Tips on Buying Cars: buying a fuel efficient pick up truck, hyundai elantra, chevy s10

Question
Dear Ray,

  I am toying with the idea of buying a pick up truck.  Not yet sure if I'd trade in my Hyundai Elantra & replace it with the truck as my sole vehicle, or, if I might buy an older, used truck as a secondary vehicle.   I'd like to be able to haul things when I need to (which isn't real often), and, to throw a couple bikes in the back of my vehicle when I want to (also not often, but I really don't like bike racks).   I love my stickshift Hyundai, which gets about 35 mpg, but I sure can't haul anything in it (I should have bought the hatchback!).   With the soaring price of gas & the fact that I do commute about 30-40 miles per day, I would definitely want something very fuel efficient if it were my primary vehicle.  If it were a second vehicle, that would not be nearly as important.   I was hoping you might be able to suggest a few brands & models for either scenario:  either a fuel-efficient new or late-modeltruck, or a significantly older, cheaper one as a secondary vehicle.   And I'm not in a position to buy an expensive one in either case.   I paid $12,000 two years ago for my new 2002 Hyundai.  I'd like to stay somewhere in that same price range, if possible, if I were talking new.   Used, maybe up to $2500.  Oh, and my only luxury requirement would be functioning A/C.  I enjoy driving a stick, but would consider an automatic if I had to.
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Sue
I am really trying to read into your needs and wants...and it comes down to space...
Buying a used P/U in the $ 2500. range could be risky unless you get real lucky, and then you got to carry insurance on a second vehicle ( costly ) i dont think thats the answer...
You have a nice car now thats good on Insurance and gas...but if you really feel you must have the benefit of preferance...Then how about A chevy S10...Ford Ranger or Mazda 3000 as your only vehicle...
Regards
  Ray