Hey Scotty! Just purchased a 2005 Sequoia Limited. It has 257K and was a little ruff around the edges. So far I have replaced five bulbs. I had to fix the wiring to the license plate bulbs, now they work. New muffler, had a shop weld it in for $100. I replaced the battery. Had a few rust spots patched up on the body. And I replaced the rear liftgate handle. The rear pillows have been converted to coil springs which was done before the purchase. I removed the height control module to get the idiot light to stop flashing. I suspect there is a coolant leak, very small, but I smell it and noticed the level went down slightly in the reservoir after filling it. The coolant looks fine and so does the engine oil, no white smoke from the exhaust. Timing belt was replaced twice.
Took it to the Toyota dealership and they completed the air bag recall, all other recalls have already been previously done. They did a full inspection including a pressure test twice on the coolant system, they found no leaks and no other issues. Other than it needs new tires sometime before next winter, which I already knew. I paid $4300 for the vehicle. AC works, everything else works except for power mirrors, the switch is missing. How did I do? Should I still be concerned about the coolant? Or just keep an eye on it for now?
https://imgur.com/gallery/jJpadrT
I think you made a good deal.
Thanks!
Sounds pretty good. See if you can pinpoint the source of the leak, and do keep an eye out on it.
Will do, thanks!
Once you id the source of the leak it may be a simple fix, but if not, just prepare for the fix at some point in the future. I'm OCD so I'd have to address it.
Toyotagirl- I am still looking for the coolant leak. Took it to another mechanic. He couldn't find it either. But he did admit to smelling it "you ain't crazy" is al I got. I am thinking about going with the UV dye kit. Then I will find it. I am suspecting the radiator, water pump or maybe the bypass water joint gaskets. The later two will be a pain, but that is how it goes sometimes. The last mechanic checked the water pump and said its not leaking but then where is it? I will find it.
I believe I found the source of the coolant leak. Water inlet o ring! I can see that it is wet and there is dried up crystalized coolant under it. Already got the new o ring (OEM). Will update after o ring is replaced. Toyota Part # 16323C
Good job I'd say this is definitely a good buy
Thanks!!
They are great cars and can run forever, however, if you are concerned about gas mileage and the cost to fill up at the gas pump, I would walk away 🙂
I would rate your deal as "Better Than Average". Lol. I have certainly seen WAY, WAAAAAAAY worse. 🙂
Thanks, another thing to add is we had a 2016 Santa Fe that didn't impress us much. We sold it and and made $2500 in equity and put it towards the Sequoia for which we paid for in cash. Now we own the Sequoia, no more care payments which was our primary goal. And hopefully get something that lasts for a while. We looked at a Lexus RX300 and a 4Runner that was in much worse shape so I know what you mean.
I agree. It bothers me that I cannot find the leak, nor the dealer after 2 pressure tests. Then again it wouldn't be the first time a dealer missed something or couldn't find the problem. Not sure what to do next but I will keep an eye on it and keep checking for leaks in all directions. Maybe it is just the radiator? I hear that they are part aluminum, part plastic and the plastic can leak over time. And the smell is the strongest over the radiator, not over the engine (yes, I smelled all around too!). I did replace the radiator cap as well. If it is leaking, I will find it.
Have you changed the radiator cap? If not, start there and buy an OEM one.
@yaser
He did " I did replace the radiator cap as well. If it is leaking, I will find it. "
@Kerem:
Hopefully, he replaced with OEM part, not with those Chinese junks.
Yes it was a Toyota OEM part.
Nice buy. What do you think about putting the image of the car in the "Members Ride" page (you can look it up in the search bar at the top right)
The gas mileage is an issue, no arguing that (lol). But it is my wife's vehicle and she works from home permanently now. And when she does drive its not very far. Plus we paid cash for the vehicle, no car payments. Minimal coverage for insurance. All of this helps.