Learn the fate of “the world’s most famous Tacoma” – with 1.6 million miles.
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Rarely do I get the opportunity to write a story or film a video for my “ToyotaJeff Reviews” YouTube channel where I am directly and emotionally involved.
And yet here I am, covering one my favorite Toyota subjects of all time.
This is why I am delighted and honored to once again show off “the world’s most famous Tacoma” and find out where it is today.
1.6 Million Mile Toyota Tacoma
Actually, the real mileage number for this 2008 Tacoma is right around 1,625,000.
Yes, I said it right.
One million six hundred twenty-five thousand miles, my friends (I dare you to sing this to the music from the play Rent – five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes).
And I was the person who saw this Tacoma right at its beginning. Turns out, lucky me.
Back in November of 2007, I was a salesperson for Fred Anderson Toyota in Raleigh, North Carolina.
I sold a 2008 Tacoma Access Cab, 4-cylinder, in a beautiful dark blue shade on an otherwise probably typical day. The customer was Mike Neal.
When I think of Mike Neal, words like humble, loveable, funny, loyal, and just a truly genuine and kind human being come to mind.
Mike would use his Tacoma to deliver nuclear medicines to hospitals along the east coast for cancer patients nervously awaiting their test results. Often with important and tight deadlines. Day in and day out. Year after year.
He took his job and responsibility very seriously, as you can see for yourself in my compelling YouTube video below.
He traveled over one hundred thousand miles each year. And over 1.6 million miles in total.
This is crazy cool.
Sad Times for this Toyota Tacoma
I recently got a call from Mike’s wife Cindy letting me know that Mike had sadly passed away from cancer. I knew he had been sick, but this was shocking and tragic news.
Cindy also told me that Mike requested that she call me, and that I would know what to do with “the world’s most famous Tacoma”. Wow, talk about heavy responsibility.
Initially, I really did not know the right course to take here. I could contact my friends at Toyota USA and see if they would like to buy it for research purposes.
But my wife Holly had a good idea. It was brilliant, in fact.
Video: The Fate of the 1.6 Million Mile Toyota Tacoma
I just posted this million-mile Tacoma video on my “ToyotaJeff Reviews” YouTube channel. I encourage you to watch it and share it on your social media pages if you like.
I am sure Mike would be tickled to know so many people care and are still interested in his story. He loved reading the comments (there were thousands of viewer comments – trust me) from people about his truck.
Where is the One Million Mile Toyota Tacoma?
At my wife Holly’s suggestion, I contacted the general manager at Fred Anderson Toyota, Sean Mehaffey. The thought was the dealership could buy back this one-of-a-kind Toyota Tacoma and display it in their showroom.
The same dealership Mike Neal originally bought the truck from.
Like the circle of life from Lion King. Everything comes full circle. Even for this incredible 2008 Tacoma.
Sean thought this was a fantastic idea and now it sits in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ready for visitors to admire and marvel at.
What an amazing Tacoma and what an even better original owner.
Thanks, Mike, for the great times and memories.
Time for Your Toyota Tacoma Comments
Have you seen any of my videos or TorqueNews stories about this Tacoma? I hope you enjoy seeing these updates, as this is probably my favorite video series I have ever made.
Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story.
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