Never thought I’d own a truck, but here I am

Hello! I am a proud owner of a 2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road (MT) located in the PNW.
Like the subject line says, I never saw myself as a truck owner, but somehow I ended up taking the plunge and now I’m here to learn as much as I can involving trucks/Tacomas/TRD/overlanding/etc.
I look forward to being a part of this new community!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Once you have one, you'll never be without! Welcome!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

I went without a truck for 15 years..and hated it.
Welcome to TW.
Post a pic of your truck or risk angering the masses

 

I thought i would not own a truck also and now I can't imagine owning something else! I also took the plunge and taught myself how to weld and made a custom flatbed. Now making a camper to go on top. Trying to build a multi-versatile offroad/overlanding truck

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome aboard

 

Welcome to the TW

 

I don’t off-road or camp, only really use the truck for hauling a few times a year. It would be cheaper to just pay for delivery in those circumstances vs my extra fuel costs owning s low MPG truck. Yet I’ve always had one and probably always will. LOVE my new ‘22 Tacoma!!!

 

Good Sunday morning and welcome!

What vehicles have you driven up to this point of "first truck" ownership?

Were you a coupe, sedan, or SUV person? Or maybe something else?

Also, what made it possible to switch from what you were driving to a truck?

Since I'm asking...

I previously owned an SUV ('03 Honda Pilot) for 16+ years. Before that, Sedan ('96 Accord) and before that a '93 Isuzu Rodeo 5-speed.

My first ownership of a truck was a used Isuzu Pup pick-up (long bed) while living in Hawaii. Wife drove the Accord while I drove the 5-speed Pup.

SUV was a great vehicle for my family and once the kids left the nest, I was still driving the Pilot until I was in an accident in Oct/2018.

My wife knew I was attached to the Pilot...we all were! My transition vehicle was a 2010 Mazda CX-9 until the time was right to get my Taco!

My family is not use to me being a truck owner and they want me to get rid of my truck desires.

This could take up all your time because my story continues each and every day.

Which brings me back to your new truck. You will begin your own story and I'm happy for you.

 

My first car was an 04 Civic SI (EP3) which set a foundation for my affinity for 3 door/5 door hatches, which I believe endorses the philosophy of practical functionality while also having the ability to have fun. As a youngster, I modded the SI but didn’t have the discipline for upkeep and maintenance so I eventually got a simple car—‘11 Kia Optima. I mark this era as the ‘dark ages’ where I did not care for vehicles and my love for all things cars was dormant. Eventually the car crapped out on me as it was burning through oil so I did the practical thing and bought an 04 Subaru WRX (wagon).
It was not in the best shape but it was the car that I had always wanted since I was a teenager so I went ahead and poured all my money, heart, and soul into it. I tried to build the wagon with a tasteful balance of both rice and rally influences. I loved the idea that this AWD vehicle could withstand the wilderness and also provide thrills on the street.
Then when my family and I moved up to the PNW, I quickly began to entertain the thought of going on camping trips with a bigger and safer vehicle with the kids. Something about moving up here seemed to unlock a side of me that I never thought was there—hence my subject topic. I also liked the idea that the bed would be a much easier and rugged way of hauling our gear for a place that constantly rains and occasionally snows, so then began my hunt for the perfect truck.
I think it is worth mentioning every vehicle I’ve owned (and hopefully will own) have been in a manual transmission—yes, even the Optima. I do not have countless hours of wrench time nor am I that well-versed in the automotive world, but I love driving and feeling connected to the vehicle, which I believe a car with manual transmission adds to that experience.
That’s just a quick history of my vehicle ownership and certain things I love about cars/trucks. Thanks for asking!

 

My first "owned" car was a Nissan Pulsar which I bought from my mother when I was at my first US Air Force duty station in 1986. I just needed a car to get around and meet girls.

You're braver than me...I was never into modding.

The WRX is an amazing lil car...I dig Skewps!

Definitely need some coverage in the 5ft bed to protect all that gear. I would imagine living in the Pacific North West (PNW) to be a very wet climate area.

I've noticed a distinct "passion" for manual transmissions from members on TW. So much so that...the distinction is widely emphasized/stated.

I learned to drive stick in a 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback back in the early 80s...it was 3-speed with a small in-line 6 cylinder. I did some front end damage on it during my heal/toe practices! lol

My teaching methods did not help my wife learn how to drive a 1993 Isuzu Rodeo so from that point on, I only selected automatic transmissions to accommodate my wife's preference.

I have 2 daughters who wanted to learn how to drive a manual so badly, they learned from me as well as their friends to succeed in the operation.

The younger daughter still drives manuals: Her Mini Cooper & her husband's GTI

Thanks for sharing your story too!

 

Here’s a photo I took this morning. With the exception of a tonneau cover, it is all stock. It’s going to take awhile to get started on the “to-do list” but excited nevertheless!

 

^^^^
Lookin' Good!

My suggestion...take your time with mods/upgrades.

For me, I felt that each purchase was needed...beginning with side steps and mud flaps.

And then the CAT plate to protect the catalytic converters...and then the TRD Skid...aftermarket vintage grill/garnish/Raptor lights!

Most expensive upgrade: OEM LED Headlights!

Heck, I had some Bushwacker Fender Flares installed last week and now I'm looking at getting bigger tires and lift in 2023.

Just take it easy and don't feel like you need to get everything right away! lol

 

What led you to getting a truck?

 

Welcome to TW!

Must do:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rust-on-frame-with-a-c-drain-mod-fix.444138/