The Toyota Tacoma has made a name for itself due to its capability and reliability. Cleats are extremely durable and can stand the test of time. A Toyota Tacoma has accumulated over a million miles. Yep, you read that right. Vehicles that can rack up 300,000 miles are rare. The million-mile Toyota Tacoma is an automotive anomaly. Here’s what we can learn from the long-running pickup truck.
Toyota Tacomas are built to last
The phrase “they just don’t make them like they used to” applies to many nameplates, but Toyota still produces some of the most durable nameplates in the industry. Whether or not the automaker’s quality has declined over the years is up for debate, but there’s no question that Toyota vehicles outlast their rivals.
The Toyota Tacoma is a particularly durable model. In fact, many Taco models appreciate in value rather than depreciate because they are known to be extremely reliable over long periods of time. The Tacoma is a midsize truck that requires very little heavy maintenance over time.
CarComplaints lists the 2005 Toyota Tacoma’s paint chipping problem as the Taco’s worst problem. While peeling paint isn’t ideal, it’s not a major mechanical problem. The Taco’s design is fairly simple and geared towards tackling rough terrain, which is why it’s such a popular off-road vehicle. These features make it perfect for long-term ownership.
So the first thing to learn from the million-mile Toyota Tacoma is that Toyota’s midsize pickup is especially well-suited for long-term ownership. If you’re looking for a midsize truck that will hold its value well, this is certainly something to consider.
Regular vehicle maintenance is the key to longevity
The better you maintain your body, the healthier you will be as you age. Vehicles are not much different when it comes to longevity. If you take care of your vehicle, it should take care of you (assuming it’s moderately reliable).
The second thing drivers can learn from the million-mile Toyota Tacoma is that maintenance is important. If you make vehicle maintenance a priority, then you should be able to squeeze more miles out of your vehicle.
According to TheDrive.com, the million-mile Tacoma received regular oil changes every 5,000 miles. Since it was purchased, the 2008 Toyota Tacoma has received new timing chain guides, a new alternator, and a new timing chain. It’s also important to note that the Taco has only been serviced by one shop. Therefore, maintenance is important and finding a good repair shop could determine the life of your vehicle.
Don’t be afraid to buy a used Toyota
The third thing to learn from the million-mile Toyota Tacoma is that a used Toyota model might outlast some new vehicles. As crazy as it sounds, there are plenty of drivers cruising around town with sky-high mileage Toyotas.
When choosing a used vehicle, do your research and check the reliability of the model year. See how the experts rated the vehicle and make an informed decision. The 2018 Toyota Tacoma doesn’t have many complaints against it at CarComplaints.com. Kelley Blue Book states that a certified used 2018 Toyota Tacoma with less than 68,000 miles has a fair purchase price of $20,520.
A driver could get at least 132,000 extra miles out of a well-maintained Toyota Tacoma with 68,000 miles or less. That equates to an additional nine years of driving based on the average annual driving range. So in summary, used Toyota models provide a lot of value over time and can be found at affordable prices.