Used Cars: Pick-up Truck, ford ranger xlt, gas mileage

Question
Hey whats Robert,
I have a question...I have about 8,000 dollars to spend on a used pick-up. I've been looking at a Lifted Chevy S-10 V6 4.3liters, Ford Ranger xlt, and Toyota Tacoma. Each one has about 100k miles. Which one do you recommend. I need one that won't break down on me, a month after purchase. And that is pretty good on gas.
thanks,
rafael

Answer
Well to be honest any time you buy a lifted truck you have to consider it may have been abused. I don't ever buy anything that has been modified... You know they modified it for a reason. Just something to consider. Of your options I would go with a 4cyl Tacoma... with a 2.7 litre 22RE under the hood - the engine and truck are bullet proof - and well known for it. The v6 model is good too but gas mileage will be worse (and its not AS reliable)... out of the ranger and S-10 - i'd take the ranger.. the engine is better in the S-10 but the chevy s-10 is a very dated design and build quality is merely decent. But if you can get a Tacoma for the same price as the others.. I wouldn't hesitate to get the Taco..