my two pennies:

2wd pickup. I had a 98 ranger 4cyl 5spd for a while and it was great on gas--around 25 city/30 highway, never had any problems. I got a camper shell for it for 10 bucks off ebay so I could throw the mutt back there instead of having him all over me in the cab (like he is in my Zu). It cost <$4k. Plus you can fill the bed up with goodies for your Zu like axles, tires, etc <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" /> vehicle make is a preference thing, I know a lot of guys who swear by toyota pickups, but my little ford was pretty good.

if you have to get a car, get a car, just throwin it out there <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />