My new Tacoma

Born to Run · Mar 29, 2012

After years of looking at these trucks - since first seeing the amazing Top Gear Hilux episode clip here - I finally bought myself a Tacoma.

After a bit of a complicated buying process (I started out with a Prerunner 4x2 TRD Off road) I ended up with the 4x4 Sr5 Double Cab with the LSD in Magnetic Gray. I had to give up the locker and some of the trimmings, but I am really glad I swapped trucks and ended up with a 4x4.

So far I could not be happier (unless Toyota decided to start selling the diesel Hilux over here). I think the Tacoma will be a great vehicle and see a wide variety of use. If anyone in Phoenix is looking to take a ride soon, I am itching to put that expensive little dial knob to the test - I just don't want to do it alone. Also I am looking for suggestions on what to do first to the truck. I don't really have any more money to put in it right now, but first items are to build a solid recovery kit, a reasonable lift (probably just the Bilstein 5100's with coilovers), and a new set of tires (the look of these dunlops are killing me). Any advice and/or guidance is much appreciated.

Pictures from my first ride up Four Peaks (just after the snow) in my now returned TRD Off Road Prerunner. It performed admirably, but I felt the itch to have the front wheels pull.