A '95 Toyota Tacoma has served me well: 260,000 + miles so far: (180k on the orig clutch, 190k on the orig front brakes, 250k on the rear, 200 + on the orig exhaust) and I still get ~30 mpg! The change in 95 from the "Truck" to the Tacoma was pretty big esp. the engine. The 16v 4cyl will get the job done, I haul mine around all the time. Keep in mind replacement parts are expensive. Also my 2wd has very poor traction, it seems worse in the wet than it does in the snow. It has lasted 10 winters though, including a few in Chicago. So I don't think 4wd is worth the mpg/$ penalty with as many miles as I drive (~100/day.)
I would also consider a Subaru Brat if you can find one.
Rgds.
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