I received my car from my parents for my 16th birthday. It was a used vehicle and they paid the lease until I was 18 and then I paid the rest of it myself over 2 years. It is now 10 years old and runs very well. I like the size, the way it looks, the fact that it runs smooth, and that it is durable. There are not many people I know who still have their first car and have no intention of getting a new one any time soon.

This vehicle is reliable. I live on a half-mile, neglected private dirt/gravel road. I trust that I can make it to my home regardless of the weather or road conditions. It starts quickly and quietly every time. It is spacious enough inside to bring home almost anything we need to help build our farm. Tin roofing panels, plywood, wooden boards, hay, and our large trash cans have all been in the back of my vehicle at one point or another. If there isn't enough room to haul something in the vehicle, it is easy to hook up a trailer, and my Toyota easily handles hauling a load. I like that if I need to get somewhere a little sticky, I can switch it into four-wheel drive and make it there safely. The exterior has held up to quite a bit of abuse. It is parked near a spot that is nearly always wet and has yet to rust. I have not experienced any fluid leaks from this vehicle, and the engine is in great shape. The heat and air work like charm. I can control what temperature I want the interior to be with the ease of a button. The cruise control makes driving long distances easier. I also like that I have a rear windshield wiper. The interior is still in great shape and wonderfully comfortable. I expect with good care it will last me many more years and be bringing my first child home from the hospital in just a month. I feel like my used Toyota has become part of the family.