I was walking on the beach one day when I stubbed my little toe on a golden object protruding from the sand. After I regained my composure from the throbbing pain, I reached over to pick up the object. To my surprise, it was a golden lamp and just for a laugh I gave it a rub. Puff! A truck genie in a plaid flannel shirt appeared and roared in a deep voice: "What three trucks do you wish for?"
We know there's no such thing as truck genies and magic lamps. But I do have a wish list of my top three 2008-2009 trucks and/or SUVs. In other words: “If you could walk into any dealer and pick out any three vehicles, which would you buy?”
1: 2008 Toyota Tacoma X-runner
This generation Toyota Tacoma was named Motor Trend's Truck of the Year in 2005. I've had my hands on the Double Cab V6 TRD Prerunner and the X-Runner configurations. I prefer to own and drive manual vehicles, and I discovered the joy of the sixth gear in the X-Runner. I was lost on a two-lane highway in the pitch-dark night in the middle of nowhere when I felt the fun of the gear for the first time. I was sold at "hello." I've been smitten by this compact, factory-performance-packaged pickup since the day I got my hands on the six-speed manual transmission. I drove the X-Runner for a few days, and that's where I first felt in love with the 4.0-liter V-6 manual. I also love the look of the body kit with a hood scoop, fender flares, front and rear spoilers, and ground effects. It's just the right-size truck for me and the right look for my sport-looking side. Of course, I would have to have it in "radiant red." Originally, I wanted it in the bright blue offered in 2005, but now you can only get it in "radiant red" or "black sand pearl."
2: 2008 Subaru Tribeca
I am not a "big SUV" type of person. I drive over 200 miles a day on highways and city streets. I find the 'Beca fun to drive in both situations. I love the newly redesigned Subaru Tribeca even more so than the first generation. Some will debate the new front grille contributed to a loss of its original personality, but I beg to differ. I think it's more refined looking -- plus the improved performance and mpg are superior over the first-generation 'Beca. I also think the Tribeca has the best-looking cockpit for its class. The dash feels like it wraps around you with a sporty embrace. I would choose the limited five-passenger or the seven-passenger version because I just don't need that many seats. I would also add the touch-screen GPS navigation system because I have a tendency to get lost. Unfortunately, as with most SUVs there is no manual transmission (I mean with a clutch) available for this vehicle, but it does have the automatic five-speed with SPORTSHIFT -- shift paddles on the steering wheel are über fun on twisty roads. And I would get it in "Newport Blue Pear."
3: 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 v10 TDI
The "TDI" torque monster -- 553 lb-ft at 2000 rpm. That's all I need to tow my MINI Cooper racecar to the track on the weekends. (You know, after I win the California Lotto). The "TDI" is a plus since gas prices are on the rise. I wouldn't have to worry about how much I spend on fuel since I would have a helicopter to fly into the office with it -- this is my wish list and I can only dream right? I've had lots of face time with a few Touaregs. I've loved them since the first generation came out in 2005, and it was also graced with the title of Motor Trend's SUV of the year. "The peoples car" is tough enough to handle off-roading and towing without giving up that luxury German feeling. It handles like a dream on the highway and it's fun to get dirty on the trails. I guess you can say I have a loyalty to Volkswagen; I grew up with them, I've owned them in the past, and I most likely will own another in the future. Who knows, it could it could be this very Touareg 2. Oh, and I would get it in "Campanella White" just so you can see the mud all over it after a day romping in the hills.