I spent 2k on an 06 with 310k miles. 2 years + 20k miles later, she still chugging along. I kinda low key want people not to make videos about 1st gen Sequoia because I want to get another one for 2k lol.
Haha I totally understand what you're saying! Part of me wants to keep them hidden, but I'm also so impressed by them, I love sharing about how awesome they are! 1st gen sequoias are perfect to prove that overlanding doesn't require a $50,000 vehicle. Purchasing one for only 2k is crazy! So amazing to hear that it's doing good at over 300k miles!
They’re already jumping up in price. I purchased a 250k first gen for 7k. Supposedly that was a good blue book value so I’m guessing they all started shooting up since then.
fun facts: the engine block is made of iron and weighs approx 400lbs. this tank is so overbuilt and therefore heavy, which is why its a bit slow. heavy is safe. my sequoia got rear ended and completely totaled a volvo, but all i had to do was replace the plastic tow cap. true story. I put a custom exhaust for 1000 bucks like 10 years ago. you get a noticable difference in power/mileage. the exhaust system paid for itself after a few years of driving just from fuel savings. if you do the math, paying a bit extra for gas for this vehicle is still way cheaper than driving a new vehicle!! dont let it trip you up
I actually just had a full custom exhaust done too! I'll make a video about it soon. I definitely feel like I've noticed a bit of power gain, especially with the headers. That's really awesome to hear about how safe your sequoia was in an accident! Thanks for watching!
@@israelvalencia6884 dont remember exactly the size, but magnaflow with a modest size diameter pipe. never go too big or the noise is unbearable. i have vids on my channel of it
Just found your channel, nice rig. 1st gen sequoias/tundras are an incredibly under appreciated platform IMO. Personally, I think the trucks in the 96-06 years are the golden age for simple and solid built rigs, that still have excellent comfort and styling.
I have owned a 2004 Sequoia SR5 since new. It just passed 200,000 miles. Your review is a good description of the ownership experience. I would add one more item to the watch liat. The tailgate window guide tracks do rust out. If you hear what sounds like dirt in the tailgate when you open or close it, that is most likely a pile of rust from the guide rails. This is an easy DIY repair with a parts cost of about $200.
I have a 3rd gen 4Runner and love it but recently bought a n 07 first gen Sequoia.......and this thing is awesome. I'm 6'6" and its just so much more comfortable.
I totally should have mentioned frame rust! It's thankfully not as common out here on the west coast, but I also know is one of the biggest issues with these trucks. Thanks for the comment!
Hi there, I can feel your happyness driving that beauty, I've owned my 02 since a year ago, and fell in love since then, it's simpIicity, as well as being so quite (I sometimes feel sleepy driving it😅) are my favorites live close to the great Sahara desert in north Africa ... So maybe I'll take it there some day .. mine have 266k on it now .. keep loving Sequoias
Max like I say every comment I always love your work man ! I honestly appreciate your honesty and foward ness regarding your work ! I love your rigg man keep killing the tree game brother thank you soo much for your hard work !!!
agreed. low cost. big room.. $3500, 1st gen daily.. work horse and overlander. step one, loose 200 lbs of rear seats. now cargo space and mattress fits nice. rack fits 250 watt solar panel. low profile.. auto rear locker in low/low.. 2 mpg less than new twin turbo exploder motor. twice the grunt. in beast mode. 365K miles! its a keeper. paint still shines!
It's the same reasons I got mine I even did the same front bumper trim!! I also have done preventive maintenance plus tires and suspension but it's all stock specs and as is it's been great off roading, I love the amount of space I have and also coming from smaller suv's it's great not having to play a game of tetris with all my camping gear in the back.
Isn't it great! I still don't understand why the Sequoias aren't more popular. People always think they're just soccer mom suvs, but they're great off road and not much bigger than the new 4 runners haha!
I have both the 05 Limited Sequoia and a 00 limited 4Runner. Both are great and I'd struggle if I had to pick one. But frankly, the Sequoia just makes more sense in more categories of need and want. I just put about 6k into new suspension, wheels, tires, front bumper and winch in the 4Runner at 230,000 miles. It was just time with the suspension so I of course upgraded. Want to do the same with the Sequoia now that it's at 225,000. unfortunately both had sun rash show up on the hoods and roof in the last year. Be sure to keep that paint protected!
2 great vehicles! I love my Sequoia and after the past 2 years, am glad I went with it over a 3rd gen 4 runner! You can't go wrong though! And yeah 20 year old Toyota paint is not the best haha!
Just picked up a 2001 Sequouia Limited. Great rig, mine has 198k. Had Timing Belt done at 187K. Needs ball joints, so I will be checking out your channel for that. Also has check engine P0420 code. Will have to replace passenger cat converter pretty soon. Other than that, I'd drive it cross country.
I recently have been dealing with a PO430 code. I'm thinking one of my aftermarket cats got blown out from the new exhaust headers. You'll have to let me know if a new cat fixes your PO420 code.
@@maxwell.peters Just did the ball joints. Oofta! I damaged tie rod ends, so I replaced them too, and the stabilizer links. Took me two days. My Seq is 01/01 from NorthEast US. They had it coated, but bolts are pretty ceased up. Little afraid to tackle exhaust :)
Do you know which fuse the O2 sensors are linked to in a 2002 SR5 Sequoia? I'm getting the dreaded P0156 error code. I know what it means and am working through the several possible causes. Would appreciate any help....Thank you!
Currently driving an 02 2wd limited. Bought for 4k with 139k miles, I also have an 07 ram with a Cummins. Got my sequoia for less headache and cost of maintenance. Sure Cummins are reliable but cost of ownership is insane for the diesel game. To put things into prospective, a set of injectors would run me 3-4k just for parts. I’m guessing another 1k for labor at least. This sequoias oem soec timing kit with a water pump and all the gaskets is 178 dollars 😂
Max, I definitely understand why you initially wanted a 3rd gen 4runner. I owned a 98 SR5 4x4 for almost 8 years. And I can definitely tell you now owning an 05 Sequoia that the sequoia is a much better overlander/daily driver. For a strictly off-road machine, I would pick the 4runner, mainly because it's so small. But that's also the exact reason it doesn't make for a great overlander. The size of the sequoia is perfect for packing up a ton of gear and still having room to sleep in the back. I camped in my 3rd gen many times when I owned it, and there's just not much room back there. Mainly due to how narrow it is. The 3rd gen also rides much stiffer and has a lot of wind and road noise, especially when you add large AT tires. The sequoia is much nicer to live with as a daily driver and for road trips. Like you mentioned, it's relatively smooth and quiet. But the biggest issue with the 3rd gen is how anemic the 3.4 v6 is. That 183hp just isn't enough. The sequoia inst fast, but it's much better than the 3rd gen. And the 4.7 is such a great engine. I have an 05 model, so mine was the first year of the vvti, which boosts the power to 282hp and 325lb/ft. I can imagine the pre-05 models being pretty slow, especially with larger tires. Saying all that, lately I've become extremely nostalgic for my old 98 4runner. I've been looking at them on fb lately, considering if I really want to sell my sequoia and get back into a 3rd gen. The sequoia is such a good vehicle. But there's just something special about the 3rd gen 4runner. It was the first vehicle I ever purchased. And driving it always gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I loved that thing to death. Tuff decision
I totally understand what you're saying. The 3rd gen 4 runners have that classic Toyota look and feel to them. I test drove at least 5 of them when I was looking for a vehicle a couple years ago. I agree with you 100% about them being under powered. For some reason it didn't bother me with the 4 runner because it felt like it was just part of driving a classic Toyota. With all that being said, I am so glad I went with a Sequoia. The interior space has been huge for me. While I eventually want to get a rooftop tent for camping trips, I can comfortably stretch out and sleep in the back of the Sequoia. While it may not have the classic Toyota feel, it makes up for it with some modern features like I mentioned in this video! Tough decision for sure but I don't think you can't go wrong either way! It does sound like you have a great Sequoia right now though!
@johngacy6367 no I haven't. Still think about it all the time. Nostalgic for the 3rd gen. If money wasn't a factor, I'd have one next week, build it exactly how I want ut and keep it forever
@ I have a 99 ltd locked front and rear with an arb front bumper and winch. Love my 3rd gen but looking for a sequoia as I don’t really wheel it anymore. Just a camping snow tank to get to the mountains and a sequoia with more interior room and a v8 would be sick!
I always liked the 1st Gen Sequoias and still do. When i worked for Toyota in thr early 2000's they sold like hotcakes. They are big vehicles and still big even today. Nice build man👍
I actually have a new video dropping later this week showing the full install process for the rear latch kit! The kit is from Air Down Adventures! aireddownadventures.myshopify.com/products/1st-gen-sequoia-rear-hatch-combo-kit
In this video I have 35x12.5 tires. The wheels are 17" and 0mm offset. I also have 1.5" spacers to clear the upper control arms! Hope this helps! Thanks for watching!
The sequioa is just a big 4runner. When i bought mine, my wife thought it was a waste of money. Now when i tell her im thinking of selling it she gets upset cause she loves it when we go camping or take the dogs. Gotta do the timing belt so i have to prepare for that
@maxwell.peters had to do the starter after it stopped working while I was at work. Mechanic charged me 1k. I should of asked to do the belt also but I wasn't ready for that yet.
Thanks! I have videos on my channel about all of this but I have an Old Man Emu 2" Lift Kit and 35" Mickey Thompson tires! Lift Kit: ua-cam.com/video/CS7jn5WwI6Y/v-deo.html 35" Tires: ua-cam.com/video/fKG9EnZbqAo/v-deo.html
Bought my 2006 SR5 late last year and I live in colorado where people can charge whatever they want for a yota. So the sequoia was the best option for me at around 11K. A lot of money but again like max said nothing compared to a 30k Tacoma with 150k+ miles just because it’s CO.
11k for 150k miles is not bad in todays market! In the past 2-3 years, Sequoia prices have gone up a lot. In Oregon it's not uncommon for clean 1st gen Sequoias to be 10-15k. While they are increasing in price, I still believe they are an amazing choice! Thanks for watching!
What year is your truck? I just sold my 3rd gen 4runner and am wanting a sequoia and one of the reasons being more power, but now I’m questioning my decision since you say yours is slow 😢
2002 Sequoia 4speed auto 240hp. 05-07 Sequoia 5 speed 270-280hp Changing the tire diameter from 30.5” to 35” a regear is a must. I own a 06 Tundra with same engine 5speed auto… on 35x12.5 tires. So re gearing from 3.91 to 4.88 gears was perfect for me. Power and gas mileage came back.
Sorry I should have talked about that in the video! haven't changed the gears yet which like you said is a huge reason it feels slow. With gears I know it would drive a lot better! They're just so expensive so I'll be on stock gears for a bit :(
All the Limited had heated seats, but unfortunately not all SR5’s, Some of the SR5’s had heated seats but it was an add feature back then, it was up to the first original owner.
@@843Top yeah my poverty spec 3rd gen Tacoma didn’t have heated seats which I liked because less things to go wrong. But I want a sequoia as a family hauler and having heated seats will sway my fiancé
$7000 is honestly a great deal for a truck that works, practically speaking. People spend $60k all day for new trucks off the lot that aren't that different in terms of capability. Just newer and shinier. Plus nobody is going to want a computer-controlled truck in 20 years. They will age like iphones, while these early-2000's trucks will age like classics. Also, unrelated, but I was a bit surprised to see a Toyota in this video at all since they are typically not considered "budget "in the used market anymore. If you want real bang for your buck, you gotta look where there's still no hype at all: Nissan Xterras.
This is exactly how I feel too! I love that mine isn't so dependent on computers and electronics. Older Toyotas have proven their durability and reliability over the years. It's still impossible to know how the new Toyotas will hold up 20 years from now. I haven't looked into Nissan Xterras much! They definitely look cool when they're built up! Thanks for watching!
Man, ya'll keep letting the cat out of the bag! I had to sell my FJ 80. I bought that thing for less than $4K. Now, you can't find one in decent shape for less than $10K. I have been looking at sequoias recently, and every time I turn around, there is a price jump. Stop! 😂
One of the reasons they are less popular is the gas consumption, about 18% higher than a 4runner, for true overlander its the most important point when choosing car besides reliability, because its the main chunk of the travel cost , the less you spend on gas the farther you go. I'm talking about overlanding which means traveling long distances on paved and unpaved roads to see places, not to confuse with offroading that is short distance and gas consumption comes second after reliability and performance. And putting bigger tires looks cool but increases the consumption even farther so I have a feeling this car is mostly for short offroading trips around 300 km around your city which is cool but is not best for overlanding.
This is a very good point and I agree 100%. The gas mileage is very bad in my Sequoia and a big reason I mostly go on shorter trips. Any super long and remote adventures would definitely require extra gas in a rig like this.
I personally think tacomas and 4 runners are overhyped/priced but then again the demand for them reflects in the price. Drove a 2023 4 runner and wasn’t impressed feels pretty heavy, breaking wasn’t impressive. I’m sure it would’ve done great off-road once you’d figure out how to lock it and shit but honestly I’d take a first gen sequoia over a newer 4 runner
The timing belt isn't a huge deal, everyone freaks out about them. I've seen Toyotas with original timing belts with over 200,000 miles and they still looked practically new. I'm not saying don't change then but don't freak out if they haven't been changed and there's 150k on the vehicle.
@@843Top You can usually pull the timing belt cover and see how bad the belt is. Although I would say if there's no proof that it has already been done than I would recommend doing it soon. Also YES I would only put the Aisin kit in any car of mine, I've done 3 of my vehicles. People try and save a little money on the other kits, not worth it. Does it have any sign of it being changed like a sticker on the cover of when it might have been changed?
@@tonyinfinity Great tip, I’ll try checking the timing belt this week. I see no stickers or writing under the hood, but I see a white tape on the driver wrote in black marker that says 85,348 6.5qt I’m confused here 🤔
@@843Top Aisin made parts for Toyota and branded them "Toyota". So if you want genuine Toyota parts it will be Aisin. I don't believe that the kit would say "Toyota" if you bought it at a Toyota dealer.
I spent 2k on an 06 with 310k miles. 2 years + 20k miles later, she still chugging along. I kinda low key want people not to make videos about 1st gen Sequoia because I want to get another one for 2k lol.
Same.
Haha I totally understand what you're saying! Part of me wants to keep them hidden, but I'm also so impressed by them, I love sharing about how awesome they are! 1st gen sequoias are perfect to prove that overlanding doesn't require a $50,000 vehicle.
Purchasing one for only 2k is crazy! So amazing to hear that it's doing good at over 300k miles!
To late they have gone up in pricing these days haha
I’m looking at one for 1400 with frame recall done😊
They’re already jumping up in price. I purchased a 250k first gen for 7k. Supposedly that was a good blue book value so I’m guessing they all started shooting up since then.
fun facts: the engine block is made of iron and weighs approx 400lbs. this tank is so overbuilt and therefore heavy, which is why its a bit slow. heavy is safe. my sequoia got rear ended and completely totaled a volvo, but all i had to do was replace the plastic tow cap. true story. I put a custom exhaust for 1000 bucks like 10 years ago. you get a noticable difference in power/mileage. the exhaust system paid for itself after a few years of driving just from fuel savings. if you do the math, paying a bit extra for gas for this vehicle is still way cheaper than driving a new vehicle!! dont let it trip you up
What exhaust did you get ? And that’s awesome thanks for sharing !
@@israelvalencia6884 magnaflow muffler
I actually just had a full custom exhaust done too! I'll make a video about it soon. I definitely feel like I've noticed a bit of power gain, especially with the headers. That's really awesome to hear about how safe your sequoia was in an accident! Thanks for watching!
@@israelvalencia6884 dont remember exactly the size, but magnaflow with a modest size diameter pipe. never go too big or the noise is unbearable. i have vids on my channel of it
My 02 Sequoia has 360,000 miles and still going strong! Just always take care of the oil changes and such.
That's amazing! I hope I get mine to the 300,000 mile club someday!
You gotta get one of those 300k mile club stickers
Just found your channel, nice rig. 1st gen sequoias/tundras are an incredibly under appreciated platform IMO. Personally, I think the trucks in the 96-06 years are the golden age for simple and solid built rigs, that still have excellent comfort and styling.
Just bought an 04 limited 4WD with 210k miles on it, did preventative maintenance and am looooving this truck. So beefed up and comfortable.
They're so amazing! I was hesitant at first but now am so glad I got one instead of a 4 runner!
My 04 Limited is past 270 coming up on 300K. Running STRONG and reliable and really doing everything well but passing gas stations lol 😆
I have owned a 2004 Sequoia SR5 since new. It just passed 200,000 miles. Your review is a good description of the ownership experience. I would add one more item to the watch liat. The tailgate window guide tracks do rust out. If you hear what sounds like dirt in the tailgate when you open or close it, that is most likely a pile of rust from the guide rails. This is an easy DIY repair with a parts cost of about $200.
Good to know! I wasn't too familiar with this issue but something to keep an eye on! Thanks for watching!
Great overview! I've still got my 06 limited, had many toyota trucks and suv's over time and it's been one of my favorites.
I have a 3rd gen 4Runner and love it but recently bought a n 07 first gen Sequoia.......and this thing is awesome. I'm 6'6" and its just so much more comfortable.
We put a lift on our 2nd Gen Sequoia and have had SO much fun in it. Threw a roof top tent on and easy to camp anywhere. Enjoy yours!
The 2nd gen sequoias are so awesome! Glad to hear yours is getting out and on the adventures it was made for! Thanks for watching!
Love my 06 sequoia. Nice ride Maxwell !
1st gen Sequoias are so great!
Couldn’t have asked for a better video explaining the sequoia 🙌 just might go and buy that one I been looking at great video !
watch for frame rust. some are obliterated but some rust is ok
Thanks so much!
I got a white one for 8k with 100k miles in mint condition! put some ted wheels on it and called it a day...
Oh my gosh that sounds like a gem! You may never need to buy another car haha!
I just bought a 02 with 200k for 900 bucks. Probably the best purchase I’ve ever made for a vehicle
Hey great video and nice truck! Something to add to the buyers guide would be make sure the frame is rust/rot free!
I totally should have mentioned frame rust! It's thankfully not as common out here on the west coast, but I also know is one of the biggest issues with these trucks. Thanks for the comment!
Hi there, I can feel your happyness driving that beauty, I've owned my 02 since a year ago, and fell in love since then, it's simpIicity, as well as being so quite (I sometimes feel sleepy driving it😅) are my favorites
live close to the great Sahara desert in north Africa ... So maybe I'll take it there some day .. mine have 266k on it now .. keep loving Sequoias
Max like I say every comment I always love your work man ! I honestly appreciate your honesty and foward ness regarding your work ! I love your rigg man keep killing the tree game brother thank you soo much for your hard work !!!
I really appreciate you watching! Glad you enjoy and thanks for tuning in!
agreed. low cost. big room.. $3500, 1st gen daily.. work horse and overlander. step one, loose 200 lbs of rear seats. now cargo space and mattress fits nice. rack fits 250 watt solar panel. low profile.. auto rear locker in low/low.. 2 mpg less than new twin turbo exploder motor. twice the grunt. in beast mode. 365K miles! its a keeper. paint still shines!
Thanks, you have a nice one, and well-built inside.
It's the same reasons I got mine I even did the same front bumper trim!! I also have done preventive maintenance plus tires and suspension but it's all stock specs and as is it's been great off roading, I love the amount of space I have and also coming from smaller suv's it's great not having to play a game of tetris with all my camping gear in the back.
Isn't it great! I still don't understand why the Sequoias aren't more popular. People always think they're just soccer mom suvs, but they're great off road and not much bigger than the new 4 runners haha!
it is so nice you can find a nice one! I have been looking for over a year on california but can not find one beacutiful and clean like yours
Mine still has problems and is not perfect haha! Unfortunately California is a really hard place to find vehicles for good prices.
Love my 02 Sequoia got it for 5g and had it for 2yrs in Feb
Dang! That's such an awesome deal! They're super undervalued in my opinion!
got 259k miles on mine and runs great. would love another one
I have both the 05 Limited Sequoia and a 00 limited 4Runner. Both are great and I'd struggle if I had to pick one. But frankly, the Sequoia just makes more sense in more categories of need and want. I just put about 6k into new suspension, wheels, tires, front bumper and winch in the 4Runner at 230,000 miles. It was just time with the suspension so I of course upgraded. Want to do the same with the Sequoia now that it's at 225,000. unfortunately both had sun rash show up on the hoods and roof in the last year. Be sure to keep that paint protected!
2 great vehicles! I love my Sequoia and after the past 2 years, am glad I went with it over a 3rd gen 4 runner! You can't go wrong though! And yeah 20 year old Toyota paint is not the best haha!
Just picked up a 2001 Sequouia Limited. Great rig, mine has 198k. Had Timing Belt done at 187K. Needs ball joints, so I will be checking out your channel for that. Also has check engine P0420 code. Will have to replace passenger cat converter pretty soon. Other than that, I'd drive it cross country.
I recently have been dealing with a PO430 code. I'm thinking one of my aftermarket cats got blown out from the new exhaust headers. You'll have to let me know if a new cat fixes your PO420 code.
@@maxwell.peters Just did the ball joints. Oofta! I damaged tie rod ends, so I replaced them too, and the stabilizer links. Took me two days. My Seq is 01/01 from NorthEast US. They had it coated, but bolts are pretty ceased up. Little afraid to tackle exhaust :)
Do you know which fuse the O2 sensors are linked to in a 2002 SR5 Sequoia? I'm getting the dreaded P0156 error code. I know what it means and am working through the several possible causes. Would appreciate any help....Thank you!
Currently driving an 02 2wd limited. Bought for 4k with 139k miles, I also have an 07 ram with a Cummins. Got my sequoia for less headache and cost of maintenance. Sure Cummins are reliable but cost of ownership is insane for the diesel game. To put things into prospective, a set of injectors would run me 3-4k just for parts. I’m guessing another 1k for labor at least. This sequoias oem soec timing kit with a water pump and all the gaskets is 178 dollars 😂
Max, I definitely understand why you initially wanted a 3rd gen 4runner. I owned a 98 SR5 4x4 for almost 8 years. And I can definitely tell you now owning an 05 Sequoia that the sequoia is a much better overlander/daily driver. For a strictly off-road machine, I would pick the 4runner, mainly because it's so small. But that's also the exact reason it doesn't make for a great overlander. The size of the sequoia is perfect for packing up a ton of gear and still having room to sleep in the back. I camped in my 3rd gen many times when I owned it, and there's just not much room back there. Mainly due to how narrow it is. The 3rd gen also rides much stiffer and has a lot of wind and road noise, especially when you add large AT tires. The sequoia is much nicer to live with as a daily driver and for road trips. Like you mentioned, it's relatively smooth and quiet. But the biggest issue with the 3rd gen is how anemic the 3.4 v6 is. That 183hp just isn't enough. The sequoia inst fast, but it's much better than the 3rd gen. And the 4.7 is such a great engine. I have an 05 model, so mine was the first year of the vvti, which boosts the power to 282hp and 325lb/ft. I can imagine the pre-05 models being pretty slow, especially with larger tires.
Saying all that, lately I've become extremely nostalgic for my old 98 4runner. I've been looking at them on fb lately, considering if I really want to sell my sequoia and get back into a 3rd gen. The sequoia is such a good vehicle. But there's just something special about the 3rd gen 4runner. It was the first vehicle I ever purchased. And driving it always gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I loved that thing to death. Tuff decision
I totally understand what you're saying. The 3rd gen 4 runners have that classic Toyota look and feel to them. I test drove at least 5 of them when I was looking for a vehicle a couple years ago. I agree with you 100% about them being under powered. For some reason it didn't bother me with the 4 runner because it felt like it was just part of driving a classic Toyota.
With all that being said, I am so glad I went with a Sequoia. The interior space has been huge for me. While I eventually want to get a rooftop tent for camping trips, I can comfortably stretch out and sleep in the back of the Sequoia. While it may not have the classic Toyota feel, it makes up for it with some modern features like I mentioned in this video!
Tough decision for sure but I don't think you can't go wrong either way! It does sound like you have a great Sequoia right now though!
Did you ever get another 3rd gen? I have a 99 ltd and am thinking about a sequoia.
@johngacy6367 no I haven't. Still think about it all the time. Nostalgic for the 3rd gen. If money wasn't a factor, I'd have one next week, build it exactly how I want ut and keep it forever
@ I have a 99 ltd locked front and rear with an arb front bumper and winch. Love my 3rd gen but looking for a sequoia as I don’t really wheel it anymore. Just a camping snow tank to get to the mountains and a sequoia with more interior room and a v8 would be sick!
@@johngacy6367 not that I'm looking for a trade. But where do you live?
I always liked the 1st Gen Sequoias and still do. When i worked for Toyota in thr early 2000's they sold like hotcakes. They are big vehicles and still big even today.
Nice build man👍
Thanks so much! Definitely big and capable vehicles but not nearly as popular as the 4 runners.
@@maxwell.peters 4Runners are cool but it always felt cramped inside.
Is there a “selector” to where you can drive in 2WD like the 2nd gen Sequoias? Or is it always in 4WD?
Another awesome video. Keep the coming.
Thanks so much for watching!
Hell yeah Max!
Couldn't locate the rear latch "Kit" you mentioned. Can you provide a link, please? Great job on the video!
I actually have a new video dropping later this week showing the full install process for the rear latch kit! The kit is from Air Down Adventures!
aireddownadventures.myshopify.com/products/1st-gen-sequoia-rear-hatch-combo-kit
My Wife and I have an 03 Sequoia with 250k miles. We are the 2nd owners and have put roughly 70k of those miles
That’s awesome! I hope it treats you guys very well!
Awesome video... moving to texas hopefully soon...and I'm looking around for a off-road...Americans don't use diesel cars?
Not really! It's surprising to me too. Almost all new cars, suvs and trucks are gas powered in the US.
Would you please tell me what size tires you have on it in this video and wheel offset? Thank you.
In this video I have 35x12.5 tires. The wheels are 17" and 0mm offset. I also have 1.5" spacers to clear the upper control arms! Hope this helps! Thanks for watching!
@@maxwell.peters thank you. We’ve owned a 204 sequoia since brand new and are going to finally do some mods twenty years later.
You can use wheel spacers or better yet get new rims with 38mm offset.
Recently sold my 03 Sequoia to buy a 100 series LC. No regrets yet but both are great vehicles.
Can't go wrong with either of those vehicles! I would've loved a Landcruiser but they're also a lot more expensive :(
My 2003 Has just hit 325k miles. Runs fine
I've the 4th gen 4runner with the v8. It's a beefy engine. Love it.
Also, what's the white jacket you're wearing in the snow? Thanks.
4th gens with the V8 are so awesome! And the jacket is a Columbia OutDry!
I'm in year 21 with mine, spent many nights in it and plan on many more. No settling involved.
Wow 21 years! That's so awesome! And I agree, definitely no settling with a Sequoia!
The sequioa is just a big 4runner. When i bought mine, my wife thought it was a waste of money. Now when i tell her im thinking of selling it she gets upset cause she loves it when we go camping or take the dogs. Gotta do the timing belt so i have to prepare for that
Timing belt is one no one looks forward too. Thankfully once it's done, you're set for a while!
@maxwell.peters had to do the starter after it stopped working while I was at work. Mechanic charged me 1k. I should of asked to do the belt also but I wasn't ready for that yet.
Great video and sweet rig. What lift kit did you install and which tires?
Thanks! I have videos on my channel about all of this but I have an Old Man Emu 2" Lift Kit and 35" Mickey Thompson tires!
Lift Kit: ua-cam.com/video/CS7jn5WwI6Y/v-deo.html
35" Tires: ua-cam.com/video/fKG9EnZbqAo/v-deo.html
Most 1st gen Sequoias are 2wd in Calif, I dont think I have seen one for sale for under 15k with under 150k miles
Unfortunately they're going up in price just like the GX470's and old Landcruisers did. Same in Oregon, lots are 10-15k at dealerships now.
❤❤❤❤ sweet ride.
What did you do with the bumper?
Just cut the stock bumper with an angle grinder haha! Put some masking tape straight across it and cut! Start small, you can always take more off.
Bought my 2006 SR5 late last year and I live in colorado where people can charge whatever they want for a yota. So the sequoia was the best option for me at around 11K. A lot of money but again like max said nothing compared to a 30k Tacoma with 150k+ miles just because it’s CO.
11k for 150k miles is not bad in todays market! In the past 2-3 years, Sequoia prices have gone up a lot. In Oregon it's not uncommon for clean 1st gen Sequoias to be 10-15k. While they are increasing in price, I still believe they are an amazing choice! Thanks for watching!
Thinking of buying an 03 for 6400 tomorrow?! Should I do it?! I think yes
Hell yeah 😂
If it's rust-free and mechanically sound I'd say that's a good deal!
What year is your truck? I just sold my 3rd gen 4runner and am wanting a sequoia and one of the reasons being more power, but now I’m questioning my decision since you say yours is slow 😢
My Sequoia is a 2002! I've driven 3rd gen 4 runners and it feels fast compared to those lol.
2002 Sequoia 4speed auto 240hp.
05-07 Sequoia 5 speed 270-280hp
Changing the tire diameter from 30.5” to 35” a regear is a must.
I own a 06 Tundra with same engine 5speed auto… on 35x12.5 tires. So re gearing from 3.91 to 4.88 gears was perfect for me. Power and gas mileage came back.
Is it necessary to re-gear the axle ratios when putting on 34 or 35 inch tires? Great video BTW!
Good to know there's interest in that info! In this video I was in 4-lo for that steep uphill and the rest of the time 2wd was fine!
Cool Sequoia! Did you change the gears you got the 35' tires? If not, that will solve the acceleration.
Sorry I should have talked about that in the video! haven't changed the gears yet which like you said is a huge reason it feels slow. With gears I know it would drive a lot better! They're just so expensive so I'll be on stock gears for a bit :(
Nice video
Thanks so much!
Did not know these had heated seats!
It's so awesome! They work great too! Pretty impressive for a 22 year old vehicle!
All the Limited had heated seats, but unfortunately not all SR5’s, Some of the SR5’s had heated seats but it was an add feature back then, it was up to the first original owner.
@@843Top yeah my poverty spec 3rd gen Tacoma didn’t have heated seats which I liked because less things to go wrong. But I want a sequoia as a family hauler and having heated seats will sway my fiancé
@@ettiennenathan that’s great, I think you should go for the Limited.
$7000 is honestly a great deal for a truck that works, practically speaking. People spend $60k all day for new trucks off the lot that aren't that different in terms of capability. Just newer and shinier. Plus nobody is going to want a computer-controlled truck in 20 years. They will age like iphones, while these early-2000's trucks will age like classics.
Also, unrelated, but I was a bit surprised to see a Toyota in this video at all since they are typically not considered "budget "in the used market anymore. If you want real bang for your buck, you gotta look where there's still no hype at all: Nissan Xterras.
This is exactly how I feel too! I love that mine isn't so dependent on computers and electronics. Older Toyotas have proven their durability and reliability over the years. It's still impossible to know how the new Toyotas will hold up 20 years from now.
I haven't looked into Nissan Xterras much! They definitely look cool when they're built up! Thanks for watching!
Replace that heater control valve
Got mine in 2015 for $5300 with 200k now it got 369k and purrs still
Love to hear it! I hope to join the 300k club soon!
Man, ya'll keep letting the cat out of the bag! I had to sell my FJ 80. I bought that thing for less than $4K. Now, you can't find one in decent shape for less than $10K. I have been looking at sequoias recently, and every time I turn around, there is a price jump. Stop! 😂
Haha! It's crazy how much they've gone up in price in the past few years. They're following in the footsteps of the GX470's and Landcruisers for sure.
One of the reasons they are less popular is the gas consumption, about 18% higher than a 4runner, for true overlander its the most important point when choosing car besides reliability, because its the main chunk of the travel cost , the less you spend on gas the farther you go. I'm talking about overlanding which means traveling long distances on paved and unpaved roads to see places, not to confuse with offroading that is short distance and gas consumption comes second after reliability and performance. And putting bigger tires looks cool but increases the consumption even farther so I have a feeling this car is mostly for short offroading trips around 300 km around your city which is cool but is not best for overlanding.
This is a very good point and I agree 100%. The gas mileage is very bad in my Sequoia and a big reason I mostly go on shorter trips. Any super long and remote adventures would definitely require extra gas in a rig like this.
I personally think tacomas and 4 runners are overhyped/priced but then again the demand for them reflects in the price. Drove a 2023 4 runner and wasn’t impressed feels pretty heavy, breaking wasn’t impressive. I’m sure it would’ve done great off-road once you’d figure out how to lock it and shit but honestly I’d take a first gen sequoia over a newer 4 runner
The timing belt isn't a huge deal, everyone freaks out about them. I've seen Toyotas with original timing belts with over 200,000 miles and they still looked practically new. I'm not saying don't change then but don't freak out if they haven't been changed and there's 150k on the vehicle.
Okay, because I’m nervous I have 195,000 miles on my 2003 I just bought. Do you recommend staying with Aisin brand timing belt kit ?
@@843Top You can usually pull the timing belt cover and see how bad the belt is. Although I would say if there's no proof that it has already been done than I would recommend doing it soon. Also YES I would only put the Aisin kit in any car of mine, I've done 3 of my vehicles. People try and save a little money on the other kits, not worth it. Does it have any sign of it being changed like a sticker on the cover of when it might have been changed?
@@tonyinfinity Great tip, I’ll try checking the timing belt this week. I see no stickers or writing under the hood, but I see a white tape on the driver wrote in black marker that says 85,348 6.5qt I’m confused here 🤔
@@tonyinfinity Is the Aisin kit the original OEM part when it was brand new or they made Toyota brand timing belt back then?
@@843Top Aisin made parts for Toyota and branded them "Toyota". So if you want genuine Toyota parts it will be Aisin. I don't believe that the kit would say "Toyota" if you bought it at a Toyota dealer.
FACT
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lol my sequoia feels like a car after getting out of the dodge ram