There’s something bittersweet about watching your home on wheels roll away with someone else behind the wheel. After years of adventures, memories, and countless miles, our Sprinter van found its next chapter and I couldn’t have imagined a better one.

A couple from back east — let’s call them Jack and Emily — set off across the country to bring the van home. They’ve already shared a few photos from their drive, and seeing familiar views through their lens feels like watching an old friend come back to life. Out of respect for their privacy, I won’t use their real names, but it’s safe to say they’re making the most of it.

For me, selling the van wasn’t an easy choice. That rig was more than just a vehicle… it was home, office, and adventure all wrapped into one. But every journey has its season, and this one was ready to pass the torch.

Every adventure leads to another, and this next one starts with a new set of wheels.

Enter: The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

After weeks of research, late-night comparisons, and a few dealership frustrations, I finally found the one. A 2025 Tacoma TRD Pro in Mud Bath — a color that feels like it was made for the next chapter of my travels.

I ended up buying it completely remotely, which still blows my mind. I knew exactly what I wanted, used Toyota.com to track down inventory, and found this beauty sitting at a dealership down in Lancaster, California. I’m up in Walnut Creek, so I figured a flight was in my future.

But once I reached out, things moved fast. Within three minutes, the internet manager called. He confirmed the truck was on the lot, sent me the full spec sheet, and even texted over a batch of photos and a video walk-around. The price? MSRP… which in today’s world almost feels like a miracle. Even better, it had a few of the extras I actually wanted.

We hopped on a quick conference call with him, the finance manager, and his boss to lock in numbers. I signed everything electronically from my desk, wired the deposit, and within hours had a FedEx envelope on the way for the one DMV form that needed a physical signature. The next day, they confirmed receipt and prepped the truck for pickup.

They even offered transport options, and after looking at flight prices, gas, and time, it made sense to have it shipped. The transport company was top-notch, quoted me a fair rate, and everything was set.

But then, a small hiccup, one of their drivers called in sick, pushing my delivery back by a day. That might not sound like much, but when you’re this excited about a new rig, 24 hours feels like forever. So, I did what any impatient gearhead would do: I booked a cheap flight to Southern California.

The dealership offered to pick me up at the airport, and by the time I arrived, the truck was sitting out front — detailed, spotless, and waiting for its first drive north. I was in and out of the dealership in maybe twenty minutes. A few signatures, a handshake, and a full tank later, I was on the road heading home.

It couldn’t have been a better way to break in the new Tacoma; a solo drive up the California coast, just me, the open road, and that fresh “new truck” smell.

All in all, it was the smoothest vehicle purchase I’ve ever experienced. If every buying process could be this seamless, I’d never set foot in a dealership again.

Closing One Door,

Opening Another

It feels symbolic, saying goodbye to the van that started this whole journey, while welcoming the truck that will carry us into the next phase. The Tacoma represents something new: shorter trips, more flexibility, and the freedom to blend work, family, and adventure in a slightly different way.

The van will always be part of our story, but it’s exciting to think about what’s next, from truck camping setups to gear reviews, trail runs, and a few new builds that are already in motion.

As those first few miles rolled by, any sadness I felt about selling the van faded into the hum of new tires and the rhythm of the road ahead. The chapter may have changed, but the story, the adventures, and the spirit of exploration remain the same.

Stay tuned — the road ahead is looking muddy, capable, and full of promise.