Vehicle Description
Someone forgot to tell this 2005 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner that it
isn't a Supra (relax Vin Diesel, we're not exactly comparing it to
a twin-turbo JZA80 either). However, with a powerful 4.0L liter V6
engine pumping out 245-horses and racking up blistering 0-60MPH
times in under 7 seconds, a quick-shifting 6-speed manual
transmission, and an upgraded double-wishbone suspension that isn't
afraid of going around corners, this beauty feels more at home
collecting pink slips than it does leading Home Depot runs.
Combining Toyota's unparalleled reliability with their legendary
performance sector was a no-brainer that many Taco fans had
anticipated for a long time for, and Toyota absolutely delivered
with these limited-run X-Runners. Only about 3K models were made
per year, and first-year introductions like this Speedway Blue
hauler are by far the most collectable. With 98,097 actual miles,
only 2-owners since new, and a beautifully preserved presentation
inside and out, this is a fine example of Toyota's entry into the
muscle truck world.
The very idea of performance trucks like this compact-sized
X-Runner was a brilliant concept, and their successes are probably
the reason we have so many 500-horsepower SUVs and trucks running
around today. The early versions like this first-year 2005 model
were truly no-compromises vehicles with astounding performance that
still had a decent dose of truck-like utility, and they looked
flat-out awesome. Now let's be honest, you could certainly still
use this Taco like a regular truck - it does have a pickup bed out
back after all - but with its lowered stance and ground effects,
you're not going off-road with this Yota. This truck was built to
stick to the pavement, whereas its 4x4 TRD brothers can handle the
brush if that's your cup of tea. Part of the appearance package of
the X-Runner includes that lowered and tweaked suspension, sporty
alloys, aggressive ground effects that encircle the lower body,
muscular fender flares, a hood scoop, and integrated fog lamps up
front. Using the extended cab and stepside bed, the designers
wanted to keep weight to a minimum (well, relatively, but when
compared to a Lighting or SRT, this Taco is light as a feather) and
gave it proportions that made it very fast and agile. These only
came in three colors, and for my money, Speedway Blue is the
ultimate choice as a flashy shade that draws attention but isn't
over-the-top. With just under 100K miles, the finish is no longer
perfect, but thanks to great care through the years and
professional paint touch ups that fixed any faded areas (Tacomas
were always prone to paint issues, especially in these early 2nd
generation models, so these touch-up are welcomed), this truck
looks great. In fact, a claybar plus buff-and-wax treatment would
kick things up a notch even more, but as it sits this 18-year-old
driver-grade truck looks very impressive for its age. Out back, the
spacious 6-foot bed (standard on all X-Runners) is lower to the
ground than most compact pickups, but it can still be used for hard
work, and the floor is protected with a thick rubber mat from the
factory. This Taco has obviously never worked for a living, and
those of you that are familiar with Toyotas know that 98K miles is
considered barely broken in for this Japanese legend.
Toyota gave the X-Runner a comfortable and very sporty interior,
with twin buckets that look like they could have come out of a
Celica. The grippy, sculpted and bolstered gray cloth seats replace
the park bench like seat found in lesser compact trucks and are
split by a wide and functional center console that adds storage and
also houses the short-throw shifter for the 6-speed gearbox. Sporty
gauges have been a Toyota performance trademark for years, and we
love that the factory elected not to fill up the A-pillars and dash
with auxiliary units, or any carbon-fiber inlays for that matter,
as those faux-racing gimmicks can really cheapen the look inside.
Instead, this cabin is very straightforward, simple, and most
importantly, incredibly clean. Just about everything was standard
on the X-Runner, including A/C, power windows/locks/mirrors, cruise
control, a tilt/telescoping column, air bags, an alarm system, and
a stock AM/FM/6-CD stereo that sounds great. Like the body, the
seats show minimal wear and everything is extremely well preserved,
again hallmarks of an enthusiast owner who really loved his
truck.
The 4.0L DOHC V6 was factory-rated at 245 horsepower, and with less
than 100K miles on the clock and great maintenance since new, it
still feels that powerful through every gear change. With modern
fuel-injection and performance components throughout, it starts
instantly, idles perfectly, and pulls like the proverbial freight
train, with a rush of acceleration felt through the RWD
limited-slip differential that's almost too much for the grippy
tires to handle. Thankfully, Toyota thought about all that extra
power and tuned this sporty suspension to handle it accordingly,
lowering the truck and offering Bilstein shocks, double-wishbone
front springs, upgraded rear leaf springs, and a rear stabilizer
bar. The entire frame was stiffened as well, reinforced with an
intuitive "X-brace" set-up (hence the name, X-Runner) that provides
enhanced rigidity, and you also get very responsive power steering
and power front disc brakes. The Aisin RA60 6-speed manual gearbox
clicks through the gears as quickly as the tach can keep up, yet it
can still relax on the highway at cruising speeds thanks to the
3.15 final drive ratio. Massive 18-inch 5-spoke alloys look slick
and wear 255/45/18 performance radials to finish the look.
Toyota will likely never build trucks as cool as this ever again,
so like the dinosaurs of the '50s, they'll surely be highly sought
in the future. Today this Taco is an absolute blast to drive, so
why not enjoy the wait? Call today!