Hi Scotty, I am looking for a used 2008-2010 toyota sequoia but they're expensive and hard to find. I'm looking at a 2008 with 260k miles and they asking $8500. Do u think its a good buy?, what should I check on it?, And What are the fuel consumption and maintenance going to be if I purchase it?
Thank you.
Sequoias cost a lot when new, they didn't build a lot of them, they have a reputation for being near-bulletproof, and that model - big SUVs - are the hot thing in the market. Used car prices have gone up 15-20% in the past year.
Any used car, you need to check out thoroughly. Any used car with 200K + miles? Check EVERYTHING, twice. Here's what has been reported going wrong with them:
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Sequoia/2008/
Me GF dad just got one at 180k miles. No major issues so far. Lucky him. In terms of fuel consumption he got the naturally aspirated 5.7L. he gets an average of 15 miles per gallon which is not bad. If you were looking at cosmetics and such I would be looking out for the plastics, as there are quite a bit that become brittle over time. Both door handles interior mechanisms snapped and I help him replace em with metal ones. Other than this, as Glen_stet said. If you really want that car check everything. It will be at this point an 11-13 year old car. It is too expensive and risk heavy in my opinion. Especially that milage, even if well taken care of. That's about life average (250-300k) so going beyond that will no issue is for me at least gambling. Not saying if you get lucky or decide to fix everything up so it will be practically new since you can buy used engines for these and not new ones. But yeah. For that price no way man. Not worth.
I don't know if it's a good buy, but I think that's what they're going for these days. Sequoias, tundras, tacomas, and 4runners are all holding value like crazy now; good if you are a seller, but not good if you're a buyer. 300,000 mile lifetime is expected and baked into the valuation, realistic or not.
Having said, that, there could be factors that make that valuation more favorable. For example, you'll see sequoias and tundras that have had a replacement transmission or engine; as long as you understand the reason why it was done (ie, not for flood damage), that could make it more appealing than a similar vehicle with the original engine and transmission.
I just bought a 2005 Sequoia limited with 257K for $4300. I put a few grand into it for mostly maintenance items (new muffler, battery, tires, suspension links, lift gate latch and actuator, tranny cooler lines, weather tech mats). Timing belt has been done twice. Its purring like a kitten, I love the Sequoias. But yea be ready for the gas mileage and some pain at the pump. The mileage doesn't bother me much as we own the vehicle and it doesn't get driven much. But if you plan for it to be an everyday driver and your commute is long you will notice the mileage quickly.
