Lexoma

A Lexoma (not trademarked…yet) would combine features from Toyota’s luxury brand (the Lexus) and its popular midsized pickup truck (the Tacoma). Although no one seems to be designing such a vehicle, I decided to get things rolling by rebadging my 1999 Tacoma’s front grille (see photo). The prototype, created in Microsoft PhotoDraw, looks promising, so I’m in the market for a surplus Lexus oval to upgrade my ride.

The iconic Toyota logo, derived from a Japanese word meaning “eight,” and the Lexus logo, which stands for money no matter what the language, are similar in size and shape. It’s almost like the company is daring us to make an interbrand swap even if it would be a rare Lexus owner who would want to install Toyota badging.

To complete the makeover, the Toyota Tacoma script on my truck’s tailgate and doors needs to be replaced with script from the luxury brand. Overall, the swap looks like it could be done by a handy person. Or I could take it to Bremerton’s Trew Auto Body for a professional job. I wonder if my collision insurance policy would cover the work.

I should mention that my truck will also need Lexus wheels or, to save money, generic non-Toyota wheel covers. Coming or going, I want people to know I’m driving a Lexus. Not a model they are familiar with, but a Lexus just the same. My truck would get a lot more respect next time I drop it off at Wally Park’s valet lot at SeaTac Airport.

I plan to skip the interior upgrade (heated leather seats, navigation system, xenon headlights, surround-sound audio, and the rest of the goodies). That’s a lot of money to sink into an old truck, and Toyota, so far, hasn’t made the components interchangeable. My truck will just be a Lexus on the outside. Call it a Lexus truck, not a true Lexoma.

I’m not sure how to handle the registration process when I buy new tabs next January. Washington doesn’t base registration fees on the value of the vehicle, so I won’t owe any more money. However, there’s no place on the renewal form to indicate that a vehicle had a badge change and is now a Lexus.

My dad owned a 1991 Lexus LS 400 for about 10 years, by far the nicest car I have spent much time riding in. I’m not counting short hops around town in upscale cars belonging to friends. He and I drove it from San Diego to Albuquerque in one long day in the late 1990’s. What a great car for trips. If the Lexoma can capture some of its magic and luxury, it would be a winner.

What would such a vehicle be like if it were designed from the ground up? Hopefully it would keep pickup truck features that allow real work to get done. As for styling, I don’t care if it looks macho as long as it looks capable. Concerning the interior and luxury features—go crazy, guys. Just make sure there’s room for my muddy work boots.