"It's a Tacoma thing..." What's a Tacoma thing??? (Serious question post)

I've been a compact truck owner all my life, S10, Mazda B, Ranger... I'm not a brand loyal person, rather I make my purchasing decision based on a LOT of research, reviews, etc. Price and fuel economy, as well as reliability have always been high on the list of determining factors. I tend to purchase mid-level trim packages, and in all the vehicles I've owned, the only "mods" I've ever done were installing auxiliary back-up lights because I like as much light going in reverse as going forward (Wait... I think I bought a set of cheap rubber floor mats for the B4000 because it was carpeted and came with carpet floor mats...). Anyway, that to say, for forty years (near enough) I've bought vehicles and driven them as they came off the lot. Period.

Last year the Tacoma won in the 'John needs a new truck' sweepstakes and while it was pricey, I am so far of the opinion that my 2018 DC Sport, AT was worth every penny and is in fact the best truck I've ever owned. BUT... now I'm spending money on toys for it. Nothing huge, I'm not an off-roader, so I'm not going to lift it or put fancy rims on it, but small stuff; tonneau cover, roof rack, Weather Tech mats, LED lights, Redline Tuning struts, Gashole...

The question is (and I mean this seriously): WHY?????????? Why after almost 40 years of driving and owning trucks am I suddenly buying all these toys for my Tacoma? I realize these are penny-ante "mods" compared to what many do, but for me it's a pretty radical departure.

Discuss.

 

The answer to your question "why?" Is TW

 

It’s a Tacoma thing man. That’s the problem.

 

Because on Jan 19th 2019 you decided to join Tacomaworld.

 

Because you joined Tacoma World will be the most common response. And I will like to thank you for the Friday heater in advance

 

This will fix the need for aux backup lights:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/gy6-35-hir-921-reverse-light-upgrade-vs-high-power-leds.474996/

 

Yup. My truck is the first vehicle I've ever added anything too, even if it's mostly small stuff. Blame rests firmly on my time spent here

 

Joining TW is why I got rid of mine

 

Mo Tacoma Mo Problems

 

It’s all the money you could be spending on maintenance

 

Just like everything else in the world, you're being exposed to parts more now than ever.

The internet has set consumerism on fire.

 

Why you’re caught up in the mod fever is simple... 1) best selling midsize truck results in lots of aftermarket “stuff” available, which leads me to the real reason, 2) the Tacoma has such a large diversified customer base that everyone can’t be satisfied with the truck as is... I know I wasn’t.

I only mod the things I think I need... such as; a front camera (can’t see shit near the front end); MesoCustoms fuse cover, because I needed to tap interior power, and the current cover won’t allow for install with a tap in place; trailer brake controller (obvious reasons)... etc.

 

You just don't ask questions. Just like when your wife/gf says "its a woman thing" just leave it be.

 

because you are a member of TW. If you never found this place, and have had a chance to see all the modification and beautiful trucks on this site, you would of been content and happy. Now, your wallet and credit cards will be the death of you. The only way to save money and have a happy life enjoying your truck is to NEVER come here again, and have an admin delete your profile! Run now, while you can!!

 

In as much as I'd like to, I really can't blame TW for this. I had the truck and a good start on my "mods" before I joined. Admittedly TW came up as the #1 result in most of searches for topics on "How do I ......... to my Tacoma", but at that point I was already looking.

While perhaps not as large, the a/m base for the Ranger is pretty damn big in and of itself, yet I never had the slightest inclination to do anything to my Ranger.

The only conclusion? TW is paying Toyota to insert subliminal messaging into our entertainment systems causing us to engage in this nonsensical and irrational behaviour.

 

Yep. It's a TW thing. I didn't even know putting a tent on your truck was a thing until I read it here. Then I had to have one. Don't know how I survived 50 years without one.

 

Super handy after having one to many beers. I couldn’t even tell you how many after party’s I have hosted outside the bar

 

it means only cool people have Tacomas

 

You prob. just had more important things to spend money on when younger or are more bored now.

I spent way more modding my Dakota in the early '90s than this truck but they actually had old fashioned hot rod parts for it.

 

Because it's the BEST truck in the world Tacoma that is!