Toyota Sequoia for Sale - Import from Japan

Born for the American heartland in 2001 and never sold in Japan, the Toyota Sequoia was Toyota’s answer to the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition. But unlike its rivals, it carried the bulletproof DNA of the Tundra pickup—and gained a cult following thanks to its unkillable V8s and rock-solid chassis. The second-generation (2008–2022) Sequoia hit its stride. With the 3UR-FE 5.7L V8 under the hood, it pulled over 9,300 lbs, seated eight adults, and drove like a lifted Camry on steroids—especially with the optional rear air suspension and 4WD. The third-gen, launched in 2023, introduced the V35A-FTS i-Force Max twin-turbo hybrid. More power, better fuel economy, yes—but some enthusiasts still chase the roar of the old V8. Today, early V8 Sequoias are aging into classic status, yet in proper condition these giants remain surprisingly refined and immensely capable. Especially if sourced from Japan, where condition and mileage can be dramatically better than what's rotting away in salt-belt states.

Let’s cut to it: the 3UR-FE is the one. Found in Sequoias from 2008 through 2022, this 5.7L V8 spits out 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of truck-grade torque. It doesn’t rev high; it doesn't need to. The engine note is more growl than shriek—like a baritone clearing his throat after a bourbon. And when you stab the throttle, the Sequoia hurls itself forward with shocking urgency for a 5,500-pound SUV. That said, the 2023+ V35A-FTS hybrid powertrain blows past it in sheer numbers: 437 hp and 583 lb-ft. It’s quicker and cleaner. But that’s not why you're here. You want the analog feel. The slotted 6-speed auto from the earlier models. The weighty steering. The slow, powerful climb over backroad washboards. If you’re importing, prioritize clean USK65 Platinum 4WD models. They come with the air suspension, factory nav, and electrochromic side mirrors. But keep a sharp eye—neglect the timing belt past 100k miles, and you’re staring down $3k in bent valves and busted heads.

Climb into a second-gen Sequoia and the first thing you notice is space. Everything feels huge—but not crude. The leather seats are padded like first-class airplane chairs. The dashboard, while massive, is logically laid out. It’s tactile, not trendy. On the road, it’s all about presence. The ride floats over street bumps thanks to the optional air suspension, but don’t expect unicorn comfort—on gravel or washboard surfaces you'll feel the truck bones underneath. That’s a feature, not a bug. This is body-on-frame construction, not crossover monoculture. Sensory? Let’s talk sound: the V8 has a low-end bass thrum at idle, becoming a velvety bellow as revs climb. Your foot commands obedience. The gear shifts are deliberate, not rushed. And when fully loaded with gear and people, it never wheezes. It powers through. If there’s a downside, it’s fuel economy. Expect 13–17 mpg with the 3UR-FE. The hybrid bumps that to a quoted 20mpg, but early feedback remains mixed. Which brings us to the smartest move of all…

Here’s the twist: even though the Sequoia was never sold in Japan, you can still import U.S.-spec models back—especially with the 25-year rule approaching for early builds. Some wealthy owners brought these into Japan secondhand, and they're now auctioning them off in better condition than many U.S. fleet survivors. Japanese auction listings frequently carry Grade 4 or higher, meaning clean chassis, no rust, and detailed records. That alone is worth the shipping bill if you’ve ever poked at a Midwest Sequoia with a rusted frame. ZervTek is uniquely positioned here. We handle sourcing through both auction houses and private JDM stocks, including non-JDM vehicles like the Sequoia. We've already helped clients in the UK, Germany, and even Uganda bring in Sequoias that would put most U.S. dealer lots to shame. Importing from Japan is no longer just for Skylines and Supras—it’s how you get clean trucks, too.

Let’s be honest. For all its charm, a Sequoia isn't a no-maintenance dream. But it's predictable. Problems are known, fixable, and rarely fatal if you're proactive. Top of the list? That 3UR-FE timing belt. Stick to 90k service intervals or risk catastrophic failure. Then there’s the notorious air suspension bags—expect them to droop by 120k miles, especially in cold climates. Luckily, there's a growing aftermarket for coil conversions. Dash cracking from sun exposure is another common gripe on earlier models due to brittle plastics. Not a dealbreaker, but worth inspecting. And be wary of the AB60F auto’s 2–3 shift solenoid on neglected units—it’ll clog, slam, and eventually limp-mode if the transmission fluid isn’t fresh. Still, when well-kept, this thing shrugs off abuse like a sumo wrestler in a bar fight. It’ll tow boats, bash through dirt trails, or just haul your family with Lexus-like aplomb. We have a curated selection already inspected. View all used Toyota Sequoia models in stock or ready to import.