LAST (TACOMA) POST

I had 21 memorable years with my 99 SR5 XtraCab 4WD 3.4L V6 MT. It was my pride and joy. I was known locally as ‘The guy with the shiny old truck’ It had 374,561 miles on it and there wasn’t a thing it needed. I’m going to post all the ‘before’ pics highlighting subtle modifications and then I’ll post the dreaded ‘after’ pics which are pretty much self-explanatory. I had a great run, it was incredibly reliable and an absolute joy to drive; I’ll be missing it for some time I’m sure (sigh),...........

I bought a 2006 Tundra Limited Crew Cab from my mechanic which saved me time and haggling headaches. The estimate with just the frame replacement and body work alone was $16,741.00 and would have likely skyrocketed to well over $25k when it was all said and done. It simply didn’t make sense to me to pour that amount of money into a depreciating asset, despite its condition. I will (not) be installing a bull bar on the Tundra. I've joined Tundras.com. Hoping it'll be a good experience like TW.


























AFTER:








THIS IS WHAT I COLLIDED INTO:

 

That Tundra will be a great rebound. And fwiw, the Tacoma would have never been repaired properly.

 

Sorry to see that for sure, I hope everyone is okay.

 

Thanks - there were no injuries or passengers in either vehicle, but both were towed from the scene.

 

What a shame, that was a nice looking 1st Gen. Hope nobody was hurt.

 

In other words, insurance was going to total it and you didn't want to pay out of pocket to fix it? That bumper guard didn't offer much protection.

 

Glad to hear no injuries, sorry to see you and your truck part ways like this, but it looks like you had a great run.

I had a 98, same color, v6, 5spd, sill miss it today.

 

I didn't have collision (comp/liability) only, and my insurance agent was quick to point that out. As is to be expected, their first priority is minimizing their out of pocket expenses. I have full coverage on the Tundra which includes a monthly rental car allowance for $74.00; that's also combined with AAA Plus, so all bases are covered.

 

"the Tacoma would have never been repaired properly"

The Tundra is fun to drive too. It has a tight turning radius more so than the Tacoma, and provides significantly more power. Slowly but surely it's growing on me. I respectfully disagree with you and here's why; my mechanic and I did a title transfer. He sold me his Tundra for what he paid which was a blessing. He referred me to the shop owner (a lifelong friend of his), to provide me an analysis and repair estimates. My plan was to get the new frame, replace the body parts and get it structurally sound but not do any painting. Next step was to tow it and have the engine taken apart and rebuilt. Even with 'friends and family' pricing it was well out of reach. I like, trust and respect my mechanic and he would have never recommended the body shop unless he was 100% certain they could do the work and execute all repairs at a high standard. Extensive ? yes, Impossible? no, logical to do?, not even close; even if I had the resources to complete the work, I don't think I'd move forward based on the cost alone.