The 1st Gen Toyota Tundra is a Beloved 2000’s Full-Size Pickup!

I've always had an admiration for these older Tundra's. Here's why they're still one of the most useful vehicles out there!
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0:00 - Intro
0:48 - Tundra History
2:09 - About this Tundra
2:33 - Trims and Packages
3:03 - Powertrain Specs
5:12 - Cab and Bed Configurations
6:21 - Wheel Options
7:02 - Payload and Towing
8:35 - Interior Impressions
15:43 - Driving Impressions
19:55 - Closing
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- Instagram:
/ bernromulus
#toyotatundra #firstgentundra #toyota

[@EngineeredMojo]

1st gen is the best gen :)

[@BernonCars]

Agreed!!

[@scottishd0g87]

Needs the 5.7 and suspension design from the 2nd gen.

[@GF-nm1cl]

My friend just got rid of his 1997 t-100. Now he drives a 1997 land cruiser Prado. Turbodiesel about doubled his mileage

[@chadillac2472]

Whats different about the suspension? ​@@scottishd0g87

[@MydailylifeinPA]

Glad you gave an excellent Synopsis. I have a 2005 Tundra with 200K miles 1st owner. Drove it back and forth cross country twice. Yes, with a decent heavy load, there is definitely more control on the highway and seems to drive better. I am pleased that a younger generation person such as yourself is giving a very accurate description. Keep up with the great work.

[@BernonCars]

I appreciate that! I’m very glad you enjoyed!

[@CurtisL8.3066]

Yea I just bought mine a couple of months ago. 02 access cab with 156k miles and a respray for 5500 bucks. Did rotors, fixed the tailgate, painted the trim and either polished or covered the brightwork and will do timing belt, bilsteins and ball joints and exhaust manifolds. After all is said and done I’ll have a little over 6200 into a completely reliable, comfortable and capable pickup that I expect to be running when these newer trucks get tossed in the junkyard. Love this truck, makes me smile every time I see it. I love stuff that is built to last, so I obviously love Toyotas!

[@BernonCars]

That’s cool man! Enjoy it!!

[@peterjones4621]

I own the 2000 Tundra Limited with 113 k on it, I love my Tundra, it's been bulletproof and has never failed me, I will never sell it, thank you for an excellent review, you covered everything and laid out all the info perfectly!!

[@BernonCars]

Nice, thank you sir!! I appreciate that!

[@sebastianricci6517]

Got a 2000 tundra for 1800$ with 182k miles this past summer. Access Cab. Love it. Hope it lasts me 10 years

[@BernonCars]

Nice!! It definitely will

[@chadillac2472]

Score! I don't know if you have any plans for upgrades, but if are, look for my other comment about what I did to mine. I can't recommend highly enough.

[@user-up1if1hb6c]

That's a good deal I have a 2003 with 283k. runs great

[@bousemaster3989]

Great truck review. I love my 01 Tundra. Currently 300k miles and running strong

[@BernonCars]

Thank you! That’s great!

[@dirtnsmores]

Great video and i learned stuff about my new truck! Just picked up a 2006 double cab sr5 trd and loving it so far. 181k miles. Getting the timing belt done as we speak. Hardly any rust on the frame. Perfect road trip and camping truck for my growing family of 4. My 2nd gen tacoma was feeling too small.

[@BernonCars]

Right on! Thanks for watching!

[@martinjay9959]

Great review! I purchased my 2000 access cab in Jan 2001 . It has been a great truck. Now has 112 k on it. In Michigan so a new frame in 2015. Its black beautiful and looks rust free ready for another 23 years.

[@BernonCars]

Wow sweeet!! Yeah I wish you many years to come with it!

[@GardenerKev]

Have a 2006 with 4.7 v8. 126000 miles.Runs like a top as i keep up on maintenance. Gonna replace timing belt for second time as has been 9 years since ladt belt/water pump replacement. Also, my truck starts by a key that i can replace at Home depot. No $200 fob required. I love this truck!

[@BernonCars]

Nice!! That thing will last you a lifetime!

[@Dan762X39P]

Love my 98 t100 4x4 5 speed manual. Tundras are still awesome to me. But im fully invested and happy with my slow t100 with over 305k. The 3.4 is also a breeze to work on. My other ride is a lc100.

[@BernonCars]

Solid truck!! I’d love to review a T100 one day

[@RedEye737]

Always wanted one. Love videos about this truck, such a legend. Thank you as always Bern

[@BernonCars]

I’m glad you enjoyed my friend

[@michaelimakfinsky4493]

A truck worth owning for sure!

[@rrrttt1112]

The v8 was actually a Lexus motor when they 1st built the Tundra. I had an 03 Access Cab for 10 years, only reason I sold it is my job had me driving a horrible relocation commute and the 12mpg at $4+ per gallon gas was killing me to get a 4 runner, but my Tundra was an EXCELLENT truck.

[@BernonCars]

Ahh yeah from the LX! Damn, would you get back into one?

[@rrrttt1112]

@@BernonCars Yes, if it were re-tuned the motor to burn ethanol that they mix into the gas. Once the added that to the gas, the fuel economy dropped 1-2 MPG in my case. Had the Injectors cleaned, dealer said they looked like new. New plugs, still the same.Otherwise, it was a great truck.

[@SLP743]

Hi Bern. This was my first time watching one of your videos. I love car reviews. You did such a fantastic job! I can tell you are very knowledgeable on what you review. Keep up the great work. I am now a new subscriber. 🙂

[@BernonCars]

Welcome!! Thank you!

[@styverdyver]

Very nice commentary on this truck. I have the 06 version of the DC SR5; purchased about 4 yrs ago. Mine has 148K on the clock and I replaced the timing belt/water pump around 10k ago. Recently, new front brakes and radio head unit. The JBL system was not replaced and I agree that the head unit could sound better, but I'm ok with how it is right now. The frame was swapped out in 2014 prior to my ownership of it. I do love travelling in this truck. I have owned two Tacos in the past and they took me east coast to west coast a few times. The Tundra is so much nicer for those longer road trips tho!

[@BernonCars]

Thank you! Nice, good milesge! Yeah they really are sooo nice on the highway!

[@americandad8903]

2001 Tundra owner. 423,000 miles. They are amazing trucks!!

[@BernonCars]

Thats great!! Cheers!!

[@buddymack9606]

Great review. Thanks for posting this video.

[@BernonCars]

Thank you I appreciate that!

[@lisacunningham2989]

Thanks Bern I now have a 2006 Tundra and I am happy with it!

[@BernonCars]

I’m happy to hear that!!

[@Yonder-Bognie]

Perfect review of the perfect truck! We’ve owned our 1st gen since new. 2002 single cab long bed Rwd. Jade mica green (greenbean) 3.4 V6. Manual windows and locks. 8 foot bed fits sheets of plywood with bed door closed. 180,000 miles. I’m always on the look out for a 5 speed version, I’d love to add a trd supercharger to a low miles 5 speed single cab.

[@BernonCars]

A proper work truck, love that!

[@phxamigo]

Just FYI, the roll down rear window is only available on the double or crew cab Tundra.

[@BernonCars]

Ahh thanks for letting me know!

[@roblincoln10]

Just picked up an 06 limited 4x4 and love this feature. With the sunroof open and the back window down, the exposure to the wind and environment is unique and awesome. Got one with a meager 160k miles, I'm super stoked

[@chadillac2472]

I've always had toyotas, but 4 bangers and manual tranys. Fairly recently I picked up a 2000 SR5 access cab. Upgraded the brakes and rotors (had to upsize to 17" wheels & tires) to 2017 4runner components, Bilstein 6112 5160 shocks and struts (factory height) and Hellwig FATTY sway bars front and rear. It went from being a boat to a wolf in sheeps clothing. Absolutely love it.

[@BernonCars]

Nice! Good to know!

[@michaelkiese7794]

This is probably the most thorough video on the first gen Tundra on KZbin. Thank you very much for making it! Well done!

[@BernonCars]

Thank you very much!

[@MrPenobe]

I've had an 03 for the last 6 years. I just bought another 04 Tundra double cab because the first one was so amazing. It has zero body or frame rust.. I didn't even look for another truck only that one and year. They love to be driven a little hard. Mine has the 4 speed which I prefer. They both have over 200k the 03 is 281k the 04 is 244k and they both run and shift like new. the 04 drives better because of the new frame bushing and everything, but honestly even the 03 with the bad frame drives better then most new trucks.

[@BernonCars]

Nice! Yeah they’re such good trucks, enjoy them both!

[@MrPenobe]

Oh I will! Been driving it all over the place 😁@@BernonCars

[@joelrflores]

A really good review. Keep up the good work!

[@BernonCars]

Thank you very much!!

[@pogosucks]

2004 Tundra just like your blue one mi e has 340,000 drives great.

[@BernonCars]

Nice!!

[@Antares_451]

Great video. Picked up my 1st Tundra (2019 1794 4x4) in June 2020. Love it. But my 2005 V8 Ltd drives way nicer as its got the air ride suspension..

[@BernonCars]

Thank you! Nice!! A solid rig. Ohhh aftermarket air ride?

[@damianpyle1484]

Great video once again.

[@Antares_451]

@@BernonCars No. Stock suspension. Was an option on the 2004 an up. Very rear

[@markmurrell1894]

If Toyota ever decided to remake these, hotcakes!

[@BernonCars]

Seriously!! RIP V8!

[@Nikenickcee]

You forgot about the luxury of a clipboard/writing tablet and a coinholder under the top front console! Plus how big the bottom of the console is for storage

[@BernonCars]

I can’t believe I forgot!!

[@norcaldigger348]

Great review! I had a 2003 TRD Sport that was Stratosphere Mica that I bought new. Sadly I hit black ice and rolled it. I loved that truck. I bought a used 2006 Limited after that and have had to put a lot into it due to deferred maintenance by the previous owners. I think I have all of the issues corrected now. It's a good truck but I still miss my 03.

[@BernonCars]

Thank you! Damn! The one that got away. The Limited is real nice! Enjoy!

[@user-ze1nj1mt9y]

Trucks peaked in the mid 2000s. Now we have cell phones on wheels.

[@BernonCars]

Seriously!

[@ALLw3rk]

Absolutely love these trucks! I’ve got a v6 5 speed and a v8 automatic.

[@BernonCars]

Nice!! That's great!!

[@williambreeze2659]

I love these trucks!

[@goofbtw]

Just bought an 06 with 160k it’s freaking mint . I’m so hyped

[@BernonCars]

Nice!!!

[@ocularpressure4558]

I have a 06 lifted with BFG’S 18in rims regeared king coil overs single bypassing the front fox in the rear it was all built in 06 when it was bought brand new & it still works like the day I bought it, ac blows cold 🥶 no check engine light 💡 & only leaks a little bit of oil from the valve cover gaskets n that’s it 319,836k miles all it’s ever needed is gas ⛽️ brakes n oil changes well tires 🛞 of course lol but it’s a solid truck, I’ve pulled 12k lbs no problem with no engine upgrades not even a K&n air filter ❤❤❤

[@greym6436]

I love my 02 Tundra TRD SR5 AC Cab 4x4 w/rear end limited slip diff, & the awesome 2UZ 4.7l. My tundra now has 247k miles. Simply Could not ask for a better truck from Toyota. -Great Review🔧

[@BernonCars]

Thank you! Nice, perfect truck!

[@freddycalero8235]

Going to look at an 06 tundra limited for 3500 with 243k miles. My mechanic said dont buy someone else's problems. I think im still going to do it 😂

[@BernonCars]

Hell yeah!! I would still do it too hahaha

[@wayne8276]

02 tundra , still daily driven , dependable , loved .

[@BernonCars]

Nice!

[@michaelarms5936]

Love 'em. I had a 2000 4WD Limited AC. Unfortunatly I was hit and it was totalled. I immediately bought a used 2006 SR5 AC 4WD, now at around 215,000 miles. The 2000 kept myself and mainly my wife safe, as it was struck at 55 mph on her side. I couldn't get back into one fast enough just for that fact, as well as simply loving driving these things. Seriously looking to find another with 150,000 or less while they're still around to be had, just to stay in one for many more years to come after this one finally gets old. And by now, I know how to work on them. Nobody else turns a wrench on my truck except the tire guy.😊

[@BernonCars]

I’m glad you’ve stayed with the first gen!! I wish you luck on finding a nice one, they’re out there! Thanks for stopping by!

[@truckerdude9172]

I have an 05 tundra 4x4 double cab with a touch over 150k in near excellent condition if you're interested

[@jtltet]

I have the 2000 Tundra SR5. I bought it just over a year ago and I absolutely love it. 222k miles which is really not much at all and it feels like it's brand new.

[@BernonCars]

Nice. That's great! It'll give you many years

[@michaelbrean4440]

Love my first gen. They are fun vehicles to drive. And thats coming from someone who's previous car was a 2017 subaru brz lol

[@BernonCars]

Hell yeah haha

[@JoeKenlan]

I went from a '94 T100 to a Ist gen tundra and I have to say that for someone who actually needs a truck for working (I'm a stonemason) the T100 was by far the better vehicle.

[@BernonCars]

Interesting! What made it better for you?

[@nicholask7347]

Bought an 06 Tundra earlier this year. My daughter (9) asked me what the finger biter was. Turns out she had found the center console ashtray. Awesome review.

[@BernonCars]

Thanks man! Nice, haha that’s funny 😂

[@triplea6174]

Nice review, subscribed! Debating between a 1st gen nissan titan and this gen tundra.

[@BernonCars]

Thanks for the sub!! Good choices with both, I believe the Titan of that era is pretty good!

[@user-ze1nj1mt9y]

Well done.

[@BernonCars]

Thank you!

[@Swindy1794]

I’m keeping my 2019 (2nd Gen) Tundra 1794 till the wheels fall off!… long live the V8. 😊

[@BernonCars]

Totally keep it!

[@cydonianman]

Still have my 00 tundra limited trd acc cab. Kinda wished it was double cab but I'm never getting rid of it.

[@BernonCars]

Nice! You know, I like having the double cab around, but if I was to get one I'd get an access cab haha

[@Biglug8888]

My favorite is the regular cab/ 8' bed.

[@BernonCars]

A proper work truck!

[@vinr6867]

I had two of these trucks, 05 Access Cab and 06 crew cab. Both great trucks! Only downside was the MPG, I would get about 15mpg combined. Went with a 2010 Tacoma and get 20mpg combined. Love Toyota trucks!

[@BernonCars]

Nice! Yeah they’re thirsty but dependable!!

[@enenra9620]

my tundra made it to 295k before both ball joints gave out (one a month after true repair for the first one). Unfortunately missed the recall for the frame so the underneath was rusted pretty bad and that was my parting factor with the truck. that engine, transmission, and the smiles would’ve lasted another 200k miles easily.

[@BernonCars]

Damn, yeah it would've! Hope you get into another one day

[@phxamigo]

05,06 models had the 5sp automatic transmission.

[@kevinkidneyy]

love my 21 tacomaaaaaaaa keeping it foreverrrrr

[@BernonCars]

Foreverrrrrrrrr

[@theUltimateLord]

My 4wd 2004 sequoia is my baby

[@BernonCars]

Good truck!

[@bgorg1]

Love my Gen2 5.7 crew max but 1st gen in solid

[@BernonCars]

Nice! Yeah the 5.7 is a beast too

[@gtrance3567]

Very nice. 5SP in 2005.

[@BernonCars]

Right!

[@markmaue438]

Love my 02

[@BernonCars]

Right on

[@sierraharvester]

A bit disappointed. I feel like the title was inappropriate for the content. I expected at the minimum an explanation of why the truck is beloved, and was actually hoping for a rundown on what Toyota gave up as the Tundra generations progressed.

[@BernonCars]

I apologize! I’ve been trying to figure out a good title for this video for a little bit actually. I’ll change it!

[@empoweru8617]

Got a 1st gen tundra and 7th gen accord!

[@BernonCars]

Nice!!!

[@SpDt237]

I have an 01 with 375k. Works great

[@BernonCars]

That's great! Cheers!

[@johndeboyace7943]

2006 Tundra V8 SR5 4wd access cab TRD, had since new, few problems. 224k miles

[@BernonCars]

That is excellent!

[@TexasCuttingBoards]

05 tundra sr5 4x4 metallic green (the best color) was my fathers. 124,000 miles. Will never sell it. My only complaint, the darn turning radius!

[@BernonCars]

Nice! They look sharp in green. LOL very true, they turn so wide!

[@tomford1080]

Yo man was that you doing those Lexus reviews on redline reviews channel?? Awesome man great to see you moving up!!

[@BernonCars]

Yeah man!! Thank you sir! Im glad you found me 😂

[@jonslyh2742]

231,000 miles on mine. No new truck for me. Loving my 2006. I’ve seen 450,000 miles or more on that 4.7 engine

[@BernonCars]

Nice! Oh yeah, it's a life long truck for sure

[@steveasher9239]

if all goes right. picking up my 2006 tundra SR5 tomorrow. 🖖

[@BernonCars]

Nice! Hopefully you have it!

[@steveasher9239]

got it. very very good condition.@@BernonCars

[@BernonCars]

@steveasher9239 woohoo!! That’s great to hear!

[@criznitty]

I used to look at the Tundra and Sequoia as a copy of the F150 and Expedition, but they did it better. Toyota did one better than Ford by offering a 32 valve DOHC as it’s base engine where Ford only offered that in the 03/4 SVT Cobra and Mark VIII. Pleasantly surprised to see four cams driven by two cam gears. I did my emissions pump and valve cover gaskets last year and I got a great look at it all.

[@BernonCars]

I absolutely agree, a much more solid era!

[@durango8882]

I have 2004 Double cab SR5 4x4 it kinda needs a paint job but I did touch ups with rustoleum lol

[@BernonCars]

Haha right on I did the same with my old Tacoma

[@seanlutzi2911]

we inherited my wifes dads Tundra, 2005 SR5 very similar to this one. only 100K on the odometer. having a major service to replace all belts, (timing), water pump complete tune up. this truck will prob out live us as a secondary vehicle. only thing we may change is the interior to leather.

[@BernonCars]

Nice!! I wish you luck with it! It’ll serve you well for sure

[@gringoreno]

My friend in Cali socal just missed an 06 4x4 TRD xcab4.7 86,900 miles went for ,$25000 said it was like brand new. Double cab a too long for turning ground on small trail xcabrhebest

[@BernonCars]

Damn! Literally a new truck! Better than new ones even hha

[@SunShyne_Culture]

I don't intend to depart with 20:45 my 2006 Double cab no time soon 😅 It still hasn't done 60,000 as yet!!!

[@BernonCars]

Wowww thats brand new!!

[@LTCEZIO]

I loved my T100 although I killed two engines in it, I would buy it and drive it again if I could

[@BernonCars]

They’re great trucks

[@davidrussell4104]

Just wrecked my 2000 Limited. Best vehicle ever. Took lots of beatings & stayed good. May be too far gone now. I’ll get another Tundra or maybe a Tacoma.

[@BernonCars]

Damn, I’m sorry to hear that! I wish you luck on your next truck!

[@michaelimakfinsky4493]

The whale will always have a place in my heart 🥰

[@BernonCars]

Me too man me too

[@PlymouthNeon]

critics from USNewsWorldReport dissed the 2nd gen as looking like a whale, but I think it was the best looking truck every made.

[@NCTrevor3D]

Purchased new in 02, now at 270k miles.

[@BernonCars]

Nice!!

[@russellstringer2176]

I bought a used 2002 Limited with over 300k miles on it for a farm truck. Replaced radiator and timing belt. It's almost my favorite truck, tied with my 2000 Tacoma purchased new. Appears to be indestructable, it gets hard use, and when I am in the cab I am in the "lap of luxury". The truck will die before I sell it, though it will likely outlast me.

[@BernonCars]

Nice, what a unit. They’re so dependable!

[@n.c.2537]

I want to get a 1st geb tundra so bad!

[@BernonCars]

I hope you can get one one day!

[@vortecmacs]

The new ones are such technical marvels they keep eating engines.

[@BernonCars]

Junkkkk

[@markgoncharuk3617]

Just bought a 2005 double cab with 201k miles, hopefully will last me next 5 years !

[@BernonCars]

Nice! It’ll last you longer!

[@jqentertainment6966]

We still have our 2002 tundra since we bought it new. 112k miles. Only major flaws with these trucks are the frames

[@BernonCars]

Daaaang, low miles!!

[@lukemarvin]

I know I requested this video but… I found a good deal on a GX470 and bought that. 😅

[@lukemarvin]

It’s just harder to find one of these in good shape because people really did work with them.

[@BernonCars]

LOL, I don’t blame you, theyre sweet af too!

[@et4346]

Is the door not closing properly at 3:36 a common problem? I bought a 04 double cab recently and the my door has the same problem. I thought the previous owner messed it up 🤣

[@BernonCars]

LOL that's funny, I think it's the hinges that are bent!

[@AzamatSlowedAndReverb]

What im worried about is this seemingly inevitable issue with the lower ball joints. It is deadly i have seen and read stories on it. My biggest question is whether it is owner negligence either not replacing them on time or using non oem parts or if it is an inevitable issue with gen 1 tundras even with a factory new OEM LBJ. Are people driving these with the possibility of a lower ball joint failing in the back of their mind driving these daily?

[@BernonCars]

Yeah same with the 1st Gen Tacoma. As soon as you go OEM you’re fine for a good little while. Most people just run em with bad LBJ’s

[@AzamatSlowedAndReverb]

@@BernonCars thanks man and love your professional demeanor.

[@canalesivany]

Definitely!

[@tvm2209]

Which years offered manual transmissions?

[@BernonCars]

2000-2006! Only in base trim with the 3.4/4.0 V6

[@theUltimateLord]

The million mile motor! Mins have 300k + miles

[@BernonCars]

Nice!!!

[@deathleprosy27]

I got a 06 SR5 with 200k miles and runs like a clock

[@BernonCars]

Nice!

[@user-fr4el2ye4v]

شما برای ما dodge ram trx 1500 2018 را به معرفی بیگیرید

[@BernonCars]

One day I would like to!

[@umat6991]

I am the original owner of my 2005 SR5 crew cab. I drove the snot out of it for the first three years, putting about 70,000 miles on the odometer. I later ended up buying a series of commuter cars for better gas mileage because my Tundra has never gotten better than 16 miles per gallon. In the 16 years since driving it as the occasional family hauler, I’ve only racked up about 50K more miles and she currently sits at a little under 120K. The paint is blue steel metallic, not the bright blue of yours but the more subdued color. It still sparkles and shines, save for the roof which has gotten sun-bleached and faded. Zero exterior rust (mainly due to living and driving in the southern saltless roads). The interior is cloth and looks practically new inside, save for the driver’s seat bottom (no rips). I’ve only ever done scheduled maintenance, a timing belt at around 100K, the lower ball joints and airbag replacements, which were replaced under recall. I’ve not had any other mechanical problems. She’s about to get her second Retrax bed cover, the first finally giving in after close to 15 years. I’m regularly asked if I’m interested in selling it (which, of course, I’m not) because it just sits in my driveway 5-6 days a week. I basically drive it on Fridays and weekends just to keep all the fluids going. It’s been paid off for more than 15 years and suits my needs perfectly, so I don’t see any reason to let it go. This will probably be the last pickup I’ll ever own, though I do miss my old ‘99 Tacoma sometimes (like when turning huge Tundra circles 😄). I look forward to passing “ol’ Blue” down to my daughters someday. Before too long, I’ll be able to cruise it in antique car shows. 😄. Great review of a phenomenal truck 👍🏼 👏🏼.

[@BernonCars]

Thank you for stopping by! I wish you many years with your truck!

[@johnward6699]

Lol. He said, even though it's an American made Toyota it's still built pretty good.....Hey, what's that supposed to mean. Lol

[@BernonCars]

Just from personal experiences LOL, my Cali built Tacoma rusted out, while my dad’s Japan built 3rd Gen 4Runner stayed solid without issues!

[@johnward6699]

@@BernonCars probably because we use cheap Chinese steel

[@BernonCars]

It’s unfortunate man

[@michaelimakfinsky4493]

Update: the hood gets worse and worse every day 🙌

[@BernonCars]

Worseeee

[@demondmccray8582]

I don't know.....the 2nd gen has the time and sales and low maintenance to prove it was the best.

[@BernonCars]

That’s valid. The 5.7 is great too

[@demondmccray8582]

@@BernonCars Yes Sir....actually that's the one I meant

[@scottymac5174]

Not a full sized pickup. Shares the same Chassis as the Modern Day Tacomas. The NEW Tundra.

[@johnmaker9534]

Technical marvel, but no V8. No thanks.

[@BernonCars]

Yeah right!

[@vinr6867]

Two things, you grew an inch? The 2uzfe (4.7) are airplane certified! ✈️

[@BernonCars]

LOL not that I know of 😂 interesting!