Tacoma 2008 Access Cab

Hello Folks!! I have a base model Taco 2008, I enjoy the truck overall and I’ve had it over a year. I bought it with 100k miles on it, currently it has 120k miles. It Hasn’t really given me any problems and I purchased it because I started a lawn care business that’s is doing okay. I picture myself using this truck in the near 2-4 years until my business picks up more, than I’ll be force to purchase a bigger truck. For now I do want to fix it up a bit. I would say my budget is about $10-$12k I’m thinking of wrapping it, doing a lift, some off road tires or mud tires, and some rims. I don’t know how much that would cost but I would truly like some advice. I know nothing when it comes to Tacoma’s or how to build one so any advice would be appreciated. I’ll post a picture of my truck. I just want to stand out a bit given it’s going to be my daily + work truck.

 

Theft deterrent. It truly sucks finding it disappeared along with your investment in equipment.

Some sort of rack for things like weed eater, leaf blower, brooms, shovels, dust pan. Also a way to lock everything so if you need to run in a Home Depot, things won’t get swiped when you’re away.

Things like floor mats, seat covers, window tint I’d call secondary necessities. Get it set up so it’s easy to work out of first.

I picked up a few different spectacle holders for drivers sun glasses, regular safety glasses, reading glasses, shade 5 cutting glasses, and over sized glasses for when I need to look at something and have safety glasses at the same time.

$5 Artilife Magnetic Sunglasses Holder for Car Sun Visor Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0948KJTHP?ie=UTF8&th=1
This one works well for the over sized ones.

Croakies Shade Dock Car Sunglass and Eyeglass Automobile Shade Visor Clip, Black (2 Pack)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H4B2JLK?ie=UTF8
This one works good for the rest.

 

The best investment would be to buy a small trailer for the lawn equipment.
Invest in maintenance and good quality lawn care equipment.
Skip the lift and mud tires. Depending on where you have to park, A/T tire would be helpful.
Save all the money you can and upgrade truck and equipment as the business grows.

If you really plan to grow your business, that truck probably isn’t the one for you.
And honestly, no Tacoma would be. But the a 4WD with V6 would be “better” if you just have to have a Tacoma. Personally, you’d be better off with a full size truck that can pull and haul all the equipment.

Until then, work the grind. Grind hard and apply the money towards the business.
Not the truck.

 

Rims. They are the easiest way to make it stand out without sacrificing mileage if it's your daily driver or work vehicle.

 

As a new business owner perhaps you should keep more money in reserve.
A switch to bigger rims and tires will greatly improve the truck 's looks. 16" alloy rims from Highlanders, RAV4s, Siennas and some Camrys are a straight swap.
Also, Tacoma tailgates are flimsy. Get a metal replacement reinforcement panel like this.

 

Here's a before and after of basically the same truck with 16" Highlander wheels.:

 

I already have a small trailer that it’s hauling. This is my 2nd year in business but my 1st full year with the truck. I do agree that I should not spend a lot of money on the truck since in the long haul I’m going to sell it. Or I am also thinking of keeping it and sending out my crew with it, but that is way down the line. Thank you for your feedback

 

Ohhhh I like it! I’ll definitely look into maybe just rims and tires. Thoughts on fenders?

 

Thank you! I’ll look into it, but you are right I need to keep some money in my reserves

 

Skip the fenders, put running boards/sliders next on your list. They won't break the bank.

 

I do like the boards but you don’t think it’ll look silly since it’s a small truck?

 

There are hundreds of types of running boards out there for every type of truck. big or small. Research it and check out some examples when you're driving around. Just be really certain it's what you want and that they will fit. Maybe some other folks will chime in.