2005 Toyota Tacoma With 500K Miles, the Original Owner Says “My Neighbors From Florida Wrecked It With Their Cadillac", He Adds, “Ugg - They Don’t Make Em Like This Anymore”

In the world of pickup trucks, there are "drivers," and then there are "owners."

Jared Grass is the latter, the kind of owner who represents the backbone of the Toyota Tacoma’s legendary reputation for indestructibility. For twenty years, Grass has been the sole guardian of his 2005 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 4X4.

It is a truck that has seen the world turn over the past two decades, racking up a staggering 500,000 miles without a single hand other than his own touching the engine.

But recently, that half-million-mile streak of reliability met its greatest challenge, not from a mechanical failure, but from a neighbor’s modified Cadillac.

It Happened In The Driveway

The story, shared by Grass on the Taco Nation Facebook page, struck a chord with thousands of enthusiasts. It’s a nightmare scenario for any vehicle lover: your prized possession, parked safely in your own driveway, is struck by a neighbor.

"My 2nd Gen 2005 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 4X4 with a bench seat, and my Taco has half a million miles on it, and the new neighbors from Florida hit it while it was parked in my driveway. Ugg!" Grass reported. Adding insult to injury, the vehicle responsible wasn't just any car; it was a Cadillac with a "modified exhaust that sounds obnoxious."

The First "Hit" For This Truck

When a truck hits half a million miles, every part has a story. Grass noted that this is the first major accident the truck has ever sustained. The impact was significant enough to potentially bend the steering knuckle, a critical component for any 4X4.

Interestingly, Grass’s Tacoma is already a bit of a "Frankenstein" build, a common badge of honor among long-term Toyota owners.

“The steering knuckle may be bent, and my knuckles have a Japanese-made Moog brand on them. I'm taking a trip to my salvage yard first to see if I can find parts; it already has some 4Runner parts on it,” Grass said.

This detail highlights the interchangeability and modularity of the Toyota platform during the mid-2000s. The 2nd Gen Tacoma and the 4Runner of that era shared enough DNA that resourceful owners like Grass can keep their rigs running with high-quality salvage components, ensuring the "Toyota Soul" remains viable even when new OEM parts become scarce or overpriced.

The Most Impressive Record

Perhaps the most impressive part of this Tacoma’s journey isn't the mileage, but the maintenance record. In an era where modern trucks are increasingly complex and "un-repairable" by the average consumer, Grass stands as a throwback to a DIY golden age.

"Nobody but myself has worked on my truck, and no one has even done one oil change on my truck except myself since I drove it off the stealership lot 20 years ago," Grass remarked. By avoiding the "stealership" and performing every oil change himself, Grass has ensured that no corners were cut. He knows every bolt, every leak, and every quirk of that 2.7L heart beating under the hood.

What is a 500,000-Mile Tacoma Worth?

You might think a truck with half a million miles and accident damage would be headed for the crusher. In the world of Toyota, you’d be wrong. Market data for 2024–2025 shows that the "Toyota Tax”, the premium buyers pay for the brand's reliability, is stronger than ever.

While standard appraisal tools like Edmunds might suggest a "rough" condition value of around $2,600 to $3,100 for a 2005 Regular Cab 4X4, the real-world enthusiast market tells a different story. Recent listings for high-mileage 2nd Gen Tacomas (200k–300k miles) frequently command $8,000-$12,000. Even at the 500,000-mile mark, a well-maintained, single-owner 4X4 frame is a hot commodity.

For a buyer looking for a project or a reliable farm rig, Grass’s truck could still easily fetch $4,000 to $5,500; unheard of for any other brand with that odometer reading.

A Rare Act of Neighborly Accountability

While the accident was frustrating, the aftermath provided a rare glimmer of hope. The neighbors left a note and involved the police. In a move that most insurance companies would find unconventional, Grass and his neighbors reached a "gentleman’s agreement."

The neighbors pay for all necessary parts. However, Grass does the work himself.

For Jared, this isn't just about saving money; it’s about trust. If no one else has touched the truck in 20 years, he certainly isn't going to let a local body shop start poking around now.

Why the 2nd Gen Tacoma is Still King

The 2nd Generation Tacoma (2005–2015) is the "sweet spot" of Toyota history. It arrived before the heavy integration of complex driver-assist electronics and before the move toward smaller, turbocharged engines.

Why they "don't make 'em like this anymore":

Simplicity: The mechanical layout makes DIY repairs easy.

Over-Engineered Components: Using Japanese-made Moog parts or swapping in beefier 4Runner components creates a nearly bulletproof drivetrain.

The Regular Cab 4X4 Configuration: This specific build, a regular cab with a bench seat, is a "unicorn" in today’s market. Most manufacturers have abandoned the regular cab in favor of four-door family haulers.

Can This Tacoma Reach 600,000 Miles?

As Jared Grass heads to the salvage yard to scavenge for his beloved 2005 rig, he carries the spirit of the entire Toyota community with him. This isn't just a story about a car accident; it’s a manifesto on ownership and the value of knowing your machine.

The Cadillac might have the loud exhaust, but the 500,000-mile Tacoma has the respect. With a few "new-to-him" parts and a weekend in the driveway, this 2nd Gen legend will undoubtedly be back on the road, proving once again that you can’t kill this Toyota Tacoma, because it’s owned by someone who refuses to let it die.

With over 30 years of industry experience, Denis Flierl brings an insider’s perspective to Torque News, where he has been a Senior Reporter since 2012. Before picking up the pen, Denis consulted for the automotive industry's biggest brands and honed his skills as a test driver. He cuts through the noise to deliver the latest auto news, compelling owner stories, and the expert analysis necessary to navigate today's changing automotive market.

Have a tip or question? Follow me on X @DenisFlierl and @WorldsCoolestRides, or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Jared Grass