Newbie Intro

Hello, everyone,

I only had to watch a couple Taco vids on YT to realize TW is THE reference point on the web for all things Tacoma. So here I am.

I'm a middle-aged, late-starting father of two gamers who need, just like I do, more time outside - the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Toward that end and my own love of the outdoors, off-roading, fishing, etc., I just got my second 4x4 pickup I've ever owned - and hopefully the last, if my new TRD Off Road lasts like it should. I grew up with Fords and owned a few so I leaned toward them over the last couple months as I researched my new vehicle purchase. My last pickup was a '94 F150 reg cab short bed with the factory off-road package (FX4 by today's standards) with 33s on it. I got it used in late '97 or early '98 then traded it for an '02 Lightning in early '04.

Over the years I've had what is probably a lot of new and used vehicles. Some I've done some simple work on and others I haven't. I got a new '06 Corolla when family life started which was bullet proof for 4.5 years except for an ECU malfunction at about 68k mi which the dealer paid to fix, even tho it was out of warranty, along with towing (40mi) - I was impressed. I traded it for a used '07 Expedition EL in March of '11. That served my 5-person family perfectly for vacations, but was aging (165k mi) and had been thru misfire, phaser, and CAT problems (typical 5.4). When I found out late in '17 I would be getting divorced I sold it and took over the other vehicle we had, a '13 Impala. Me and my two own kids have really missed having a truck. Not anymore!!

Most car dealers have found a way to disgust me over the years. Usually to the point I don't go near them after a purchase. I've used the same local independent mechanic since I moved up here 13 years ago. From the Corolla to my recent purchase of the Tacoma all my interactions with Gatorland in Gainesville have been pleasant. They seem to be different. With 4 years of free regular maintenance I'll be going there again and again. It's worth noting that the salesman who sold me the Corolla is still there in sales. I've had some crappy employers in my day so I know what it means for someone to stay working at the same place for 13+ years - it says something about the owners - especially in a field that is known for turnover.

My first add-on will be a tonneau, then sliders, and maybe an on-board air compressor. I made sure I didn't get one with factory steps. Thanks, in advance, for all the advice and help I'm sure to get over the years! Hopefully I can contribute, too!

 

Welcome to TW Matt

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Welcome to TW! Lots to learn here. Your wallet will hate you.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to TW!