I had the 2x4 version and it was sturdy beast. Not over powered mind you, but it was able to keep ticking. The weak point on my '89 was the head which I had to have rebuilt three times. Another weak point was the frame. The rear rusted out like I had dipped it in acid. Respectable mileage? That depends on the brain/foot connection. I got 27 mpg on flat highway, but I'm the grandpa guy tooling along at five mph above the speed limit while everyone else rockets past me. It's real easy to maintain for the average mechanic. Carbon tends to build up in the throttle chamber and associated ports and the brake slide pintals on mine tended to seize causing the brakes to bind. Annual greasing stops that. I though it was a great little truck. Very reliable.