jeffpollard.net

Have a Taco!

Colder temperatures and some scattered drizzle couldn't keep a bunch of CustomTacos enthusiasts from meeting up Saturday at Loriella Park in Fredericksburg, VA. We ended with one of the largest VA meets we've ever had. We hung out at the park for a while enjoying burgers and checking out each other's trucks and then we paraded over to one of the local Toyota dealerships to check out their 2005 Tacomas. The salesmen at the dealership didn't quite know what to think when we rolled in 12 trucks deep. It was great.

After that, we went to Liberty Lanes bowling alley and bowled a few games. Overall, I'd say it was the best CustomTacos meet yet. We had a lot of fun getting away from the park, and even away from our trucks. I really enjoy hanging out with those guys (and girls).

Much thanks to Mike and Lauren for taking it upon themselves to exchange out our wedding gift DV Camcorder for another one. I used it all day at the meet and put together a short 3-minute music video. Check it out!

Object of my Obsession

If you've been watching TV lately, you've probably seen one or two or three of the commercials announcing the arrival of the 2005 Tacoma lineup.

The hype surrounding the announcement of this truck has been only second in comparison to the kind of hype that a new Apple product can cause. And I, as a Tacoma enthusiast and website owner, was definitely a driving force behind that hype engine.

So, getting the point..Throughout the time when the trucks were supposed to begin hitting the lots, I began to ponder how much fun it would be to actually own one of these new trucks. The problem is, I already have a really nice 2003 double cab model that's customized exactly how I like it. I'd have to say that it's the best truck I've owned so far in terms of being happy with how it drives, rides, etc.

But what about the new X-Runner model? Hmm... 245hp. 6-speed manual transmission. 18" wheels. Sport suspension. Super-comfy and updated interior. Oh, and don't forget the body kit. With fog lamps in the front air dam. And a kick-ass looking hood scoop.

2 months ago, I looked at the above things and said "Eh. Not that exciting." Now I'm thinking they are. After driving an 05' Tacoma Prerunner, the interior alone is a great reason to own one.

So a few weeks ago, I called one of the local Toyota dealers and asked them if they could find an X-Runner somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic region that they could get their hands on. The sales guy said he'd look around, but it didn't sound promising. "Good", I thought. "Just another excuse for me not to get too excited about it."

But then I get a phone call on Thursday of this past week. Here: have a listen.

My first thought when I herd that message was "Crap. Now what other excuse can I come up with to not buy this truck?"

Here's the meat of the problem: I really want to get one of these new X-Runners. I don't need it. There's no way I'd trade my double cab to get the X-Runner. My brain tells me that it's totally illogical to own two trucks. My finances tell me "....ehhh.....you might be able to swing it..."

I've been by the dealership twice since he called. It's not there yet. Here's what I figure: I'll stop by sometime this week when it arrives and drive it. It can't be that great, right? And then I'll go from there. By the way, it's black and I already owned a black truck and hated washing it all the time (although the sales guy said it shouldn't be a problem to trade it for a blue one like you see above).

Stay tuned and watch me struggle with myself. Hilarity is sure to ensue.

Happy Birthday, CustomTacos.com

November 10, 2004 marks the 3 year anniversary of the site. I posted this somewhat sappy (but from-the-heart) message on the site tonight:

Three years ago on November 10th, CustomTacos.com was born. It was a dream I had back then: to create a place where like-minded Tacoma owners could get online and share information with each other. My biggest goal was for the site to benefit people by letting them help each other, make friends, and make their truck as fun as it possibly could.

Today, we have more than 5,000 registered users that log on the site each day and do just that. It's incredibly gratifying to see you guys solving each other's problems and making lasting friendships.

So, here's to everyone on the site. Thanks for making this site incredibly sucessful...and one of the most exciting aspects of my life. Thanks for making my dream come true - everyday.

And here's to the future of the site. The best is yet to come.

Enjoy the site,
Jeff