by Gabrielle DeSantis

Enthusiasts can argue that the Volkswagen GTI has reached cult status. Since launching in the late 70s (early 80s for the U.S. market), the German hot hatch has earned millions of fans worldwide. Many believe that when the GTI came to America, it spawned the beginning of the tuner movement.

There is a vast aftermarket industry explicitly focused on all eight generations of the Volkswagen GTI hatchback. Because of that aftermarket support, just about any version of the GTI can be easily modified to suit the taste of nearly any gearhead that purchases one. They can be built for street cruising, road racing, even off-road excursions. Volkswagen decided that they wanted to honor the GTI’s history with a one-off concept.

Inspiration of the Volkswagen GTI BBS Concept

This one-of-one GTI concept car is firmly inspired by the early days of the GTI tuning movement. Specifically, the Mk2 version of the GTI replaced the only U.S.-built generation of the GTI. To this day, the Mk2 Volkswagen GTI is one of the most popular GTIs to modify if someone can find one in decent condition. A particular Mk2 GTI project car seen at an event stood out to Volkswagen.

“I saw the Mk2, the concept was based on, at a show in 2019 and was drawn to the simplicity and strength of the build,” said Sean Maynard, Enthusiast and Motorsport Marketing Specialist for Volkswagen. “I had the chance to meet Brock Bickford, from Evansville, IN, and learned that this was a project that he has been building with his daughter since she was seven years old. It’s stories like this that give me a deeper appreciation for the VW enthusiast community.”

Creating the GTI BBS Concept with enthusiasts in mind

Volkswagen partnered with Philadelphia-based VW enthusiast Jamie Orr to guide and execute the GTI BBS Concept. The car is based on the current Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI, and the German brand wanted to stay close to what buyers can currently get from the dealership while paying homage to the GTIs of the 80s.

“We wanted to maintain the soul of the Mk8, so we went with more traditional modifications. But we left the interior, body, and powertrain exactly as it came from the factory,” Orr said. “Take those wingback seats, with this striking red design – they are just phenomenal. Changing any of that would have been a shame.”

Building the Volkswagen GTI BBS Concept with familiar tuner parts

Considering that Orr and Volkswagen wanted to keep their concept car close to the Mk8 GTI that enthusiasts currently know, they had to make sure they carefully chose the right parts for the goals they had in mind.

Volkswagen chose a set of 19-inch BBS Super RS wheels as they feature the classic “waffle” and hex pattern of classic BBS wheels that were in style back in the 80s. The car was lowered on a set of H&R springs and finished off with a Borla exhaust. Lastly, Orr utilized a unique graphics package to emphasize the throwback style of the concept further. The final result is a modern concept that pays its respects to the tuner movement that came before it.

RELATED: The Volkswagen Golf GTI Will Pep Up Your Boring Commute

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by Gabrielle DeSantis

Shopping for a used truck can make for an overwhelming experience. After all, with so many used trucks to choose from, how do you determine which is the best used truck for you? Well, if you’re after a truck that has a reputation for reliability, can last for an impressive amount of time, and is capable enough for a day spent at the trails? Then the Toyota Tacoma is the best used truck you can buy. Don’t just take our word for it, though.

The Toyota Tacoma is the best used truck for a few reasons

There’s a lot to like about the Tacoma, especially if you’re in the market for a used pickup truck. The Tacoma is an icon among its segment and has been a favorite for years. Though, it’s no surprise as to why. Take, for example, the 2018 Toyota Tacoma, which according to U.S. News & World Report, is the best 2018 compact pickup truck. 

The organization ranked the Tacoma as the best 2018 compact pickup truck for several reasons. It boasts great reliability ratings, can handle a higher payload than most of its rivals and is a tried and trusted off-roader. And if the 2018 Toyota Tacoma isn’t quite your style? U.S. News also ranked the 2016 Tacoma as the best 2016 compact pickup truck.

How many miles will a Toyota Tacoma last?

Now, there’s no denying that the Toyota Tacoma has a lot going for it. But how many miles will a used Tacoma actually last? Because, if you’re in the middle of shopping for the best used truck, chances are you want one that can actually go the distance. 

The good news is that the Tacoma is one of the longest-lasting trucks on the road today. In fact, after analyzing more than 11.8 million cars sold in 2020, this iSeeCars study determined that 2.8% of Tacoma models sold successfully surpassed 200,000-miles. Compare that to the 1.9% segment average, and that’s pretty impressive.

This Toyota truck is one of the most reliable pickup trucks

The Tacoma isn’t just one of the longest-lasting trucks on the road today, either. It’s also one of the most reliable pickup trucks, making it one of the best used trucks you can buy. In fact, Consumer Reports has given several Toyota Tacoma model years a five out of five reliability rating, including the 2020, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2009 model years, along with many others.

Consumer Reports isn’t the only organization that’s called the Tacoma one of the most reliable pickup trucks either. RepairPal also gave the Toyota Tacoma an above-average reliability rating. The organization added that the Toyota Tacoma has an average annual repair cost of $478, which means it has lower than average ownership costs. Significant repairs are uncommon for the Tacoma too.

How much you should pay for a used Toyota Tacoma

While the Tacoma is among the best used trucks you can buy, you shouldn’t overpay for it. Take, for example, the 2016 Tacoma. Prices for the 2016 model range from about $23,500 to almost $36,000, U.S. News reports. The average cost for a used 2016 Tacoma is around $30,500, the organization added. Meaning, if you find yourself shopping for a 2016 Toyota Tacoma, you should anticipate spending approximately $30,500 on it.

Is it worth buying a used Tacoma?

Yes, buying a used Toyota Tacoma is worth it, especially if you’re in the market for the best used truck you can buy. It’s known for lasting a long time, has a reputation for being reliable, and can take on the trails with ease. Overall, if you’re shopping for the best used truck for satisfying your driving needs, you really can’t go wrong with a used Tacoma.

RELATED: The Best Used Toyota Tacoma Model Years According to Consumer Reports

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