2005 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner 4.0 6 cylinder

Summary:

Great little basic truck

Faults:

Rattles coming from brakes and rear of access cab.

Front and rear door don't closed properly (both sides)

General Comments:

Bought this Tacoma X-Runner (2005) used several months ago. And have not had many problems with it (except for above comments). Since I am out of the warranty I will have to wait to fix the above items.

I paid $15,000 for it, the last owner stated he paid $24,000 (before taxes), which seems a little high for what you get.

Pluses for the truck are good material used in the interior, strong engine and transmission, good stereo and A/C system. The suspension is also very good. And very few rattles coming from the truck.

The minuses are plastic in the interior that scratch easily, also the clutch is a workout if your out of shape, keyless entry but no alarm.

The colored front bumper has a flat paint finish to it, but the plastic below it and the hood above it, have a great shine to them.

The rear seating area needs to be thought out a little better because I would not allow my kids to sit back there, because it's too small and confining.

In conclusion it's a good little truck with a nice strong engine with a solid feel to the suspension, and good transmission. Would I buy it again?... probably not... it's a magnet for kids playing football around it, and not having suitable rear seats makes it a two seater.. and the clutch can wear you down.

The better value would be the Tacoma with 4 door (crew cab). If you want an X-Runner it would be better to buy a 06 model that has 1 year left on the basic warranty or a certified model with a 7 year 100,000 warranty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th September, 2008

2005 Toyota Tacoma DoubleCab 4x4 SR5 4.0L V6

Summary:

This truck was a big disappointment in comparison to the 1994 I owned

Faults:

(6 speed manual transmission seems to have a design issue)

Transmission 1

15,000km started to kick itself out of second gear, by 21,000km had lost 3rd, fourth gears completely, couldn't down shift into second.

Drove second transmission daintily. At 50,000km started to kick out of second gear again. At 62,000km clutch hub sheared from clutch plate leaving me stranded. Clutch replaced, still had transmission 2nd gear issue. Replaced transmission again (now on 3rd!)

SOLD VEHICLE at warranty expiration.

General Comments:

Like the power plant, performance, mileage (for this performance).

Toyota's first year for 6 speed manual transmission, never shifted smoothly, can't handle engine's power. Get the automatic if you can stand driving them.

Shorter wheelbase of manual versus automatic seems to cause a rear wheel hop problem during wheel spin. Driving in deep loose sand set up such a severe wheel hop the gear shift couldn't be held on to. Parents have automatic, longer wheelbase doesn't share wheel hop problem.

Too big. Why can't Toyota bring back the pre-Tacoma design (pre-1994)? It was bullet proof - had one for 12 years, abused on and off road without complaint.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th August, 2008

2005 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner Doublecab V6

Summary:

Big truck in a mid-sized package

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I love it. Powerful motor. Smooth transmission. Comfortable seats. Great head and legroom. Runs like a champ! My truck is silver with gray interior and the fit and finish is top notch. No rattles or cheaply made controls. I average 40K miles per year on this truck and it runs like new. I've have not had any problems with this truck. With the high mileage I drive I'm in the dealer for oil changes and tire rotations about every three weeks. I average 24 mpg with this truck and the more miles I put on it the better the mileage gets. This is my second Toyota and will not be my last - I expect I'll easily get 250K miles out of this truck. Now I know why so many people are repeat Toyota owners - their product is great. Very reliable. Thank you Toyota.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2007