Figured I’d share a little story about my Tacoma and how it’s been part of my life.

My parents bought this 1999 Tacoma PreRunner 3.4 V6 back in 2008 when I was just 7 years old. Ever since, it’s been like my first girlfriend — always there, always reliable. This truck was originally bought for weekend trips and vacations outside the city. Here in Suriname, we’ve got some beautiful natural swimming spots, and during school breaks, especially in August, this Tacoma would hit the road.

I got my driver’s license when I turned 19, and since then, it’s been my daily driver. Over the years, I’ve done a few repairs and upgrades to keep her running strong:

Alternator replaced in 2020

Head gasket and seals replaced in 2020

OEM shock absorbers replaced in 2023

Steering rack and pump swapped out with new parts from eBay in 2023

Brake booster and master cylinder replaced in 2025

Water pump replaced on June 20th, 2025

Added fender painted the rims black break drums en calibers red


In 2023, I had a windshield leak fixed. While working on it, the painter who was handling the windshield repair suggested adding a clean black stripe along both sides of the truck. I went with the idea — and it turned out great. It gave the truck a cleaner, sharper, and tougher look, and I’m really happy with the result.

This truck’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I plan to keep it on the road for many more years

This is a picture I took today at a friend’s repair shop:

 

Welcome to TW

In high school I drove my mom's cherry red 97 SR5 to school almost every day and everybody thought it was mine haha

 

Funny thing is, this truck is still registered under my mom’s name — and honestly, I don’t mind at all. What matters to me is keeping this Tacoma the cleanest and coolest first-gen in Suriname.
We don’t have many of these around here. I personally know of only four others, and most of them are more like work trucks and don’t really have that tough look.

I’m currently in my final year of a technical college program in Network Administration, and my truck gets a lot of attention at school. People always talk about it and check it out — and I’m not gonna lie, I love showing it off, especially since it’s a RWD
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What a great story! Keep that truck for as long as you possibly can. Something about these first gen Tacomas that just tug on your heart strings.

 

Great story. In 2000 I bought a Nissan Frontier, followed by another in 2009. If I’d been smart I’d have gone with a Tacoma in 2000 and still have it. Have a 2013 now. My neighbors have many Tacomas. One a 1984 and 1995 both with over 350K miles, another with a 1999 with the same. Mike the mechanic on the street has a minty 2001 as his only vehicle.

 

Welcome aboard, if lower ball joints were not part of your updates get them replaced ASAP. Look around here for why.

 

Welcome to TW!

my Dad is from Venez!