I recently inherited a Honda Pilot that i am planning to sell and get a Sequoia, as a secondary vehicle that I can start turning into an overlanding vehicle. I've been looking into the difference between the first and second gens. I'm currently leaning towards the second gen. Mainly just a little bit newer, has the 5.7L, has a bigger aftermarket industry for performance parts, suspension and brake upgrades etc etc. I'm just want to get a feel from some owners of what they think, things to look for while looking to purchase a vehicle.
Cant say anything about the 2nd Gen. I own a 1st gen, 2006, 185,000. Sr5 2wd. I love this truck. Didn't plan on a sequoia, just happened.in fact, im 64 yrs old. My first Toyota. Been a car dude, truck dude. Worked across various automotive related careers. Not bragging or boasting. Just saying, from my various occupations, passions and experiences with all facets of people in my 64 yrs. Just guessing, top 5% of our population in general overall car and truck knowledge. Cradle to grave. The truck I purchased. I purchased to use everyday. Daily driver. I went from a hybrid, average 50mpg. To this beast, that gets 13 overall. Dont care, I get everything I want from this and more. Smiles per gallon are off the charts. The truck I purchased, in great shape, desert vehicle, 0 rust, most of underbelly looks incredible, no leaks either. That's when I really fell in love with this truck. Original Midwestern, dealt with rust etc forever. This 1st used vehicle I purchased in the desert sourh. Some things ive learned since being out here on how these vehicles are so much better for long term ownership if maintained. Lmk if you care to hear. With the prices of new, refused to participate in the insanity any more. And its not just autos either! Different story though. This one, needed ALOT, ALOT! for 20 years old, not pristine, overall great shape. Only maintenance done was basic Oil changes, brakes, tires. Needed alot of suspension work. Drove like a turd. Just finalized my suspension work, with a set of Falken wildpeak At4w. Now these are a set of tires for my needs. Look great, quiet, drives smoother than the Michelin defenders I took off. Love em. Always amazes how big a role your tires play in the ride, handling etc. Going on here a bit. I took a gamble on this one, no service history. My gut told me it was worth the risk. Paid 4,000, and after fueling up on maiden ownership drive. Battery dead, had to replace. From there directly to shop. Dont do heavy suspension work anymore. Didn't have the time either. Over the next 2 months, have done alot, and still more to do. I like em, nothing broken, perform at its best. Wont go crazy ever with mods. I've easily put in 11,000 to 12. In less than a year. It needed it. Blue book value, says I made a bad decision. Wouldn't have done it If I agreed. I not selling. Hopefully, ever. Parts are readily available, fuel costs are a issue. Comparing this to a new V6 TURBO, that'll cost 80,000$ that gets 16 to 18mpg? I'll take my first gen every day. This 4.7 engine is a beautiful the transmission is the upgraded 5 speed. Engineer "d extremely well. The only complaint ,
too quite for me. Hadn't owed a v8 for a bit. Wanted a little rumble. Got it for 200.00, utuber did video on straight ping after muffler delete. For me. Perfect! This one sounds great. I also indulged on ceramic window tint, and replacing all sundamaged lighting at the front
Both of these spends, No, all of my spends was necessary to have this truck a great, every day driver. Trustworthy shape. For 12 grand, I think I've done pretty damn. Good. Prior to this purchase, every vehicle I looked at needed 5,000 min put in and they were all in the 10,000 to 15,000 range. Shared all this with you, not to convince you on the 1st gen, but to share a little of what's ahead, no matter what you buy. If me, Im open to alot, if the value is there. For me this one is perfect, luv to have 4wd, but...... 95% of the time, it performs better, cheaper. Less maintenance than a 4wd. And as i have this setup, looks like a very capable off road truck. I do plan on a full overlander build ( budget friendly) in next 18 months. If plans work. Good luck in your decision, I always want that orignal owner, low mileage, fully maintained and documented vehicle. They are hard to find. I recommend you put those criteria ahead of what gen. Maintenance is so important. Again good luck, a maybe I'm in the top 1%, that loves cars/ trucks this much that I'd really this damn long. I might need some help LOL Good luck!
