Howdy!
Apr 4, 2003 | 07:49 AM
#1
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Navasota, TX
Howdy!
HOWDY! After looking for a site like this for a while, I finally joined. Guess it's time for the typical "intro" post...
I have an 03 Sequoia Limited (DSG). I've really enjoyed it so far. I saw another post labeling it as a "soccer mom" vehicle and I can't say that I disagree too much.
It's quite a switch from my last two "trucks" - a '91 Ford Bronco and a '00 Ford Lightning. The Bronco had a 4" Superlift, 33" BFG muds, Borla exhaust, etc, etc. It was a GREAT truck that I planned on keeping for a long time, but somehow I got the chance to buy a 2000 Lightning and just couldn't pass it up. I wound up selling the Bronco for mod money and just went nuts from there - too nuts, in fact. Over a period of about 2 years, I had basically modded it out of all "daily driveability." It's hard to beat the feeling of doing 140(+)mph and/or making a low 12 second pass in a 5,000# brick. 
However, after several major issues popped up and Ford started getting ridiculous with warranty claims, I decided I'd had enough horsepower fun and would get something a little more practical. Soooo, about 2 or 3 months ago, I decided that I'd check out an '03 Sequoia. I wound up falling in love with the new color and new wheels - a dealership made me a great deal, so here I am.
As far as newbie questions go, the only two I really have are:
1) Are there any major issues or recalls that I should know about or watch for? My CD changer already crapped out, but I had that fixed and am back in business. The dealership said something about Toyota possibly issuing a recall on 'em, but I haven't heard anything on that since I got mine fixed.
2) Am I the only one with a funny smelling exhaust? I do a lot of driving with the windows down (back one included) and always get that "new exhaust" smell when I get on it. Maybe it's normal and I'm just not used to it (the L had side-exit exhaust), but it's REALLY strong and just doesn't seem right. Who knows though, it's my first Toyota and first iForce (obviously) - it could just be the tune of the engine.
Guess that about covers it. Thanks for any help/advice/whatever y'all can offer.
You can see pics of the Bronco at http://www.f150online.com/galleries/...y.cfm?gnum=561.
As soon as I get 'em uploaded, I'll post a pic of my L and Sequoia.
DUCK
I have an 03 Sequoia Limited (DSG). I've really enjoyed it so far. I saw another post labeling it as a "soccer mom" vehicle and I can't say that I disagree too much.
It's quite a switch from my last two "trucks" - a '91 Ford Bronco and a '00 Ford Lightning. The Bronco had a 4" Superlift, 33" BFG muds, Borla exhaust, etc, etc. It was a GREAT truck that I planned on keeping for a long time, but somehow I got the chance to buy a 2000 Lightning and just couldn't pass it up. I wound up selling the Bronco for mod money and just went nuts from there - too nuts, in fact. Over a period of about 2 years, I had basically modded it out of all "daily driveability." It's hard to beat the feeling of doing 140(+)mph and/or making a low 12 second pass in a 5,000# brick. However, after several major issues popped up and Ford started getting ridiculous with warranty claims, I decided I'd had enough horsepower fun and would get something a little more practical. Soooo, about 2 or 3 months ago, I decided that I'd check out an '03 Sequoia. I wound up falling in love with the new color and new wheels - a dealership made me a great deal, so here I am.As far as newbie questions go, the only two I really have are:
1) Are there any major issues or recalls that I should know about or watch for? My CD changer already crapped out, but I had that fixed and am back in business. The dealership said something about Toyota possibly issuing a recall on 'em, but I haven't heard anything on that since I got mine fixed.
2) Am I the only one with a funny smelling exhaust? I do a lot of driving with the windows down (back one included) and always get that "new exhaust" smell when I get on it. Maybe it's normal and I'm just not used to it (the L had side-exit exhaust), but it's REALLY strong and just doesn't seem right. Who knows though, it's my first Toyota and first iForce (obviously) - it could just be the tune of the engine.
Guess that about covers it. Thanks for any help/advice/whatever y'all can offer.
You can see pics of the Bronco at http://www.f150online.com/galleries/...y.cfm?gnum=561.
As soon as I get 'em uploaded, I'll post a pic of my L and Sequoia.
DUCK
Last edited by DUCK01; Apr 8, 2003 at 01:28 PM.
Apr 8, 2003 | 11:06 AM
#2
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,480
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From: KC-MO
Re: Howdy!
Originally posted by DUCK01
As far as newbie questions go, the only two I really have are:
1) Are there any major issues or recalls that I should know about or watch for? My CD changer already crapped out, but I had that fixed and am back in business. The dealership said something about Toyota possibly issuing a recall on 'em, but I haven't heard anything on that since I got mine fixed.
2) Am I the only one with a funny smelling exhaust? I do a lot of driving with the windows down (back one included) and always get that "new exhaust" smell when I get on it. Maybe it's normal and I'm just not used to it (the L had side-exit exhaust), but it's REALLY strong and just doesn't seem right. Who knows though, it's my first Toyota and first iForce (obviously) - it could just be the tune of the engine.
As far as newbie questions go, the only two I really have are:
1) Are there any major issues or recalls that I should know about or watch for? My CD changer already crapped out, but I had that fixed and am back in business. The dealership said something about Toyota possibly issuing a recall on 'em, but I haven't heard anything on that since I got mine fixed.
2) Am I the only one with a funny smelling exhaust? I do a lot of driving with the windows down (back one included) and always get that "new exhaust" smell when I get on it. Maybe it's normal and I'm just not used to it (the L had side-exit exhaust), but it's REALLY strong and just doesn't seem right. Who knows though, it's my first Toyota and first iForce (obviously) - it could just be the tune of the engine.
As for number 1, there was a "known" issue with the in dash single CD players/radio for the Tundra's/Sequoia's since 2000, I dont think there was a recall but newer yotas should produced with the problem corrected... Is your single disk or multi disk changer??
The problem your having with #2 is very common, especially when your rear window is down. All the 4Runners have this problem, it's all about the air flow.. Your exhaust pipe is probably 3 feet from your rear window, if it is down and airflow is right it will pull the exhaust stank (sulfuric) into the cab.. Try adjusting your rear window height and messing with your interior windows to adjust air flow.. When I first bought my runner I had this problem bad, but now I dont roll my rear all the way down unless Im highway driving and if I drive city I make sure there is plenty of air coming in from the front of the cab to keep the air circulated, I never get that smell any more but then again I dont hammer it
.. There is no real "fix" and this doesnt mean something is wrong, its a toyota 
.. Enjoy your new ride, enjoy your Toyota!
Apr 8, 2003 | 01:26 PM
#3
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 53
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From: Navasota, TX
Thanks for the info. Mine is the 6-disc. I know they upgraded/updated the stereo between 2002 and 2003, but it looks like the problem is still around. I got a lot of "Error 3" messages and finally that's all I'd get; the CDs never would play. Toyota replaced the whole in-dash unit and it works fine, now.
I'll have to play with the back window and side windows to get the airflow trick right. I've learned that your head will explode if you're doing ~35 with just the sunroof open and now know that you have to have a little air moving out of the rear window to "blow back" some of the exhaust smell. I'm also trying to learn how not to stay so deep in the gas. I'm used to a throttle being an "on/off switch," not something that can be feathered for max gas mileage/comfort.
Thanks again for the help.
DUCK
I'll have to play with the back window and side windows to get the airflow trick right. I've learned that your head will explode if you're doing ~35 with just the sunroof open and now know that you have to have a little air moving out of the rear window to "blow back" some of the exhaust smell. I'm also trying to learn how not to stay so deep in the gas. I'm used to a throttle being an "on/off switch," not something that can be feathered for max gas mileage/comfort.
Thanks again for the help.
DUCK
Apr 9, 2003 | 05:51 AM
#5
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 490
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From: Plano, TX
CD Changer problems.
I work at Toyota of Richardson in Dallas, TX in the parts department and they will never issue a recall on that CD changer. My in-dash 3 cd changer constantly has problems and unless you are still under warranty there is a no go on replacing. The single cd players seem to be most reliable in my experience.
Todd
Todd
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