big$ item to have repaired. - On mine, the bottoms of the rear doors completely rotted out, due to plugged weep holes. It's the reason I sold it (play sad music here). If buying, open every door, get on your knees and pry back the weatherstrip along the whole length of the doors to check along the seam. If it's early it won't be visible in a casual inspection. Mine still had the original frame, and had spent most of its life in western Canada, so the frame just had surface rust (though a LOT of it). I have seen rotten frames (for Tundras and Tacomas too) in stacks behind dealer service bays, as recently as a couple of years ago, so it seems some are still getting replaced.
I went to look at an 04 today with 127k miles. Was listed for $8k, so thought it could be a solid deal. Unfortunately, as you mentioned here, it was plagued by rust on the frame. Absolute shame tbh.
@@cmikesmith664 Stock or have you ugraded the brakes? I hear the 05-07 have larger brakes and I have also heard of the GX460 brakes being adapted to G1 Sequoias.
@@Being_Joe, I’m spending $1,100 today at Firestone for front and back brakes and rotors for the annual brake job. Last brakes were replaced May 2021. It now has 207k miles. Great vehicle, but the brakes are constantly wearing down faster than any other vehicle I’ve owned. Any thoughts?
I have an '01 Sequoia and have owned it since '03. Other issues to note with 01-02 are the front brakes. Toyota used smaller calipers on these and it causes the rotors to warp prematurely. Another issue is the exterior window weatherstripping for the doors. These usually crack and just the parts alone are crazy high priced. Also as with many 20 year old vehicles with thin leather, the seat covers are usually cracked and rough. Overall a fantastic vehicle, I just got mine painted as the original had clear coat separated and got to the point of embarrassment.
@@omarguzman9513 there were 3 options 1) basic single stage $1800, 2) single stage with integrated clear $2700 and 3) two stage base/clear $4500. Maaco doesn't show prices on their website as I believe they are different prices per region, so your mileage may vary. Also, these prices included prep. I chose option 2 and so far have been happy. There are some flaws, but overall it's 95/100 and that's good enough for me
Wouldn't waste my time with doing the visual check of the timing belt. My 2004 Sequoia has 160K miles. Had the timing belt changed last month. Never been done before but even so the old belt still looked brand new! The golden rule is if you have any doubts about whether it was changed just do it. I paid a local garage $400 labor, and bought the Aisan timing belt kit which included tensioner water pump etc from Amazon for $160. Had the same issue with my rear hatch, is due to bad design but sorted mine and because of the way I did it I don't expect any more problems. Also remember the starter motor on these is a pain to get to, probably involves 5 to 6 hours labor to get to and replace. As the man says a solid frame is a must, if it is rotted through then walk away. Gas mileage isn't good but then again you won't be buying one of these for a 100 mile daily commute, lol. Mine is used for relatively short trips, for utility and leisure, I fully expect it to outlast our other car, which by the way is a 2019 Forester which we bought new! If you live in a snow belt area make sure you get a 4WD, last winter was quite bad and I got a situation where the road where I was parked was blocked by trucks because of a steep icy hill. The only way out was by traversing one of the snow filled ditches either side of the blocked road, and there was no saying how deep they were. It was 2am, I had just finished a long shift, I was tired, I just wanted to get home. Pushed the 4WD button, said a little prayer and went for it. The driver's side of the vehicle sank so far down I could have reached out and touched the ground, it felt like it was going to to roll over. I then kicked the gas and steered towards the road and it roared up the side of the ditch and back onto the road, didn't have to put it in low range. At that moment I thought, this car is a keeper!
@@mercedesbenzs600bash there are different levels of rust, i.e. surface level rust, vs. bubbly, then flaky rust, then chunks/flakes coming off, then all the way through the metal. Tapping/banging on it can help you gauge how solid the metal is. Any vehicle that is older will have some rust, at least in my area of the country. You just have to gauge how bad it is. Some things will always be rusty, like exhaust pipes, including headers. I don't believe you can coat them because of how thin the metal is, and how hot they get. This is just my experience, feel free to correct if you know more than I do. I would also drop the spare tire and look at the frame cross member in front of it, and the cross member at the rear bumper.
I was lucky with mine. I did not check the frame for rust before purchasing it and while replacing the brakes I notice a quarter size hole in the frame. I called Toyota headquarter a week after the recall expired and the did replaced the frame. The dealer that replaced the frame did a half job and when returned it to me a lot of things were not screwed back on. Upon returning the truck to finish the job, the mechanic at the dealer broke my rack and pinion intentionally (tried to charge me $3,500 for a new one) but I threat them to suit them and they did replace it. Total cost $17,400
Thank you so much!!! Test driving a 2002 Toyota Sequoia SR5 this week. It has had only one owner and looks pretty mint in the photos. Great advice. Thanks again!
The tank of SUV’s. The rear power window I’ve noticed seems to go out and stop working a lot. Easy DIY job, their is a window brake you remove. Mechanics will tell you the motor or regulator needs replacement, try doing this first. You will find videos on RU-vid as well.
Good list my man. It's amazing when I ask about the timing belt. I literally had a seller say "it runs fine man, it doesn't need it right now". Yeah, RUN. This is great knowledge to have as a bargaining tool. I paid $3500 for mine knowing it needs the belt done. I had no problem since it was lower miles and runs like a banshee.
my 07 Limited is still perfect. I did put a rear camera in. Only 121k miles on it. Just love how it drives on AND off road. P.S. I did do the timing belt at 80k... just because... lol.
I bought an 03 limited 7 months ago,with decently clean frame. It looks just like the one in this video. It had 185,000 miles and was due for timing built they admitted. I got the seller to drop price by $700 because of that. I did the job myself for $250. It runs fantastic, like new even. However 3 days ago the drivers side lower ball joint broke while driving - scary! I'm going to replace all ball joints and struts asap. I expect to get at least another 100k miles out of it.
@@briankeith922 If you buy one and this hasn't been replaced yet, as a second (or more) owner, can you take it to the dealership and have them honor the recall fix without paying out of pocket?
Picked my 03 four years ago with 175,000 miles for $3500 and it had just had timing belt done! I’ve put 50,000 miles on it since then and haven’t had to spend a dime on it! Love it!!
My, how the times have changed. ‘07 Sequoia 2wd 258,000 miles. Bought for $10,500 last July. Def overpaid. But well worth the time tested rep of Toyota. Still running strong!
@@byloecelhigh8467 can’t go wrong. I just turned 250K last week and still not a single issue. Prices are still crazy, I’m pretty sure I could sell mine for at least $5000 from what I’ve seen online.
@@Tony-my3sy Its working way better than I expected. I only had to replace the alternator so far and that was 2 months ago. The compressor is going out so that's my next fix. I'm so glad I chose this suv for my family. I'm trying to get a newer one for the wife and kids so I can have fun with this one.
Excellent video, good information. I have a 2005 Sequoia, definitely had a problem with the rear hatch release. Thus far no other issues, great running SUV, basic routine maintenance should last a few more years with a 189,000 miles on it. Thanks for your tips.
Your advice is so good regarding the car....I learned so much from this video. Unfortunately, you lost some cred right at the end when showing where you went through the ceiling of your garage.....but still, thanks for this.
I just did the belts, water pump, thermostat, radiator, hoses, broke the back handle, installed new interior LED lights. when im in there il fix that back window too.
I just bought a 2013 limited with 114k with the 5.7. He's a beast and it doesn't have a timing belt. On the other hand it was a lot more expensive over my 2006. I'll say this they're not cheap to drive or own once they break. But they're also very reliable. We got a solid 270k out of ours before we sold it and bought our newer one.
Stumbled on channel today and you do good job. I have owned my 03 Sequoia for about 6 year now and has been an excellent vehicle. All the same issues with mine as all the others but still plan on keeping it many years. Doing the lower ball joints over the holidays and May fix my back latch for the third time. Thanks for sharing good info
Supposedly the 01-04 are less prone to bending valves but better safe then sorry and replace it! I recently did mine at 300,000 ☺️ still running like a top!
I purchased a 2006 Sequoia Limited from my neighbor 2 1/2 years ago with 140,000 miles on it and I gave her 5,500 for it. I got the oil changed, new front window. Since then mostly oil changes only. Last week I spent 2g on tires, and oil change, brake pads,alignment, rotors, balancing and a few other things. Its loaded electrically which I don't like. Two DVR systems. Its at 149,000 miles now and the mechanic said it would go up to and over 300,000 if I keep it up. The only thing is my tire gauge pressure sensor won't go out and I don't want to spend the money to fix it. Otherwise, shes good. Wish I had a 4x4 though and less junk on it, I don't use. I'd sell it now, if SUV's weren't so high now. Gonna have to wait. Yep my Trac light and VSC light came on. Just watched a video on how to turn it off, and it worked. Good video on what to look for when buying one. Thanks. DId anyone get a recall notice from Toyota on the air bags?
2005 4runner with V8 owner here. i just did the timing belt service. at 167k she purrs real nice. as a side note i did the expanded kit which includes cam seals a crank seal thermostat and seal and other goodies. not to mention the evaporator :(. i put bilstein 5100's and a gibson cat back.
You missed a big one. The rear differential cover is a known fail point for rust through. Have a peak at it. If it's still good coat it very well. If it's it's showing oil stain , then there's a pinhole forming. JB weld, por-15 only gets you so far. Steering lines rot through and can't be replaced without replacing the whole box. Much bigger cost than the rear handle, which is a $40 item on ebay and takes 15 minutes to change out with the help from someone on youtube.
I would be really handy to go deeper into the frame issue. Where does the rust start? What components are the most vulnerable? What is an easy tell sign that the frame has (hidden) rust? F.e.: on 70's and 80' Toyota 40 series the frames are usually really solid since they are u-shaped (not a completely boxed frame with rust starting from the inside). However, they do get rusty where the front cross member is mounted onto the side members (just under the front grill). This is an easy to spot tell sign. Next place the look is the rear cross member, where the rear spring hangers of the rear leaf springs are mounted to the chassis. Salt and dirt piles up here and starts eating away. It would be great for future Sequoia owners to know where the look for chassis rust. Cheers
@@thomasfranks558 some tress as Ted frames are still in good shape. Just take a screw driver with you, and poke any areas that look suspect. If the frame is good, nothing should happen
@@isaacspoon I reviewed the picture/video I took of engine compartment and the plastic piece on top of radiator looks good (no dry rot). Will have to ask owner about timing chain.
I got a 2006 toyota sequoia limited 4wd with air suspension and captain chairs..has 201,000 miles..love it will never sell it ..too much potential and NO CAR PAYMENTS
You can't tell anything about the condition of the timing belt by looking at it. Unless you know the timing belt, water pump, etc. have been changed recently, plan on doing that as soon as you buy the car.
Hopefully you get this soon...I’m on the way to see a gen one now but my data will not allow me to watch your video so if possible can you send me a list of what you said to look for in your video...Thanks.
I responded about 15min after you posted with my cell number (since been deleted), hopefully you were able to check out the video before inspecting the sequoia, thanks for the support. Reach out if you needed any other info.
Love my Toyota Sequoia! Bought in 2003 new SR5 Limited, coming up on 3000,000 and changing out the starter for the first time. Replacing inside hood release as well. I will replace the engine when it’s time, love this vehicle❤️
Our 2002 Limited has 202k mi, we owned it since new. The only thing to ever go bad was the alternator. I did timing belt/water pump/tensioner at 120k. My only complaint is its a thirsty b*tch.
@@isaacspoon Navy and Marines have my wife and I in California rn, we're moving back to Houston august next year, just about to pick up a sequoia for the move :)
I have a 2006 Tundra, 130K miles... same platform.. FYI: if you see a low mileage Sequoia, look at the head gasket seal! A low mileage Sequoia will be driven less, leading the the gasket to dry out prematurely and it is a very expensive fix, approx $2000-$2500. The big picture is it's a low mileage, highly desired vehicle. But ii is great bargaining chip...
If your frame has zero rust and looks brand new, it probably is. Toyota lost a $2 Billion class action lawsuit and was forced to replace the frames free of charge ($12K job on my 2006, for free). If that has been done, you are in good shape ... the only issue to look for if this has been done is the exhaust. When Toyota tried to reinstall my exhaust it was basically in shambles after taking the vehicle down to the frame. I had issues with it in several places the year after the frame was replaced because I opted not to spend $2k for a brand new exhaust system during the frame swap ... in hindsight I should have pushed the dealer on that. It's been the only issue on the vehicle after the 50K miles i have on it ... we are at 220K!!!
Did you buy this one from Davey Jones I bought mine from an Asian in anihiem no rust replace ball joints or die , I had a bad power antenna good shit bro seeing yours makes me feel great about mine.
I asked my mechanic if he has another customer who is selling a car and he said one has a 2006 Sequoia SR5 for $8500 with new engine(has 11k on it), new tires, radiator, starter, battery, and new brakes. I contacted seller and will go look at it tomorrow. Any additional questions I should ask and is this a good price? I still need to find out how many total miles are on odometer, but sounds like most if any issues have been fixed.
Checking out a 2005 with 68k miles on it. Seller is asking for $11,800. Is that a fair price? Clean title looks like it’s in great condition. Definitely excited to take a look at it and already took notes from your video on what to look for.
Whatever you’re willing to pay for the shape it is in is a good price. Something that low, I’d verify through every way possible to make sure miles are accurate. Many people buy high mileage sequoias, figure out a way to change out the odometer and try to resell as low mileage
@@SjSouthBay408 a lot of times it just means it’s over 100k. I’d definitely spend the money and buy a car fax report. It isn’t always helpful, but sometimes if they are claiming the vehicle had 70k miles, you can see a service done in its history where the mileage was 140k or something like that. So you’ll know then. Ask about timing belt and see what they say as well
Why was the car shacking or what needed to be replaced when it’s shaking on the highway. I lost you when you were talking about the shaking part. Thank you
It’s possible. I’ve never heard that or come across it. Mine has been perfect. I’ve heard a few have stuck, but a simple tap on the actuator frees it up.
My transfer case actuator went bad at around 252k. The part alone from Toyota was nearly 1k and required removal of the transfer case. A tad pricey but I got a quarter of a million miles out of the first one so I wouldn’t call it common.
@@jp3872 I didn’t actually think the transfer case had to come off. Just thought you had to remove the small gear wheel to remove. Idk.. I’ve only watched some RU-vid videos lol
@@jamesbailey5337 in my case, the old transfer switch arm was still in the case so my local trans shop slip the case and made the repair. The labor was actually pretty reasonable. The part was super expensive.
I’m trying to have the timing belt and water pump. Done the in so . Florida. Deerfied Toyota quote was $1500 for timing belt water pump tensioner pulley, and fuild . I think that’s a little high priced. But my 03 limited is running well . I can’t DIY it . Fear of. Damages, I will be bringing it in next oil change. How long should it take them to do it ? And is this way to much to pay for this service? I heard $1100 or less is fair . But Toyota I feel safe getting oem and if it’s good for another 90k I’m thinking it’s worth peace of mind .,great video, I bought from a friend that I trust he said should have it done in 40k Miles’s , it’s been 15-20 . So I am going in a little early.
If that 1500 includes the price of Toyota branded parts alongside the labor, I wouldn’t be upset at that price. A local non-Toyota-dealership price for labor alone is generally 600-1000 if you supply the parts
I personally think the sequoia is better, watch my other video on my channel “5 reasons why you should by a sequoia” We actually almost bought an armada for my wife recently but ended up getting her a VW atlas. While the armadas are nice, you just can’t compete against the reliability of Toyota (as well as resale value if you ever plan to sell)
****** i need help i have a 05 sequoia 2wd . Got it with 104,000 miles . It shakes intermittently from steering wheel. Not all times but at times . Last about 15 minutes. I noticed it with old tires and stock wheels when . I recently changed tires and wheels and drilled and slotted rotors with new brake pads all four and still does it!! Its not always but when it does its supper annoying and want to get it fixed . Currently 106k miles help me guys please.
thank you for all your tips!!! I wouldn't have think of it. I'm thinking of getting this use Toyota Sequoia 2005 sr5, they are asking for about 12k and the vehicle has 172 k miles. what do ya thing. conditions inside and out looks great. I asked them to send a picture of the motor. will be checking it out on in person soon. thank you again!
That price is a bit high from my understanding for the mileage. Usually if you get up over 10k in value, you get a lot closer to the 100k mile mark which isn’t an easy task to find in itself. But if you feel confident and comfortable with the vehicle and you’re comfortable spending your money on it, then do it. I’d also ask if they have a full maintenance history that comes with it? I’d feel a lot better spending 12k on an SR5 with 172k miles with a full maintenance history proving it was very well taken care of beforehand
@@isaacspoon Thank you! oh by the way I was looking on offer up and there is one for 23,500$ 2014 ,129k miles , for shits and giggles I made an offer for 15,00$ and the person agreed 👍 😬. what ya think about that Sequoia guru? if I meet up with them you think I'll make it out alive? pictures looks like it's in a great shape and neighborhood. 🤔💀
these trucks are great except for 1 thing... THE never ending "VSC" "VSC TRAC" and CEL combination that prevents the 4x4 from working properly. i have to ask what do you 4 wheeler guys do for this perpetual problem. you cant off road worth a !@#$ if it wont move power from side to side.
