I am shopping for a Sequoia 2011-13 This is what my budget allows me.
1) I am looking at the Platinum and would like to know if the ride quality is noticeably better with the air suspension compared to the Limited with Coil Springs. I will not be towing anything, just ride highway 4-5 hour trips, carrying gear and 4WD ride on beach monthly. I just want to know if Platinum ride is smother and handles better than Limited because of the air ride suspension. ( I had a Lincoln Navigator that I switched out the (money pit) air ride suspension for coil springs and the Lincoln then rode like a F150 pickup truck, I was very disappointed)
1a) do the air ride bags have issues after a certain age? Like 10 years? (each air bag is $570 each plus all pumps and levelers etc. ( I do not want a time consuming money pit like the Lincoln)
2) Platinum version has 2nd row bucket seats which I feel I would favor over a bench seat. (only 4 would ever ride in vehicle) Are there any disadvantages for bucket seats? eg... Will not fold down flat for cargo etc.
3) If anyone had both Platinum and Limited Just would like to know their thoughts of what vehicle they liked better and would prefer over the other.
Yes, the air suspension would make the ride quality better than coil springs. The only reason it rides like a truck with coil springs because of the body frame construction. You have to realize that air suspensions won't last long compared to coil springs. Always test drive the vehicle you wanted to see how they feel in terms of ride quality. The air suspensions usually last around 10 years before you have to replace it.
