Thinking about trading Sequoia TRD Pro for 4Runner TRD Pro

This is a good point. I always look for lift options for my Pro and I have to keep in mind to allocate budget to change the roof rack. Else it won't fit in my garage. Regular roof rails with 3in front + 2in rear lift on other 4runners have no problems cleaning the entrance. I think with construction cost these days it would probably cost arm and a leg to increase the height of the entrance and a new taller garage door. Aftermarket low profile roof racks would be more functional and less wind noise than stock TRD pro rack I assume.

 

Since you already have the V8 in your LC, I would go for the 4Runner and take the $15k.

 

Maybe even Lexus GX. Still got a V8 and not too much of loss of range though it has same fuel tank as 4runner with V6. low to the ground like a Highlander for relatively better handling than 4runner. Better interior. Offroad package will give extra skids (i know they are standard in 4runner world), also Offroad package with give some off-road tech but sufficient what its made for. If I'm not mistaken now GX460 has timing chain so no need to go through that trouble.
Just a thought for an option something between Sequoia and 4runner.

 

Trade in the Sequoia, take the $15k and put a Magnussen supercharger in it. You will still be $6-7k ahead. If I had the option, that would be a no brainer.

 

I prefer a larger SUV, after not driving my Tahoe for a while when I get in it I miss the space and feel cramped in the 4 runner. For a family vehicle I vote sequoia with the nice V8 and no shimmy and needle bearing issues

 

I am worried that I'll miss the space and V8. This is the first time I'm reading about the shimmy and needle bearing issues - do these issues affect most 4Runners? I figured the 4Runner would be dead reliable, even more so than the Sequoia, since it's built in Japan.

 

My thoughts exactly. I really wish I could keep the Sequoia and also purchase the 4R. I wouldn't have space in the garage though, and one vehicle would need to live outside. Plus it would be another ongoing expense, insurance payment, maintenance, etc. My wife already thinks I'm crazy for owning 3 vehicles and a motorcycle.

 

Scroll through some of the treads, it seems to me that these issues have been around for a while with a lot of people with them…the shimmy is why I am trading my 2022 4 runner in. I thought it would have been a 100% stellar vehicle being made in Japan as well but I can’t live with it. Drive train seems solid though (except needle bearing issue) had my front differential replaced before 1000 miles under warranty. I noticed issue at 100 miles.

 

The shimmy is dependent on the tires you put on, others may not agree, but I am 99% thinking it’s tires that are not perfectly balanced, and the runner makes it stand out.

 

I had no clue on this either. It could be the wheels too.
I only experience this with my TRD Pro. After roadforce balance sometimes (very rarely) I get little steering vibration at a very specific speed and hard to replicate. I was thinking may be TRD Pro wheels are not in perfect quality as the other wheels on my 4Runners from Japan. I think TRD Pro wheels are US part? Not sure.

 

As mentioned above, the shimmy is hit or miss. I only had issues when my tires weren't balanced.

The needle bearing is also hit or miss. But, they'll replace the differential if you have a problem. My original diff had the needle bearing problem. My replacement has over 50K on it with no problem so far. There's also an aftermarket replacement for the problematic bearing.

I know it probably doesn't sound great right now, but honestly it's still one of the most reliable, bulletproof vehicles you can buy. Any issue there is will seem worse than it is on an enthusiast forum.

 

I have a wife and two kids, our 4runner is more than enough for our family, we do have a 3rd row but is only good for my 8yo boy, my 12yo does not fit there, he's very tall.
the TRD PRO will not have 3rd row and a very lacking engine (power wise) compared to your V8 BUT..... you can use $10k of that $15k check and put a Magnuson Super Charger to that 4Runner and you'll have a badass ride!

 

Great info in this thread. Thanks for all the replies.

The shimmy and needle bearing issues are unfortunate. One of the main reasons I like the 4R is the reputation for ultra reliability. But maybe my 4R won’t have those issues. I would most likely leave it completely stock, no lift or anything.

The lack of power in the V6 is a huge downside. The Sequoia has such smooth, effortless power delivery. Whether I’m cruising on the highway, going uphill or running around town, the engine just purrs like a giant, contented cat. And the TRD exhaust mated with the V8 sounds sublime.

I have to admit I’m still completely on the fence about this trade. Maybe I have to find a way to keep the Sequoia and still buy the 4R….unlikely, but a man can dream

 

I would never go from a Sequoia to 4R.

Keep the Sequoia. Doesn't sound like you need the money.

 

I don’t recall any issues with my factory setup, put on my pro style and tires from my taco. Got some little issues once in a while, similar to when the first went on the taco but got taken care of with another balancing run. I’m going to put my factory setup back on in the next few weeks to get some more miles out of them. I am hoping it’s not the pro style rims, as I hope to use these for my highway/dd type wheel and put more aggressive on the factory Off Road wheel to use in the summer/camping season.

 

Just read through the 7 page long needle bearing thread on this forum. It sounds like it's a relatively cheap and easy fix, in the event this issue does rear its head. The ECGS bearing seems like a permanent solution, and it only costs several hundred bucks right? So in the grand scheme of things, it's not a catastrophic failure or something to be too worried about. Or am I missing something?

 

Keep what you have.....too much of a performance difference to be honest. I don't think you'll be happy.

 

My 4Runner lives on the street because I don't even have off street parking, haha. It'll be fine outside, it won't melt.

As far as the needle bearing thing, my 2013 is nearing 150K, and I don't have any issues with it. Every vehicle has its inherent weaknesses, and/or design flaws, and in the grand scheme of things this needle bearing thing really doesn't seem like that big of a deal. The steering shimmy is probably a worse thing, because tracking it down isn't always so cut and dry.

I'd just say get what you want. If you didn't also have a 200 series, I would definitely be in the keep the Sequoia camp, but you already have one 5.7 L powered vehicle. Between the two, I'd have to imagine that the 200 is nicer to drive, and is a heck of a lot rarer, especially as all you can get now is that Lexus monstrosity. To me having the two of them seems kind of redundant, but that's just my .02.

 

Good points. I do park the F350 outside fairly often. It usually gets covered in tree sap, branches, seeds, leaves, etc. Not the end of the world, but it drives me a bit nuts trying to clean it.

The 200 is nicer in some ways. More refined and feels like driving a bank vault. The Sequoia is much more family friendly though.

 

Funny I came across this thread after seeing a lunar rock TRD Pro Sequoia yesterday in NYC (Queens specifically, maybe you?).
I'll try to give perspective from a fellow New Yorker. I have never driven the Sequoia but I've had the 4Runner for a few years now. Coming from a 2007 Lexus RX, the 4Runner actually feels quite large in the city (especially after lifting it 2" and installing 285 tires). My significant other, who is accustomed to driving smaller vehicles (mainly sedans), does not like driving the 4Runner in the city. She is fine driving it upstate or out on Long Island, but it's too big for her to squeeze around double parked cars comfortably. I have gotten used to its size and can maneuver down our tight city streets with ease but I can't imagine the size of the Sequoia. I rarely drive into Manhattan because I doubt it will fit, with my lift, into the low clearance garages. If your wife is looking for a smaller vehicle for maneuverability around the city, the 4Runner is definitely a better contender compared to the Sequoia, but it is still a large vehicle for the city.
Unfortunately, I don't have kids but the rear seat is quite spacious. I don't see a problem fitting 2 booster seats back there with room to spare. Will it be as cavernous as the Sequoia, no, but I'm sure it's enough space for a small family of 4.
At the end of the day, it's a compromise you need to make regardless, but the $15k payout is enticing (especially since the used vehicle market seems to be turning). If you have any other questions related to the 4Runner in NYC, don't hesitate to reach out via PM. Happy to help or even meet if you want to get an idea of the 4Runner's size in the city.

 

You are correct!

 

Thanks so much for your detailed reply. Great to hear feedback from a fellow New Yorker. Funny that you saw a Lunar Rock Sequoia TRD Pro. We’re in Manhattan so that wasn’t me, but I rarely ever see another one on the road.

I’ve actually gotten used to driving the massive Sequoia around the city. I figure if those limo drivers are driving around in Suburbans, I can handle a Sequoia. But it’s a lumbering pig and not ideal for the city.

Once we get out of the city, that’s where the Sequoia really shines. For instance we’re planning a ski trip to Vermont this winter and the Sequoia would be ideal. Perhaps the 4R would be just fine as well though. And at least my wife would have somewhat of a comfort level driving the 4R in the city. If and when she drives the Sequoia (which is rare) she’s nervous, and I’m probably even more nervous that she’ll hit something. Driving isn’t exactly her forte, but that’s another story.

I’m leaning towards trading for the 4R. Like you said, the used car market is changing and it’s unlikely I’ll ever get offered $72K for it again.

 

The sequoia is my wife’s car and she loves it. I must say it really has a very good turn radius for its size.

 

Yeah, the turning radius of the Sequoia is outstanding. There’s a lot to like about the vehicle.

 

You've probably noticed that you get about 50/50 responses saying keep it / trade it...I don't have any advice other than what @Thatbassguy already said - get your hands on a 4R for a good test drive. You already know about the Sequoia, drive a 4R and see.

The needle bearing is a non-issue.

 

Separate question for you guys in NYC how many door dings, knicks and scratches do you get there? I would imagine vehicle finishes have to get beat up pretty bad there being so crowded? I am just curious.

 

Not NYC, but in the suburbs of Milwaukee my ex's car seemed to get a new door ding every other day working at a bank. Any time you park in a lot, or parking structure, it can happen. This is why I park as far away as possible and try to squeeze tight to a curb on one side.

 

Funny you mention it. I Noticed my first door ding yesterday and work in northern Manhattan.

 

Yeah I just thought along with everything else all the new parking lots here when repainted assume you drive a Prius or Focus and we have a lot of space in the suburbs of Detroit. I would think having a Seqoia as an everyday vehicle would get beat up in NYC but I have never been.

I am like that bass guy when the 4R goes out it’s in the very back away from all the idiots and the women who use suitcases as purses. Damn I see so many cars get hit with that stuff. Sorry I digress

 

Yep, not trading the space for a torturous 4Runner back seat.