Is Flex Fuel A Deal Breaker?

Searching for a 2nd Gen Sequoia to replace the wife's current '23 Rav4 (need more space).

Found a 2016 Platinum Flex Fuel 4WD Sequoia with 63k miles for $36k.

Looks immaculate and dealer maintained at the same dealer every 5k miles.

Worth the potential headache dealing with the Flex Fuel alcohol % sensor, or pass?

 

Hard pass imo.

 

From reading the forum it seems like folks do have some issues with needing to reset the alcohol/ethanol percentage level, and maybe I’ll have to buy the scan tool and do the same myself one of these days. But what I can say is that my 2016 Toyota Tundra that I’ve owned for 9 years now has been 100% problem free. I have about 116k on the clock now, and planning to add another 100k after that. It’s been a fantastic vehicle and doesn’t owe me anything at this point. Also owned a 2007 Toyota Tundra non-flex and it gave me more problems than this one, but both were solid vehicles overall. YMMV.

 

196k on mine, no issues. I had a Tundra as well with no issues for 3 years.

 

That sounds like a decent price for the mileage and reported condition. I would still consider a flex fuel version. A simple bidirectional scanner can make the ALC% issue an easy reset at home. Not everyone reports having problems. So it’s not across the board.

 

Yea I'm really torn on whether or not to spring for this rig, considering it checks every other box.

On the one hand I see testimonials on here that it won't cause any problems, but some claim it eventually will.

I have a bidirectional scan tool, but I really don't live the idea of having to train my wife to have to reset the alcohol % with it (as it'd be her daily driver).

Hoping for more positive testimonials to sway my decision that way, because searching for a 2nd Gen Platinum 4WD Sequoia that isn't beat with 300k miles or listed for 55k with 100k miles is getting exhausting

 

Most only have to reset the ALC% after years of driving. It’s not a sudden thing usually. You could check it and reset it at each oil change if needed.

 

I wouldn’t hesitate. My Tundra is a flex fuel and the 200 isn’t. Service history and condition would be much more important to me if I was shopping than flex or not.

 

My 2011 flex fuel 5.7 has had no issues 370000 mile. I run e85 once a year. Only if I'm going to run it out while traveling for work.

 

Flex fuel truck here, no problems.

 

Okay great, looks like we'll reconsider and go check this one out. Thank you all for your input

 

So I've actually placed a deposit to hold this particular Flex-Fuel Sequoia 2016 Platinum 4WD, 63k miles, w/ very consistent [every 5k at same dealer] maintenance records, until tomorrow, when I can drive 4 hours to see it, and hopefully buy it.

I plan to very closely inspect for:
- Cam tower/timing cover leaks
- Coolant leaks (valley plate, water pump)
- Vibrations
- Timing Chain Rattle
- Excessive wear on hitch receiver
- Frame/undercarriage rust
- Tire condition
- Signs of unreported accidents

Anything specific to the flex fuel model I should add to my list? Considering hooking up my friend's scan tool (Xtool D8) to check for pending/stored codes and see if I can't see that alcohol % readout. Appreciate any input.

I'm trading in a 2023 Rav4 with only 20k miles on it for this to be my wife's baby hauler/daily driver for hopefully the next decade plus. So that's why I keep 2nd guessing the Flex Fuel thing, but I am happy to see so much positive testaments above to it not being a deal breaker

 

You can almost scratch the receiver wear off. No idea why it bothers anyone that their vehicle has been used to tow before. I’ve towed with every vehicle I’ve ever owned. They are all still solid vehicles.

 

For me it's only on there because of the Sequoia not having a transmission cooler after 2010/2011. I know that the necessity of a cooler is a debatable subject though too. I just lean towards if they had it before they must have felt it was necessary. Needless to say I'll be adding one promptly to any Sequoia I buy

 

Check the blend door and AC actuator for unusual noises and vents not blowing the same temperature. Nothing to physically inspect, only sounds and temp readings.

 

Front calipers can get kind of draggy, same as the Tundra. Check the operation of the cruise, namely the front radar sensor. Folding mirror function. Air suspension operation, low, medium and high settings and the manual function.

DVD player function and all the accessories, headphones and the remote.

 

Will a 2016 Sequoia have radar cruise? I thought that didn't start till 2018?

 

It will not.

 

Mine has it, 2015. or whatever you want to call it.

 

https://www.thecarconnection.com/ti...-important-safety-tech-to-2018-sequoia-tundra

 

Are you talking about parking sensors? Radar cruise will not be in a 2016. The news story about the feature being implemented in 2018 models is linked above.

 

Okay.. or check the cruise control or whatever the gatekeeper wants to call it. Just make sure the front sensor is working.

The 2015 Toyota Sequoia has a Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system that helps maintain a safe distance between vehicles. It also has conventional cruise control.

 

My apologies - didn’t realize they had an older system. Seems it’s known for not working well.

https://www.reddit.com/r/toyotasequoia/s/rl5DeXYEdc

 

Interesting stuff. Learn something new everyday

 

So I was able to go check out that 2016 Flex Fuel Sequoia, and everything checked out, and the vehicle was absolutely immaculate.

My wife will now hopefully be driving our kids around in this for the next 10+ years

 

I just checked my ethanol calc yesterday and all is good.

 

Very nice. I took my Xtool D8 to the dealer but decided not to bother hooking up and checking ethanol calc % because the thing runs like a top and cranks up perfect.

I'll probably check it tomorrow just for fun

 

let me know what they want to give you on trade for that rav 4. We are looking to buy one are selfs.

 

I have 2 Tundras, both flex fuel with a combined 845K miles. No issues with either. I also own a 2019 Sequoia that is flex fuel with 50k and runs like new. I would purchase another without hesitation.

 

They gave me 34k which was a little low, but I was so tired of looking for a Sequoia i just settled for it.

Beware of the possibility of wind noise in the Rav4s. We had ours 2 years and it had atrocious wind noise through the sunroof seal above 65 mph. And we had the limited AWD hybrid trim.