Sequoia shopping

[TDiddy]

We've been browsing for something bigger than the 4Runner for some time now. We definitely like the Sequoias, but haven't seen many 04+, CPO'd Sequoias under 40,000 miles at local dealerships - at least not with options we wanted.

I saw today that someone at work was selling an '02 Sequoia Limited. They also have it posted on craigslist - http://desmoines.craigslist.org/car/329984085.html

Much higher miles that I had originally planned on considering, but hell, my 4Runner has 133k on it and runs great. Plus this is significantly less than what a newer CPO'd one would be. I was thinking about looking at it tomorrow.

Listing has it at $19,900 but his ad at work said $18,000. I haven't looked at Edmunds or KBB yet so I'm not sure how reasonable that is.

Any significant issues with Sequoias in general, or '02's more specifically? I'd really like something that has captain's chairs in the 2nd row - I know some years had them, but were they an option or std.?

[localmotion]

My uncle had a sequoia with 60K on it a couple years back and his mechanic noticed metal flakes in the transmission. Apparently this happens a lot, so I would be lookin at the tranny. I didnt think they have captains chairs in the second row, but I that could be an option. My dad has an 04 and its going strong.

[MTL_4runner]

I remember the Sequoias had the brake issue back then so you could ask if the calipers had been upgraded (13WL casting).
http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forum.../br00502r2.pdf
Might be able to get the dealer to do it free if it hasn't been done already.

Sloppy steering can require steering rack bushing replacement or new ball joints. Other issues can include cracked exhaust manifolds, issues with the VSC (can require a new computer), O2 sensors may be on the way out and double check the A/C works (new compressor can set you back big bucks....might ask if it has already been replaced). Aks if the owner tows anything with it and if so how he does it (hopefully he doesn't tow in OD!)

[TDiddy]

We never did go for that '02 - we've been trying to hold out for one with bucket seats in the 2nd row. That either started in '04 or '05 as an option on the LTD.

Local dealer has an '06 LTD - bench seat in the 2nd row, but I think we can get both car seats on the 60 side of the 60/40 split, and still be able to fold down the 40 side to get to the back if needed.

Here's the link:

http://www.toyotadm.com/ContentFrame...erID%3d6901%26

DVD player is a bonus, although I normally wouldn't consider a 1 yr. old vehicle with that many miles. Price seems high to me given the age and # of miles too.

[Cebby]

It's essentially a 2 year old vehicle now - check the build date or maybe see if you can find out when the PO took delivery. Regardless, even at two years, it's 17k+ miles per year. That's a little pricey IMO, but there just don't seem to be deals out there on these things (I've been searching also)

[bamachem]

I looked at them a couple years ago.

Do yourself a favor and find a decent to low mileage southeastern or texas land cruiser and buy one. I have never once regretted buying our UZJ over a sequoia. We got it about a two years or so ago, 61k miles, two owner (first owner was actually a dealer who let the manager drive it and he only put 11k on it in two years), always in the south, immaculate condition, and for $19,700. They're lower than that by a good amount now due to the high gas prices that are still lingering up there.