Best Overland Vehicle Under $5000 (How To Overland On A Budget)Sequoia Replacement For Land Cruiser?

The best overland vehicle for under $5,000 is the 1st generation Toyota Sequoia, I compare it to the 100 series Toyota Land Cruiser and how to overland for cheap.
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The best overland vehicle for under $5,000 is the 1st generation Toyota Sequoia, I compare it to the 100 series Toyota Land Cruiser and how to overland for cheap. If you’re new to overlanding, self sustaining travel over long distances in remote areas is a decent definition.
What makes a good overland vehicle, #1 - Reliability, if your vehicle isn’t reliable then you can’t overland. Thats why Toyota is one of the most popular overland vehicles despite it being “old technology” compared to Land Rover. The Toyota V8 has been one million miles in the Tundra truck. So reliability should be high on your priority list when choosing an overland vehicle.
#2 - Off road capability - Ground clearance, 4 wheel drive, traction control, locking differentials. You can go lots of places with two wheel drive but for some trails you will need a 4 wheel drive with more ground clearance than an average car. Lastly for some steep trails with lots of articulation you will need a locking differential or a good traction control system. This is where the Sequoia is weak, it doesn’t not have a proper off road 4 wheel drive system for very rugged trails, you will need a rear locker if you want to go up very rutted trails with loose terrain.
#3 - Cargo space - You will need lots of cargo space to carry all of your sleeping gear, food, cooking equipment and whatever else to help you live out of your vehicle and for it to be self sustaining over long distances, think emergency situations with water, food, tires and repairs. This is where the Sequoia shines, it has lots of cargo space, more than the Toyota Land Cruiser.

[@JakeTiesler]

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[@angrygerman3286]

I got a 2003 4WD Sequoia build for Overlanding..brute force front and rear bumper and rock sliders.2 inch old man emu lift..we removed all of the back seats and build a drawer system with mattress on top.it works great..

[@Mauro.787]

I got my amazingly maintained 2003 Sequoia Limited with 172,000 miles start of 2024, he gave it away to me for 4500 bucks!! After a decent trip towing a 4,000 pound camping trailer and going across the state it still runs beautifully with 0 issues, so glad i stumbled across this deal, me and my wife absolutely love this truck for camping 👏

[@jrob5411]

I remove the middle row seats during Colorado Elk season and sleep in my 06. Used the same mattress this year, it was very comfortable and stayed warm when temps dropped to the low teens.

[@TundraShiz]

These first gen sequoias and Tundras are the best trucks ever!! This is the best kept secret in truck history! and they're dirt cheap

[@amanwithnoname6687]

Not anymore

[@Baebon6259]

I bought a 300k sequoia. Previous owner beat the hell out of it. I spend 2K to replaces all bearings since they were making noises. Other than that smooth trans and engine.

[@wadeberry8261]

I use a Sequoia like this and it's great, have a storage drawer system in the back where the 3rd row was,rtt and that's pretty much it.have done many 5+ day trips with each one over 1500 Miles

[@faithingod9554]

The prices on these Sequoias are going up very beautiful Rigs

[@cleonard71]

The Sequoia has ATRAC. Traction control. I have an 04. I believe it doesn’t work in 4H. I know it works in 4L under 2000 rpm. Using the brakes shuts it off. I can stick a wheel in the air and keep going. Abs kicks in and stops the wheel from spinning.

[@VIDgamesLover]

Yes 4wd sequoias have ATRAC. There is no way of disabling it other than unplugging the brake fluid sensor. The 1st gen sequoia and 100 series land cruiser have the exact same 4wd system except for the fact that 2001-2002 sequoias only lock the center diff in 4lo+low gear on the AT. This was changed in 2003 with the addition of a CDL button just like the LCs. If you have an 01/02 sequoia there is a pretty easy mod you can do to have the center diff lock whenever you want by adding a switch.

[@luisamoroso3648]

ATRAC System on Sequoia is engaged only in 4wd (works in both 4wd Hi/Lo) and you turn VSC off. It will act like a limited slip without engine power cutoff that normally occurs with TRAC system.

[@CaliRob281]

@@luisamoroso3648 I've amazed Border Patrol Agents and a Local Rancher following me on his SxS with my Sequoia, I'm a believer now!

[@luisamoroso3648]

@@VIDgamesLover the advantage I've always appreciated in a Sequoia over a 100 series LC is that you can have 2WD and Full-time 4WD in a Sequoia which in my case allowed me to make it home safely when I busted my spider gears on my front diff going off road. I would have been SOL in a LC

[@mryang3644]

@@luisamoroso3648 wrong about your fulltime 4wd comment... a Landcruiser fulltime is pretty much AWD.. a Sequioa isnt, 4hi dont mean fulltime.. Go try a sequoia goin down the freeway in 4wheeldrive in high speed like landcruiser.lol.. u will blow that shit up.... 4x4 is not the same as FullTime 4wd( Awd).🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ambienteterrazas]

I bought a 2002 Sequoia 4wd back in February, due to work and school i have only done one camping trip with it but that was enough to love it. The amount of space is awesome, its comfortable for long rides, me and my wife slept inside and it was so comfortable. I have more trips to remote spots in baja in the near future and i will continue to mod it as i go along. Cant beat a 4wd toyota, V8, 4wd with 180k original miles , with tons of space for way less than 4runners or jeeps. I knew i was sacrificing 4wd capabilites but i bet my tree will get me to all the places i want to.

[@JakeTiesler]

🙌🙌🙌 congrats

[@converse9421]

He’s right about the sequoia in muddy, rut hills with articulation. I got stuck pretty bad going up hill when a tire was in a rut. But my LC100 could have powered thru.

[@ant.8673]

I love me sequoia, for all the reasons you listed. Sand and mud are not joke for most off road vehicles lol depending on how soft or how deep the mud is. Also factors to consider are driver skill level and tires.

[@rogermiller6049]

a good set of off road tires could go long way.

[@goonies_never_say_die]

Sequoias are probably a better all around vehicle for when you're not on trails a lot but very few things beat a cruiser off road. In a Sequoia you get a better, more usable third row seat and general amenities. I have owned a 100-series LC, first gen sequoia and am currently looking to swap my 200-series LC for a second gen sequoia. Sequoias do get better mpg too.

[@jaswindergalib]

I have Sequoia 2001 Limited edition I put back on Road after one years just put new tires battery and some rear door Hatch and Handle and Repair driver seat (worn out put Around $1500 Canadian and it Work like I bought in 2005 when it only have 40000km on it realy Happy with it

[@erich964]

We all know Land Cruiser. is the greatest vehicle ever built. That being said the Toyota sequoia is a spectacular truck and if the Land Cruiser did not exist I would drive one. But in a big but the Land Cruiser does exist and it’s the greatest four-wheel-drive vehicle as I said ever made. The build quality iconic status resale value durability and very rare especially since they’re not bringing them into the United States anymore makes it the most exclusive truck in the world. Thanks for posting your videos I enjoy your content

[@james-he7xv]

im still trying to figure out where y'all are buying these sequoias for under 5k? they are closer to 10k everywhere i look.

[@JakeTiesler]

Mine was high mileage and had been repainted wasn’t nice at all

[@james-he7xv]

@@JakeTiesler i have a mint 07 4x4 with 220k and I've turned down offers over 10k because i couldn't replace it.

[@JakeTiesler]

Awesome! Used car prices are up right now!

[@saltystripesfishing2980]

The price went up because people keep talking about them which in turn made them more popular. I got mine for 7k and honestly wished I saved for a new truck cause currently I had to pay 6k in repairs, and the damn thing is still in the shop due to hidden electrical problems that my mechanic found when changing the stereo. I know not nearly as many have all these issues but id be prepared to spend a good 4 to 5 grand fixing them.

[@Nacturnal702]

Iknow ,i know ,,Bought mine -2004 SR5 4WD for 3,400, and i Love it , lots of plans for mine.

[@Awghan]

I have a 2005 model and it's amazing 150k miles.

[@jaycrzy5737]

is it powerful/spry or quick even

[@JakeTiesler]

It’s fine

[@jaycrzy5737]

@@JakeTiesler fine? lmao

[@tonyinfinity]

Rear locker makes all the difference in the world.

[@archivegarage7638]

Our 05 Sequoia has a great 4wd system, true no lockers, but one of the best 4wd systems: 2wd, 4hi w/ lsd center diff, 4hi lock, 4lo lock

[@ndanieltx]

Bought a 2 owner 2004 Limited 2WD. Wanted a 4WD but couldn't find one. It is a beast and does well in 2WD. If I keep it and can't find a 4WD ill put a locker on the rear. I love it has 224k paid $3100 for it.

[@JakeTiesler]

90% of the fun for 20% of the price! Value

[@averagedriving3979]

As far as I know Toyota Sequoia use multi mode 4wd, but in 2001 Toyota Sequoia uses a slightly different version. It didn’t has a button for diff lock. Push 4wd once button will just engage full time 4wd. You needs to lock the center differential to get it full capability. In order to lock the diff, first go in to high leveler gear, then push 4wd so you get full time 4wd. Then push the button again and you will lock the center diff.

[@jeffkimmel3033]

You can not get a new frame welded in. There was a frame replacement, but that is long over.

[@JC4130BMX]

This is the difference between California and the rest of the us. These are the weakest trails ever! Potentially 9 miles from help? I guess the man bun weighs down your cervix

[@JakeTiesler]

😂😂😂

[@CaliRob281]

I have an 01 Sequoia with some suspension upgrades and JBA control arms. When it was stock I had it on two wheels many times and it always compensated for that and transferred the power to the correct wheels.

[@rjhein]

Not sure this guy is accurately detailing the way the 4wd system works. He keeps on saying it's like "open diffs" - while that is correct in theory, so is the landcruiser's system the same way actually. 2000+ landcruisers they all are open diffs but they use atrac. The Sequoia also uses atrac once you lock the centre diff. At 9:06 he's showing the front/rear wheelslip, but doesn't reference if the centre diff is locked (part time 4wd) or if it's just the full time 4wd system engaged, which is inferior. Once you lock that in, and apply even throttle the atrac system should kick in. I've owned sequoias as well as landcruisers. They operate very similarly, and from what I can tell he's not really showcasing that in the Sequoia, and falsely claiming the systems are dis-similar... Which is incorrect - To a point anyway... While atrac is actually tuned a bit more aggresively in the cruiser, it's still operational in this rig he's reviewing. Something he probably didn't realize, or know how to operate. Read the owner's manual - it's all in there, as well as the vehicle brochures :)

[@JakeTiesler]

Hey, Yeah unfortunately I think what has happened is the previous owner pulled the plug for the brake system, see the ABS light on the dash - the a trac won’t work if the abs light is on - previous owner pulled the plug to remove the a trac I’m assuming to get more wheel spin and full power instead of the a trac cutting in to cut power - I would like to plug it back in and try again next time

[@PpPp-zf8cv]

The price going up on This 02’Suv!!!!!

[@everready19373]

So you know your car is ready to break and you're out of water and you continue on anyway....

[@norp7374]

...how the start of a weather channel documentary happens.

[@Phantomedic]

The road noise is on maximum level loud! That's one thing i hate about my toyota tundra 2007. No sound deadening

[@JakeTiesler]

This is true

[@ToyotaNutjob]

That's 2nd gen trash

[@vkhiev]

Love my 2005 sequoia for multi purpose power and size. Also have tundra but I mostly take sequoia for overland off road

[@ottozoxoz6477]

I love my stock 05, 22K miles with Falken wildpeak A/T tires

[@Lizard31]

Thank you for this awesome video! Excellent!

[@460Fanatic]

Great video! I got an ‘02 a few months ago. I’m looking forward to taking it on adventures. They’re excellent vehicles.

[@Aikynbreusov]

That Sequoia has the Landcruier 100 series engine..... Lancruiser 100 series was priced at $54,000 brand new for 2006 & 2007 model years....the Lexus version LX470 was $15,000 more..... my mom bought the 2006 Lexus version due to its nicer interior, quad head lights, more expensive paint, and the badge.....

[@nekto34]

Land Cruiser prices are making me sick. I really wanted one but the prices have skyrocketed. Sequoia seems like a good alternative. For now.

[@dail42]

Right there with you! I've been waiting to grab an lx470, but the prices are going nuts!

[@nekto34]

@@dail42 Hey good luck with this. If you see one that is good price and condition to you, get it. Buyer competition is intense right now.

[@dail42]

@@nekto34 I agree! I’m leaning towards grabbing a Sequoia now, and waiting on the market for the LX to come back down...unless I find a unicorn that is worth the high price lol!

[@nekto34]

@@dail42 Sequoia is definitely interesting and still affordable. This week I decided to settle on a 4th gen 4Runner. Never thought I would but I bought it because of the reasons above. It's a really good machine, even though less desirable.

[@dail42]

@@nekto34 Congrats man, enjoy it!

[@jayshanahan4502]

Well done... thanks!

[@yourmomsux81]

I have an 03 SR5 I want to turn into a family overlander

[@johnaustin2276]

Probably not going to find a 3K$ 4 runner 4x4 these day's more like 5K+. Looked at the sequoia but wanted and got a 3rd generation 4 runner with locker. Yes very capable 4x4 but less room for stuff and sleeping even though we tent camp. With a rear hitch cargo carrier to hold wood and ice chest, that leaves plenty of inside space. Would love a Land Cruiser though.

[@solarforfuture]

beer fridge for overlanding! got the same rig... plush

[@kyjelly5524]

I just bought a 2000 tundra for the reasons you mentioned. The sequoia is really cool but I also have a dirt bike and I hate hitch carriers. The open diffs kinda suck. Maybe one day I’ll get a locker. The 1st gens have great reviews.

[@danielmolloy5776]

I put an arb rear locker in my 2005

[@kyjelly5524]

@@danielmolloy5776 how much did that run? Did you do it yourself?

[@danielmolloy5776]

@@kyjelly5524 it was around $2k all in

[@everready19373]

So how many miles did that have on it when you bought it?

[@jP-nw7nm]

Lovin this video

[@everready19373]

Bureau......

[@henrykeresey8201]

I feel he knows what he's talking about, but saying that a 19 year old vehicle bought for $5000 dollars has a sunroof that doesn't work seems a little nitpicky.

[@JakeTiesler]

$3400

[@jimmyharris9955]

Nice video dude. Thats in my future Purchase 4x4 yes an it will pull my hunting boat. Thxs

[@JakeTiesler]

🤙

[@MultiDreamer1979]

It is a land cruiser pretty much but without the ridiculous price tag

[@mryang3644]

Thats why the last of the capable and expensive landcruisers are the FJ80.... Straight axles bud, and depending on model and trim levels, front and rear stock eLockers..... Any Landcruiser series that doesnt have a straight front axle isnt a real landcruiser, its a total rippoff gen.

[@landonjamesknutson]

What tires for you have on it? Do you like them? Thanks

[@kalibearsr]

Bought mine bout 2017 now has 205,000. 2003 awd limited. My motor went out. I got a shop quote me 7,000 for a used motor. I love my sequoia what do u think is it worth replacing the motor please let me know thanx

[@JakeTiesler]

$7000 is a lot - why did it fail?

[@archivegarage7638]

Seems really high, should be able to find an engine for $1,500, and a shop to install for another $1,500. As mentioned in video, these have a camshaft timing belt that needs to be replaced every 100,000 miles along with waterpump and tensioner pullies, or engine damage will occur when the belt breaks.

[@sandovalpaul]

Get a second opinion but the engine shouldn't fail you unless the previous owner didn't do no maintenence for the engine

[@kalibearsr]

@@JakeTiesler back on aug on a hot day reaching in 100 i was in the drive thru. my sequoia started to overheat. I try to drive it to the nearest gas station that when it shut off. I tow it to a shop and that what they quoted me. I called my mechanic he also told me might need to replace the engine

[@mercedesbenzs600bash]

@@archivegarage7638 Really good to know,thanks...

[@PathosRx]

Are you driving around with a rotted frame? How does that happen where you are ?

[@Ihaveknowideawhatimdoing]

What kind of radio do you have?

[@JakeTiesler]

I’ll have to look but it’s in Russian because previous owner was Russian - seems to be an eBay deal

[@campampates]

Have a 2001 Sequoia in the exact same color config as yours...non 4wd i bought for $3400...i'm trying to justify buying a LC100 but i can't do it... i hate leather seats and my SR5 has cloth which i prefer especially in the summer heat in Las Vegas...the space is ridiculous...i believe it's like 40% more space on the Sequoia...same freggin 4.7 V8 Engine...it's a grocery getter...how many of us are really getting in the mud and going outdoors in ridiculous landscapes like Australians do? i bet it's less than 10% of actual owners...It's 15mpg when compared to the 2022 Sequoia at 17mpg on average...can't justify any sort of upgrade right now...Anyone who says otherwise in terms of need is either in Australia or trying to keep up with the Joneses.

[@smirage22]

I'm looking at a 02 SR5 4wd for use in Las Vegas, it's got the leather but that's not really a big deal to me

[@philiptaylor2567]

Are these fairly quiet on the highway? I imagine the Land Cruiser was much nicer feeling and quieter on the highway. As you mentioned, thats where you spend the majority of your time overlanding.

[@JakeTiesler]

It’s pretty good on the highway - not as good as the land cruiser but not bad at all - captains chair with arm rest

[@ozarad6263]

Parts it's a big difference Sequoia it's available and cheaper

[@Aikynbreusov]

This guy used to be so attractive just a few years ago.... He used to wear a red cap.... Good Lord, this whole national lock down really has transformed people.

[@JakeTiesler]

You should see me now! Haha

[@mryang3644]

Under $5k?... nah, a 3rd gen 4runner is better.... u get a rear locker in the limited models.. and better Mpg

[@91celsior]

A limited sequoia interior probably would compare close to a landcruiser

[@JakeTiesler]

True

[@josephmcmahon6051]

What's that gage setup you've got?

[@scottb7835]

Sequoia seems like a stretched out 4Runner. Land Cruiser is a completely different animal.

[@archivegarage7638]

Actually, The Sequoia is very similar to 100 LC, the 4runner is very similar to 05+Tacoma in the front suspension and size

[@scottb7835]

Archive Garage I had a 2001 4Runner, been underneath a few first gen Sequoias, and now own a 100 series LC. LC is different. I can’t speak for the newer 4Runners/Tacomas though.

[@archivegarage7638]

@@scottb7835 I know the 100 has a separate coil and shock up front, which I figure is done for easier trail repairs, whereas Seq has coilover shock

[@scottb7835]

Archive Garage 100 series actually has torsion bars in front

[@archivegarage7638]

@@scottb7835 Ok, missed that.

[@harisqureshi7469]

nice!

[@_Machine631_]

I think sequoia's are great for overlanding. i mean they dont have lockers, but you can swap to a dana front from a F250, get some lockers, GOOD tires and it will be more than enough for the avg joe.

[@vkhiev]

What's your gas mpg like

[@JakeTiesler]

17-18 hwy 8-12 city

[@ZoneTelevision]

I have 2003 Limited. .. If people would learn how to use their brake in serious rock crawling situations the difference between the Sequoia and LC is almost negligible. The Price of Used Sequoia's is starting to climb. I have almost 300K on mine. These trucks were over-engineered deliberately.

[@JakeTiesler]

On mine something is disabled with the abs light on, no traction control working etc - it would be better with it working properly I’m sure

[@ryzen397]

I would get a rear locker installed

[@JakeTiesler]

Yeah man it’s generally pretty good. Only with deep ruts and lots of articulation you will have problems.

[@nightvan4427]

Hi, Sir, Why in Washington a Sequoia with 180,000 costs 7,000-8,000?

[@JakeTiesler]

Suppply and demand?

[@invictawarrior]

You're either super brave or super stupid going out that far without water in an older vehicle though it be "sound mechanically". Father time and decaying rubber hoses, timing chains, electrical or even ripping out a brake line on a rock, what have you could be a cruel teacher. How well traveled is that trail?

[@abominablestormtroopersnow4510]

Ball joints, ball joints, ball joints! Check/change your ball joints if worn or vehicle is new to you. Every 50K mi would not be to much, these 1st Gen Tree's eat ball joints up. Use OEM Toyota ball joints, stay away from Moog. ~ 2004 Limited 4WD 140Kmi, 2" lift (OME & 5100s), 33" BFGs, Method 17X8.5 wheels. I love my Beast💪! Hope to have it 20+ more yrs and hit the Million mile mark. "Oh what a feeling"!🔰🇯🇵

[@JakeTiesler]

💪💪💪

[@WalterPidgeonsForge]

Always fun to see people “Going off- road” in a shiny, luxury SUV with pristine rocker -panels, perfect bumpers, no winch, all terrain wannabe tires, open diffs, etc..Zero driving technique.. no understanding about the vehicle or mechanics. Idiots deserve to die alone in the desert.. posers My driveway is rougher than these “trails” ..

[@JakeTiesler]

😂🤙

[@jimmyharris9955]

Adventure is what its all about live life while your young.

[@kraybrother8768]

😅😅😅😅he big mad

[@jaymoar3561]

It’s only better because you sold your Land Cruiser for this. 🤔😬

[@JakeTiesler]

Still not better

[@kraybrother8768]

24 mile trail i can walk that shit with no water

[@AliAuto101]

Good suv but too heavy and floaty I think 4 runner is the best size

[@JakeTiesler]

Def floaty but currently getting 19 mpg on road trip

[@mryang3644]

4runner hands down

[@stevbarto]

Him: "Is the Toyota Sequoia a great overlanding vehicle? Absolu..." Ad turns on Me: ABSOLUTELY OR ABSOLUELY NOT?????