My Long, Hard Road to Becoming a Hardcore Toyota Pickup Fan
A Change of Scenery
My wife and I moved to Florida at summer’s end in 2016 to help my parents with their new business. I elected not to drive Revan down. So, for a short while, I was without my beloved truck. I ended up driving my dad’s F-150 back up to South Carolina and rented a trailer. Then I towed my pickup over 500 miles to Ocala, Florida.
Jess and I consistently took Revan out for night drives, touring the local towns and experiencing life. I learned so much from that first Toyota… Sure, I got stranded a few times, and frustrated with the work–but I have zero regrets.
While in Florida I happened upon a contestant in a local film festival. We chatted it up and he invited me to join his film crew. It changed my life. I got very serious about film over the next few months. That being the case, I quickly realized that my old touchscreen tablet was not going to cut it in my screenwriting or editing endeavors: I needed a proper computer. And I needed to raise some funds fast to buy one.
At this point, I was primarily driving the F-150. I did a full accounting of my assets and came to a conclusion. I had to sell Revan, my beloved truck.
The thought broke my heart, but I knew I was serious about working in film one day and would need a good laptop. After I listed my truck for sale on Facebook, it sold within a few days. I nearly cried as Revan, my beloved 1987 Toyota pickup, drove off in the hands of someone I knew I’d never see again.
Thanks for the Memories
As I look back, I recognize that what Matt gave me was much more than just my first Toyota pickup. He gave me memories. Jess and I consistently took Revan out for night drives, touring the local towns and experiencing life. I learned so much from that first Toyota, and shared that knowledge with other young men interested in cars. Sure, I got stranded a few times, and frustrated with the work–but I have zero regrets.
Over the course of my Yota ownership, I dealt with many issues. It had a consistent oil leak. I had the chain mishap. At one point the fuel pump sprayed gasoline everywhere but into the carb. And cooling system maintenance was performed more than I care to admit. But, these issues never once took away from my love for this truck.
In Revan, a solid Toyota truck, I found a faithful friend. I didn’t get around to everything I wanted to do to fix him up right, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
If you’ve ever considered purchasing a Toyota pickup, do it. You will not regret it. Your first Toyota is special, but your first Toyota Pickup, even more so.
Photos: Tyler Linn