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We thought we picked out an SUV....but we are having doubts

63 messages,  Last post on Aug 06, 2009 at 10:28 AM

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What is this discussion about? Infiniti QX56, Toyota Sequoia, Lincoln Navigator, Ford Expedition, Car Buying, Car Comparisons, SUV

Messages Page 4 of 7

#24 of 63 Re: We thought we picked out an SUV....but we are having doubts [buzzy8] by mikey13170

Jan 11, 2009 (1:14 pm)

Replying to: buzzy8 (Jan 11, 2009 12:55 pm)
If you look at the brochures it appears to show the console opening up more into something like a laptop table, etc.....Since I don't have mine installed yet I can't speak for sure, but I believe it folds flat....or as level as the seats when they fold down.

#25 of 63 Re: We thought we picked out an SUV....but we are having doubts [mikey13170] by hdfatboy

Jan 11, 2009 (3:01 pm)

Replying to: mikey13170 (Jan 11, 2009 1:08 am)
"Where did you purchase the controller to override the system? and can you post a link for me? I would like to do the same."
 
Here's a thread outlining how I and others installed the override controller http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/tundra/110944-diy-all-nav-functions-all-ti- me-9/
 
Here's the site where the controller can be bought (and instructions on how to make it if you're electrically inclined.) http://www.pinemountainfirearms.com/pmf/tundramods/NavSpeedPulse.aspx
 
I'm very satisfied with this install. I installed a small switch in the cubby below the climate controls. The switch is completely out of sight yet easy to switch on when needed. 99% of the time the switch is in the off position. When I need to get a phone # from the phone book or use any of the features of the Nav unit while underway, I flip the switch on and everything works as it would if I were stopped (and if Toyota's attorbeys were alittle less anal about controlling everyone's life to the lowest common denominator).
 
I'm really glad I installed the switch because if I hadn't I would have ripped the Nav unit out by now and thrown it on Ebay. Saved alot of money with a $50 device from Wilee.
 
Good luck...its worth the effort.

#26 of 63 Re: We thought we picked out an SUV....but we are having doubts [buzzy8] by hdfatboy

Jan 11, 2009 (3:27 pm)

Replying to: buzzy8 (Jan 10, 2009 7:41 pm)
"The looked on the computer and found us a dealership that had 4 of them in Maryland (we live in PA)....so that is what we did today. My husband drove it and we even had our 10 year old try and slide the seat forward. It really was a breeze. Just the extra step of folding it forward and then the next child getting in would have to slide it back to sit in it. (still trying to wrap my head around that as you can see). The one we looked at had the factory installed burl wood trim. It actually looked nice with the tan interior. It had everything in it except the laser cruise control which the dealership said is very rare to see that in a Sequoia. It had the remote start (which seems like a joke-wish there was an override for that one), skid grid and satellite radio. It had an MSRP of $60,000. "
 
Buzzy, please be careful. This dealer sounds like he's trying to load a vehicle up and then find an unsuspecting buyer that doesn't know better and have them pay for the add on's whether they wanted them or not.
 
There are lots of Platinums out there and there will be alot more as Spring rolls around. If you really have to buy now, please don't let the dealer know that.
Here's a posting from another forum where I posted the exact steps and the actual email addresses for dealers (east of the Mississippi) so that you can let other dealers know of your interest without having to drive around. http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/sequoia/119932-how-get-great-deal-08-plati- num/ If you follow these steps, I'm very confident you'll have exactly what you want at the absolute best price beforte next weekend.
 
Lastly, here's a Platinum spec sheet with the dealer's cost for a Platinum. You should absolutely pay nothing more than dealer's cost and probably at least $1000 less than cost in today's market before incentives are applied.
http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/members/heatwave3/albums/08+platinum+sequo- ia+black-red+rock+combo-60/07-sequoia-platinum-invoice-1-259/
http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/members/heatwave3/albums/08+platinum+sequo- ia+black-red+rock+combo-60/07-sequoia-platinum-invoice-2-258/
 
For that dealer's platinum with 7000 miles on it, my guess is you shouldn't be paying over $40,000 for this used vehicle. Edmunds has dealer retail for a used Plat with 7K miles at around $43K retail, $40K direct sale. I wouldn't spend over $41k for that used Plat. if it helps.
 
Good luck and let us know how things turn out.

#27 of 63 Re: We thought we picked out an SUV....but we are having doubts [buzzy8] by hdfatboy

Jan 11, 2009 (3:47 pm)

Replying to: buzzy8 (Jan 11, 2009 12:55 pm)
"One question (we forgot to look at this when we were looking at the platinum yesterday) but does the center console flip down flat at all? We were just wondering if we had the option of putting all 3 kids in the 3rd row and flipped down the 2 captains chairs if they fold flat into the floor along with the console? Thanks! "
 
Buzzy,
The center console in the 2nd row has a lever on the back of the console that allows you to flip it forward so that it lies flat with the 2 captains chairs when they are folded down. With the 3rd row seats folded you will have a flat surface from the back of the front seats to the rear hatch.
 
Regarding the dealership, I've bought a significant number of vehicles from all types of dealers over 30 years. To be honest, none of them should be trusted. They really only have one single goal in mind and that is to size up the customer and exact the highest potential price from that customer regardless of the cost of the vehicle.
 
That's not a good or bad thing, its just the way it is. Therefore my recommendation is to let as many dealers as possible know the exact vehicle with options that you are interested in and have them send you their best price in writing by email. Those that refuse should be ingnored.
 
If you then want to take the best price to your local dealer to see if they'll match it, then by all means test them out. In the end, you need to look out for your family and their finances, not the financial well-being of a particular auto dealership. Sounds harsh however there will likely be over 1000 auto dealerships that close shop this year and you need to be more focused on your own bank account than theirs. There's likely to be alot of shenanigans by dealers in the coming months as many of them reach their final financial gasps. Don't get caught up in one of their last ditch efforts to take advantage of buyers.
 
My apologies in advance to any and all auto dealership employees that are offended however I say it like I see it and and unfortunately the seeds of demise of many dealerships were sown decades ago.

#28 of 63 Re: We thought we picked out an SUV....but we are having doubts [hdfatboy] by mikey13170

Jan 11, 2009 (6:13 pm)

Replying to: hdfatboy (Jan 11, 2009 3:01 pm)
Thanks HDFATBOY!!
 
Does this void the warranty on the vehicle in any way?
 
I paid for the extended warranty and would hate to screw it all up.

#29 of 63 Re: We thought we picked out an SUV....but we are having doubts [mikey13170] by hdfatboy

Jan 11, 2009 (7:30 pm)

Replying to: mikey13170 (Jan 11, 2009 6:13 pm)
I'm probably not the one to go by regarding the impact on warranties. I do know that there are many state laws that prevent manufacturers from voiding warranties for unrelated changes that an owner might make to a manufacturer's product. Namely they can't refuse warranty work on the drivetrain because of upgrades or modifications to the Nav unit such as adding an XM tuner or the override controller. OTOH they could potentially withhold warranty work on the Nav if they believed an owner's add-ons intefered with the factory option. In the end, its easy enough to remove the controller if needed.
 
I have an extended warranty from Toyota and was not concerned. Or at least my concern was overidden by my need to use the Nav unit while underway.

#30 of 63 Re: We thought we picked out an SUV....but we are having doubts [hdfatboy] by buzzy8

Jan 12, 2009 (7:43 am)

Replying to: hdfatboy (Jan 11, 2009 3:47 pm)
Thanks again as always hdfatboy...we are in no rush so we can take our time....we have a minivan that works fine (and a Camry and a Tundra and an old BMW) but we are really only trying to get a great deal and take advantage of the market. If we do not get a great deal we are holding off.
 
I wish we played with that center console in the Platinum but when you fold it flat does it require that the chairs be folded at the same time ?(you mentioned that it folds flat with the captains chairs but does fold independently)
 
We also failed to look at the Platinums cargo space the is left when the 2/3 part is folded down. We are going to go to our local dealer to look at that on the Limited as I am sure it is the same. We have a ton of luggage when we go on trips which is another issue to work through on the Platinum.
 
I am so glad you explained the aftermarket Satellite so we know that getting that as a line item and finding one that has it is not important as it can be added later.
 
Oh, and do you have laser cruise control? If not do you miss and if you do would you miss it if it wasn't there?
 
thanks!

#31 of 63 Re: We thought we picked out an SUV....but we are having doubts [mikey13170] by buzzy8

Jan 12, 2009 (8:00 am)

Replying to: mikey13170 (Jan 11, 2009 1:12 pm)
Mike,
 
I did find what you mentioned on Cars.com...wow! I really makes it much easier to see what is out there....bettter than how I was looking. It seems from what our local dealer is saying is that they have other Toyota dealerships they work with and trade...not sure how they do that on their end? We were just always under the understanding that dealers are able to make a better deal with what is sitting on their lot.
 
Appreciate the info on the IPOD. I know not to look for this option or the satellite or remote start and to install it aftermarket. Such helpful info.....just have to settle on the Limited or Platinum....

#32 of 63 Re: We thought we picked out an SUV....but we are having doubts [buzzy8] by hdfatboy

Jan 12, 2009 (9:39 am)

Replying to: buzzy8 (Jan 12, 2009 7:43 am)
"I wish we played with that center console in the Platinum but when you fold it flat does it require that the chairs be folded at the same time ?(you mentioned that it folds flat with the captains chairs but does fold independently)"
 
Yes, the 2nd row center console in the Plat can be folded flat independent of folding the Captain's chairs down. In fact, on long trips if we stop for a snack or lunch to go, the center console is folded flat and used as a table top. Its actually designed with shallow compartments to keep meals/snacks on the surface from sliding off during braking or turns. Additionally, the cupholder divider is removable from the front of the center console so that it can be placed on top of the center console after its been flipped into a table...rather nice design.
  
"We also failed to look at the Platinums cargo space the is left when the 2/3 part is folded down. We are going to go to our local dealer to look at that on the Limited as I am sure it is the same. We have a ton of luggage when we go on trips which is another issue to work through on the Platinum."
 
We had a similar concern coming from a Suburban where there was alot more space behind the 3rd row seat. We've taken our daughter back to college many times and typically fold either the 1/3 or the 2/3 side of the 3rd row seat down to hold more stuff on the return to school while still letting my son sit in the 3rd row section that remains up. Its worked well for us.
  
"I am so glad you explained the aftermarket Satellite so we know that getting that as a line item and finding one that has it is not important as it can be added later."
 
Glad to help. No sense in giving the dealer $800 when you can install an XM tuner for under $300. If the dealer offers to install the tuner for $400, its probably worth it not to have to install it yourself.
  
"Oh, and do you have laser cruise control? If not do you miss and if you do would you miss it if it wasn't there?"
 
Interesting...this was the only option I didn't get and it was by design although I could easily see the benefit of laser cruise. I didn't get it because I tow a boat alot in the summer. I had heard from others that they were concerned that while towing in traffic you could find yourself exiting traffic to a ramp and then the laser thinking the road was clear and unexpectedly increase speed to the pre-set. Not a good situation while towing and I elected not to get this option. That being said there have been many times on long trips that I wished I had the laser cruise to avoid the braking and cruise re-setting steps.
 
Hope that helps.

#33 of 63 with 3 kids... by explorerx4

Jan 12, 2009 (4:29 pm)

i would look for a loaded low mileage used suv, there are tons out there.
if you don't like it, maybe you lose 10k swapping it.
on any new one you will lose 20k.
plus with the kids beating it up, you won't be as bothered about it.
i recommend having one of the kids in the 3rd row.
keeps the peace.
if you need more room for vacation. buy a hitch mount or rooftop cargo box.

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