'96 Tacoma Passes 196,000 Miles - Still Going Strong!

Tommy Hamilton of Hamilton Classic Cars, Chester, Virginia began using AMSOIL motor oil in 1986. He also sells AMSOIL products to customers at his used car lot.

In 1996, Hamilton bought a 1996 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 with a 2.7L four cylinder engine, and five speed manual transmission. The engine and drive train were changed to AMSOIL lubes at 6,000 miles. He put AMSOIL Series 2000 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil in the engine and AMSOIL 75W-90 Gear Lube in the drive train. He also put 196,000 miles on the engine in that time.

This truck is used in extremely heavy service. In the used car business, he's always pulling a car carrier, transporting vehicles to and from the car lot. He frequently tows a 14-foot enclosed trailer taking go-carts and equipment to races.

For recreation, Hamilton has a 19-foot ski boat he also tows frequently. All of this towing with this 2.8L four cylinder engine. He said he can maintain more than 70 miles per hour when towing with no problem. The engine in the Toyota Tacoma runs as strong as it was when it was new and has had no mechanical problems or maintenance except for the four oil changes since changing to AMSOIL Series 2000 0W-30. The only part that has been replaced is the starter.

Hamilton has pass the Toyota Tacoma to his son, Jeff, who plans to run it at least another 196,000 miles.

The Toyota Tacoma, Hamilton reports, still runs like new.