Long time reader, new member - 2001 work-truck

Just joined… finally. I have checked out the forum many times for years and always found great advice about repair and maintenance work. This is my beloved ‘Paloma’, a 2001 Tacoma XtraCab 2.4L 5-spd work truck with 245,000 miles. Oil change every 3500 miles. She is a joy to drive and work out of as a tile and remodelling contractor. Original clutch and shocks; extra leaf each side and AirLift Ride Control suspension. Handles like a sporty car . It can carry 2000 lbs no problem. Usually has about 1000 lbs in it. Sometimes pulls a trailer too. Hardworking little truck.

A few years ago I was looking to buy a Euro van for work - wanted a bigger cargo box. Visited Ford, Mercedes and Chrysler dealerships to see if I could special-order a new Transit, Sprinter, or ProMaster with a manual transmission and clutch (like these vans have in Mexico and everywhere else in the world). I even offered an extra $5000 when they all said no, but still no go. How disappointing! I must have a manual transmission or I will not enjoy driving anymore. So… I kept my trusty Paloma instead… and happy that I did. She never lets me down and drives like new (almost like new), and I always manage to squeeze all the tools and materials into it anyway; don’t really need a bigger truck for my work

I will try to keep her forever.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome, nothing like a trusty old companion you can rely on.