Shopping for a 2nd gen

I am shopping for a used Sequoia. It’ll be used as a family camper. Very mild build. Simple lift and 33-34’s. Roof rack. Will be driven all over Utah’s backcountry roads.

I’m looking at 2. One is a 2008 SR5 with 200k miles - $9k.
Second one is a 2011 Limited with 170k miles. Asking $13k.
Both appear to be well-kept with all maintenance done (trans, xfer case, diff fluids all done, coolant flushed, etc.).

I’m thinking saving $4k and getting the 2008. Only 30k difference in mileage.

Any reason I should consider the 2011? I don’t care about the Limited trim. The SR5 seems to have most of what the Limited has anyway (leather, nav, etc).

 

Consider:
Does either have a color you prefer?
Any timing chain noise on either?
Any valley plate leakage?
Water pump been done on both?
Are both the 5.7?
Smooth and steady up to 80mph?
What is the insurance difference between the two?
Any brake or body work needed before build starts?
What does the family say about either (they gotta be happy too)?

All things being mostly equal I'd probably choose the 2008 and pocket the $4k. $4k is a nice chunk of change for the start of a build...

 

They have the maintenance records. I don’t think water pump has been done on either. Same with brake or body work. Seem to drive nice.
But I agree, $4k savings is nice. That would pretty much cover the lift, wheels and rack.

 

How is the frame? Rusty bolts and such?

Limited would be my choice just for the heated seats alone.

 

Frame is good. Just a bit of surface rust from the salt they spray here but it’s the high desert where I live so doesn’t really get too rusty.

But I ended up with the 08. Good amount of maintenance done. All fluids flushed/replaced within the last 2 years.

The only concern I have is the coolant is green. They took it to a local indy shop (not Toyota) and they must have just flushed out the Toyota red for some generic green coolant. I think I’m going to flush it and put the Toyota coolant in.

 

Good choice, either was going to be fine. I did the same when I got mine, full fluid flush with the correct coolant.

Welcome to the Sequoia family.