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Sometimes our vehicles become an integral part of our lives, serving as an extension of who we are. This was certinately the case for Louisiana native Victor Sheppard and his beloved 2007 Toyota Tundra. He racked up a million miles on the truck, the first of its kind assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in San Antonio, Texas.
When news of Sheppard’s rig spread, Toyota asked what the million mile Tundra would be worth. For Toyota?s engineers and designers, such longevity offers great insight when considering future platforms.
In other words, it’s worth a lot.
Sheppard, the sole owner, put an average of 125,000 miles a year on his Tundra during long-haul trips. From his Louisiana home, Sheppard traveled between Virginia, Wyoming, and North Dakota for work. All of those miles meant routine maintenance and, over the course of nine years, Sheppard visited the service department at Greg LeBlanc Toyota 117 times. “My truck looks great, and, except for a few little dents, it?s almost like new,” Sheppard said.
Maintenance included oil changes, tire rotations, belts, and other items as determined by Toyota’s intervals. However, Sheppard’s Tundra still has the original engine, transmission, and factory paint.
“Most people can?t believe how much on his truck is original,” said Ron Weimer, General Manager of Greg Leblanc Toyota. “Victor has been loyal to his maintenance and...