The Toyota Tacoma has made a name for itself because of its capability and reliability. Tacos are extremely durable and can stand the test of time. One Toyota Tacoma has accumulated over one million miles. Yup, 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-lasting pickup truck.

Toyota Tacomas are built to last

The phrase “they just don’t make ’em like they used to anymore” applies to many nameplates, but Toyota still produces some of the most long-lasting nameplates in the industry. Whether or not the automaker’s quality has declined over the years is up for debate, but there’s no doubt that Toyota vehicles outlast rivals.

The Toyota Tacoma is a particularly long-lasting 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 pickup truck that requires very little heavy maintenance over time.

CarComplaints lists the 2005 Toyota Tacoma’s paint peeling issue as the worst Taco problem. While peeling paint isn’t ideal, this is hardly a major mechanical issue. The Taco’s design is fairly simplistic and geared toward tackling rough terrain, hence why it’s such a popular off-roading vehicle. These characteristics 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 uniquely suited for long-term ownership. If you’re in the market for a midsize pickup truck that retains its value well, this is certainly something to keep in mind.

Regular vehicle maintenance is the key to longevity

The better you maintain your body, the healthier you will be as you age. Vehicles aren’t much different when it comes to longevity. If you take care of your vehicle, it should take care of you (assuming that it’s moderately reliable).

The second thing that drivers can learn from the million-mile Toyota Tacoma is that maintenance matters. 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 got 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 maintained by one shop. So, maintenance matters, and finding a good shop could determine how long your vehicle lasts.

Don’t be afraid of getting a used Toyota

The third thing to learn from the million-mile Toyota Tacoma is that a used Toyota model could potentially outlast some brand-new vehicles. As crazy as that sounds, there are plenty of drivers rollin’ around town with Toyotas with sky-high mileage.

When choosing a used vehicle, do your research and check on the model year’s reliability. See how experts have rated the vehicle and make an informed decision. The 2018 Toyota Tacoma doesn’t have many complaints listed against it on CarComplaints.com. Kelley Blue Book claims that a certified pre-owned 2018 Toyota Tacoma with under 68,000 miles has a fair purchase price of $20,520.

A driver could get at least an additional 132,000 miles out of a well-maintained Toyota Tacoma with 68K miles or less. That amounts to an additional nine years of driving based on the average annual driving range. So, in short, used Toyota models provide plenty of value over time and can be found at affordable prices.