Toyota trucks have long had a reputation for longevity, but even that doesn’t quite prepare you for seeing a Tacoma with more than 620,000 miles and its original transmission still kicking. That’s what one Rhode Island salesman stumbled across at his dealership, and the internet couldn’t look away.
Salesman Vinny Campanella (@boombots401), of Balise Toyota of Warwick, recently posted the viral video that marvels at the durability of the Tacoma, which has most of its original drivetrain, clarifying in a phone call with Motor1 that its original engine was replaced after 500,000 miles.
“Being a representative for Toyota myself, to see something coming like that, it was about having the conviction and knowing that my product is one of the best in the world,” he said.
A Truck That Refused to Quit
Campanella said the truck in question was traded in by its original owner earlier this month. Despite its age and a six-digit odometer reading that starts with a “6,” the mid-size pickup still ran and drove without issue. The frame had been replaced years earlier under Toyota’s well-known corrosion recall program, and the powertrain had been maintained carefully over the vehicle’s long life.
According to Campanella, the original transmission was still going strong, something even seasoned mechanics would consider remarkable. “To have over 600,000 miles and still be running on the original transmission, it says a lot,” he said. “It really speaks to how it was taken care of, and how the truck was built in the first place.”
Toyota’s reputation for reliability is well-earned. A 2023 iSeeCars longevity study found that Tacomas are among the top 20 longest-lasting vehicles on U.S. roads, with many reaching well over 200,000 miles. Consumer Reports also regularly ranks Toyota vehicles, including the Tacoma, as some of the most dependable in their classes.
Campanella’s short TikTok clip showing the truck’s odometer and condition quickly found an audience. While many automaker TikToks focus on sleek new models or performance vehicles, this video resonated differently and connected with Toyota loyalists and practical truck fans alike. “People in Florida, New Jersey, even someone overseas reached out about buying it,” Campanella said. “It really struck a nerve.”
Campanella’s follow-up video clarified the vehicle history after speaking directly with the former owner. “He was totally up front about the engine being replaced at half a million,” Campanella said. “But everything else lined up. Transmission, frame replacement under warranty, all original body panels. It was real.”
Forums like TacomaWorld and r/Toyota on Reddit are filled with high-mileage milestone posts—though 600k+ trucks are still rare. The highest-mileage Tacoma publicly known was documented in 2022 after reaching 1.6 million miles, but that vehicle was used as a rural parts delivery vehicle with extensive service records.
What’s Next For This Tacoma?
Despite its fame, the high-mileage Tacoma wasn’t destined for a second act on the dealership lot. “This one’s going straight to auction,” Campanella said, explaining that it’s too high mileage. The original owner even returned a few days later, trying to buy it back, but offered what Campanella called “pennies on the dollar.” The dealership was only willing to sell it back at the trade-in value they had already paid.
Vehicles like this typically wind up at wholesale auction, often picked up by exporters or resale-focused used truck dealers. Campanella estimated it could sell for “up to $5,000–$6,000, maybe a little more because of the interest,” which is a surprisingly strong price for a vehicle with mileage more commonly seen on long-haul semi trucks.
According to AutoTrader, a standard-condition 2009 Tacoma with 150,000 miles can still retail for $12,000-15,000 depending on configuration. The fact that this truck still retains value, even with four times the mileage, shows just how durable and in-demand older Tacomas are.
Toyota has built its truck reputation on two pillars: simplicity and consistency. The Tacoma’s 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic transmission, which have been used for years with only minor tweaks, are part of that legacy.
That reputation has helped maintain high resale values and made Toyota trucks especially popular among off-roaders, tradespeople, and rural drivers who prioritize longevity over luxury. In fact, Toyota trucks consistently rank among the lowest in total cost of ownership over five- and ten-year periods.
