In 2002, I graduated from high school and had already landed a spot at an amazing college over three hours away from home. At the time, my primary mode of transportation had been a compact car, which is great for getting together with friends and hitting the town. But now I was looking at having to drive a distance away with all my things in such a small vehicle. It would have taken multiple trips myself or require bribing friends to come with me to set up my dorm room if I had still had that small car. However, my dear mother had the forethought to trade in my little car for something better: a 2002 Toyota Rav4.
With my Rav4 (affectionately called “Diamond” for her glittery sheen), I was able to bring all my stuff for my dorm room to college on my own. This was my first true act of independence and the experience was thrilling. Thanks to the fold-down back seat and amazing trunk space, I could position all my boxes and bags with the expertise that only a child who grew up in the 80s playing stacking games could do. The back area was jammed pack, but the space upfront was free and clear, which helped me not feel so claustrophobic. With just the open road in front of me, it felt like this was the beginning of an incredible friendship.
It wasn’t long after being at college that I had my first accident. While turning across traffic, a car ran the red light and slammed into me. I had not been alone in the vehicle and if it wasn’t for the amazing safety features of my SUV, my friend would not be here as the car would have hit her directly. When the initial shock of the moment had finally subsided, I got out to view the vehicle to assess the damage…and I was shocked to see it was minor. The Toyota’s reinforced frame had saved my friend’s life and had kept the amount of harm done to a minimum. Even years later when I had another big accident, the SUV was able to take it like a champ and I was able to get it all fixed for minimal cost.
It is now 2021 and I still have this amazing vehicle with me. When I was first looking to get a car, a salesperson once told me that, on average, cars begin having major engine problems at 100,000 miles. He was telling me this so I could be aware of it and begin saving properly for what would be a very expensive venture. To my surprise, the vehicle made it to over 150,000 miles before there was an issue with the transmission and it needed to be replaced. Having listened to the earlier advice, I was prepared to hear the incredibly expensive price tag but to my shock, it cost me way less than what I had been anticipating. Another friend of mine who owned a different make of SUV had shelled out thousands and thousands of dollars. It made her very sad to have to sell her beloved car because she couldn’t afford the repairs. Not me though. I was able to get the necessary repairs and kept my special Diamond with me for all these years.
With over 250,000 miles and truly having run as far as it can, it is only now that I have begun considering getting another vehicle. My life has also changed as I now have a family and need to be able to take care of them while on the road. The prospect of driving anything other than my beloved Toyota is hard to admit, but I already know one this for certain: it will be another Toyota SUV. With the different models offering sizes that can fit any person’s lifestyle and the latest innovations in electric vehicles being added to their SUV line, Toyota has made a lifetime customer out of me. And when the time comes, I will be sure to give my children their own so they can have amazing adventures like I did and give me peace of mind knowing they are safe as well.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.