A long and winding road... to a big tree

After growing up in a family that loved whiter beater could run the longest, I saw my first Tundra in 2008. I remember be shocked by the size of everything on the interior and found myself judging its opulence while secretly craving the V8 roar!

Next began a long and winding road to that very sound. The next year legalities prevented the budgetary commitment required for such a machine and I settled for another sedan. Five years later a ditched that for a Dakota, but was too cheap for the V8. Ultimately disillusioned by the ridiculous 4 speed, I went for the practicality of an '08 ridgeline. While I couldn't argue with the practicality, I also could not get past the sheer fugliness. I thought my problems were solved in 2021 with trhe ridgline redesign but the truth began to creep in. When someone or something tries to be two things at once, it is nothing all the time. My last comprimise was the pilot. Again, A+ for practility but C for soul.

When it was time for the timing belt I saw my chance and heard the rumble. It was finally time for the V8. A wife, 2 kids, and 2 kids and two dogs made a pickup impractical, but a full size SUV remained viable. You can get a deal on and Armada, but you have to look at it. You can get a deal on an expedition, but you have to park it next to the soccer Mom's and click your unlock to tell the difference. You can even get a deal on a suburban, but you can only pull 5,000 lbs. You can get a deal on Escalade, but you may feel compelled only to bump late 90's hip if you are of a certain age.

What can't you get a deal on - the Sequoia. Age has no impact on its standing. Normal milage considerations are meaningless. Even terrible MPG seems to bounce right off. Why? Commitment to mediocre aesthetics that lasts for decades at a time? Enough power and capability to survive an apocalypse? Enough seats to keep the frightening woman who lives with me happy? Or just the roar that says, "who needs efficiency when you've got 390 horses?" Whatever the reason, Sequoia called I couldn't answered to a 2012 Sequoia Limited in Silver. She's a bit rough around the edges, but so am I. I spent as much as I could stomach for a 2012 and the rest will be spent on her rejuvenation.

I'm Nate and I look forward to learning from you all and wasting stupid amount of money on an old truck with you!

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)!

 

Welcome from NY.