Wife's Pickup Truck Collection

Larrykelley11 · 2025-09-14T17:24:24Z

Larrykelley11 trades his Audi RS6 Avant for a Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. Explore the shift from performance to practicality, reliability, and new adventures.

Larrykelley11

WPS member · Automotive forum

50 replies3734 views4 photos

Larrykelley11's recent acquisition of a Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, a significant departure from his Audi RS6 Avant, offers a compelling look into the evolving perceptions and capabilities of modern pickup trucks. His candid reflections on trading performance for practicality, coupled with his wife's two-decade-long desire for a truck, provide a relatable entry point for collectors considering a similar shift. This article explores the nuances of this transition, highlighting the Tacoma's unexpected charms and the community's insights.

I’ve hesitated in the past, perhaps because of the many overly aggressive pickup truck drivers I’ve seen throughout the years and the associated stigma. Luckily for my wife my Audi RS6 Avant hasn’t been that reliable ( she called it the money pit…actually a fair description ) so I traded it in for a Toyota Tacoma. I’ll miss many aspects of the Avant, the great looks, performance , handling and versatility.

I have to say, pickup trucks have evolved over the years. This one has heated steering wheel, heated & cooled seats, electric lift gate and this particular set up would allow me to do some crazy off road….and NO, this probably will never occur.

Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

I live close to the World famous Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Red Rocks is a place I like to take my vehicles for glamour shots. I have to say, I like driving it and I haven’t driven like a DICK…yet.

Key Points from the Discussion

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro represents a vastly different driving experience compared to the Audi RS6 Avant, a change that can be both surprising and enjoyable for owners.
The TRD Pro version of the Toyota Tacoma is highly regarded for its class-leading reliability and servicing, making it a strong contender for long-term ownership satisfaction.
While acknowledging the shift from high-performance vehicles, the Tacoma opens up new possibilities for nature excursions and longer voyages, appealing to a different kind of automotive adventure.
High-performance German vehicles, like the Audi RS6 Avant, are often associated with significant maintenance costs, making the transition to a more reliable platform understandable.
Despite lacking the raw performance of an RS6, the Tacoma offers decent acceleration and a unique, elevated driving perspective that can be surprisingly fun, even with minor modifications like an exhaust upgrade.
The Tacoma's bed offers practical versatility for activities like transporting bicycles, expanding the owner's outdoor pursuits beyond what a wagon might allow.

The Discussion

KMII

Sep 14, 2025

The truck is looking nice for sure but it’s definitely a change of pace from the RS6. I can imagine the money pit aspect - high performances Germans tend to go down that route (fortunately my E63S was under extended warranty and had a servicing package). What’s it like to drive?

Derreck

Sep 14, 2025

Hope you have wonderful times in it and see great places. This one is more apt for longer voyages and excursions to the nature, which must be a welcome change, although I understand that a man never looses that youth inside him that likes fast cars and fun. Maybe you could add a very small cc track racing car as a side chick?

Sep 14, 2025

I'm more than casually interested in a pick-up so this was a good read for me. Thanks. M4

Champthekid

Sep 14, 2025

Congratulations to you both and best of luck with it! Regards, Steve

Marc Obermann

Sep 14, 2025

It looks great and I'm sure is powerful but a very different kind of drive to the Audi RS6 Avant, shame it reached a stage where it was no longer viable I always loved them. as for the aggressive pick up truck drivers I'm sure a pump action shotgun mounted behind the driver and passenger would sort out any issues. Marc

AuHavrePro

Sep 14, 2025

I've exclusively driven pickup trucks for more than ten years now, including a 2018 Tacoma. The TRD Pro version is, naturally, the best and I am confident both of you will be very pleased with the overall ownership and driving experience. Reliability and servicing is, predictably, class-leading=). Happy motoring my friend!! Cheers, Filip

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