Long-Time Lurker - 1st time Taco Owner

Hey guys. I've been scouring this forum for - well, let's just say I'm not proud of the hour count. But I picked up this beauty a few days ago and I couldn't be more excited!

2018 Toyota Tacoma, TRD Off-Road 4x4
Super White, w/blackout appearance package, and Predator side steps
3/1 leveling kit, 285 BFG K02s, and wheel spacers (all installed/warrantied by the dealer)




Before introducing myself, just want to say thank you to all of you who took the time to put together so much information about these trucks. I knew I needed a truck but I came at this decision from so many directions. Buy it as my new daily driver, or just a weekend work truck? 2nd Gen or 3rd? New or Used? Lift or No Lift? What size tires? (anyone know what's the biggest tires I can run? I'M JUST KIDDING!) - Anyway, this forum has been a really valuable resource, and I wouldn't have been nearly as confident in my purchase without all this information.



For those interested, here's a little about me and my cars:

Born and raised in Texas and my roots are too strong to ever live anywhere else. I hate the climate, and most of the geography, but I love the people. (If I could transplant the people and the culture of Texas, I'd move it all to Denver or somewhere in the PNW, and I'd consider that heaven)

I manage marketing & operations for a mid-sized company in Fort Worth. Been at a desk-job my entire working life. (minus a stint as a plumber's apprentice between high-school and college)

LOVE the outdoors but rarely get time to go out and enjoy it. (Hoping to change that in the near future)

In my teens I only bought fast cars. ('87 Camaro Z28 > '98 Mustang GT) In college I was focused on gas milage (95 Accord Coupe). When I got married I just wanted whatever was reliable. (98 Civic Coupe / 2004 Accord) When the kids started coming I still needed economy but with more doors and seats (2007 Honda CRV). As we got more financially established we both decided to upgrade. The wife needed more space for kids and friends and groceries, and I wanted to be back in something I could REALLY ENJOY driving but was still functional. (7 passenger 2014 Volvo XC90 for her, and a 2016 BMW 328i sedan for me)

But then sometime last year between borrowing my wife's SUV for my bikes and all my gear (I do triathlon as a hobby), borrowing my dad's truck for moving furniture, and trips to Home Depot, and yelling at my kids for walking all over the leather seats of my 'luxury' car, I realized I was just doing it wrong.

I needed something that could be more than a toy for dad, but a tool for the family. Something that was equal parts functional, enjoyable, and reliable. Took me a long time to pull the trigger, because (minus the Bimmer) I tend to keep my cars for a long time, so I wanted to do it right. But I think I made the right call.

 

Nice story An truck welcome to TW from a transplant Texas. Go check out the Texas region there is a DFW thread lotsa good people there an info on meets an sometimes you find a good deal on mod stuff.

 

Welcome to The Forum!

I like the family shot!

 

Will do, thanks for the tip!

 

Thanks! I like 'em alright too! Already got their grubby fingers all over the back windows, but I kinda dig it.

 

Welcome to TW... Nice ride and good looking crew!!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome Aboard

 

Welcome

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Okay, full disclosure; I geeked out a bit seeing a comment from the infamous Tacomaholic. Love watching your build on YT! As someone who's done the vlogging thing for awhile, I have tons of respect for anyone that can produce that amount of content. Congrats on your channel's success!

 

Nice truck, welcome!!!

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ls-on-1st-post.442133/page-1269#post-18218263​