Why?
* Because my 2002 Tacoma TRD Off Road, which I bought new, was arguably the best built, most reliable vehicle I’ve owned. It has only been in the shop for 1. 90k timing belt/water pump replacement; 2. Replace a torn steering rack boot (snagged on a pine branch on the trail); 3. Spark plugs. It still is burning its original headlight bulbs (replaced only one taillight and license plate bulb). The AC still blows cold. The check engine light has only come on once, that in June, for a throttle position sensor voltage error. The truck is stock, has had a lot of off roading, has been on its side, has been in water deep enough that the cab got flooded by water coming in open windows when I misjudged a creek crossing.
*Because I am getting older. I use my utility trailer instead of the bed of my Tacoma. It has a camper shell, which limits hauling bulky items. Due to arthritis and old injuries, it is getting difficult and painful to get in the bed and crawl around back there. My left knee is shot, so the5-speed manual is literally a pain.
* My wife likes to take our two small dogs along when we go out into the local hills and mountains to explore and picnic. They want to both be in her lap. Neither stays behind the seat nor in the floor. A roomy rear seat is better at this stage of our lives than an ever empty bed. The dogs lay peacefully alongside her in the seat. My wife enjoys being “chauffered.”
* My son has always wanted the Tacoma. And my grandson is learning to drive. The Tacoma is like family, it stayed in the family. It is still reliable as the sun coming up now approaching 200k on the clock.
