Multimillionaire Yankee Player Still Drives 2006 Toyota Tacoma
A Yankee player worth millions of dollars still drives a 15-year-old Toyota Tacoma. Yankee pitcher Gerrit Cole got a 2006 Toyota Tacoma in high school. Here’s why he still drives the pickup truck to this day.
The Toyota Tacoma is this Yankee player’s vehicle of choice
Most Toyota vehicles are reliable. The Toyota Tacoma is a favorite amongst consumers because it can take a lickin’. The vehicle is known for off-roading, but many consumers enjoy it as a daily driver as well.
According to CNBC, Yankee pitcher Gerrit Cole got his 2006 Toyota Tacoma as a high school student. 15 years later, the multimillionaire still enjoys driving his Taco and supposedly doesn’t intend on upgrading anytime soon. This speaks to the humility of Cole but also is a huge reminder that the Taco is an amazing pickup truck.
Cole’s vehicle of choice is a testament to the longevity of Toyota vehicles. Toyota and Lexus models are consistently some of the most reliable vehicles available. The Japanese automaker deserves recognition for regularly producing vehicles that can last over 15 years or over 200,000 miles.
Are Toyota Tacomas good trucks?
Toyota Tacomas aren’t the best compact trucks on the market. They lack the comfort that modern trucks provide. Tacos don’t provide the smoothest rides either. Automatic transmission Tacomas can have jerky acceleration.
The Toyota Tacoma is a great work truck, but as far as modern expectations, the Taco is becoming antiquated pretty quickly. Like the Toyota Tundra, it could benefit from a few upgrades. Toyota Tacomas come in several fun trim levels that can provide lift, better suspension, and better tires.
Ultimately, the Toyota Tacoma isn’t meant to be the best compact truck or even the best compact work truck. In its purest form, the Taco is meant for off-roading. Its reliability and longevity are assets as well.
Insurance coverage and maintenance costs on Toyota models are relatively cheap. The Japanese automaker is amazing at providing customers value. When it comes to the Toyota Tacoma, you get what you pay for. The Tacoma comes in several trim levels that offer upgrades for even more off-roading fun.
How much does the Toyota Tacoma cost?
A brand new Toyota Tacoma base model starts at $26,400. The base model makes 159 horsepower using its four-cylinder engine. It gets 20 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway. Not the fastest truck or the most fuel-efficient, but the Taco gets the job done and is extremely affordable. A new Tacoma could easily last the average driver 15 years and more active drivers about 13 years before needing serious maintenance.
For drivers looking for a little more fun out of their Toyota Tacomas, the automaker offers the TRD Off-Road trim for $34,565. This trim comes with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine that makes 278 horsepower. It gets less gas mileage but trumps the base model in just about every other category. This trim includes a TRD Off-Road tuned suspension as well as an electronically controlled rear locking differential. An extra $1,135 will get you this beast with a manual transmission.
Gerrit Cole’s ride may surprise some, but Toyota owners and Tacoma fans understand exactly why the Yankee pitcher loves his Taco. The introduction of new trims has leaned into the Taco’s best features. The popular compact truck seems to only get better with time.
