Advice needed for first Truck

I am looking for my first car/truck and dont really know what to get as I am new to all of this. I only have about $3000 to spend total. I am looking for a good truck that is build well and will last a long time. One that gets decent millage on the street and is capable to do some offroad stuff when it arises.

Doing some research online, this has lead me to the tacoma. Though It seems my budget is a bit small. So do you folks have any advice?

 

The 1st gen Tacos are getting more scarce because of the frame rust recall. With that budget, you'd be lucky just to get the truck bed. You'll need at the very least $6000 to get in the neighborhood of a truck in decent condition. About 9 months ago, I sold my '99 Xtra Cab PreRunner V6 for $6700.

 

moped....vrrrrrm

 

r u capable of getting a vehicle financed? if so, go on craigslist.org, find a local one, get a loan from the bank, put ur 3K down, & pay payments for a year or so. getting a loan for 3-4k shouldnt be that bad, the payments shouldnt be too high either.

 

good idea.
you could also try to find a toyota mini truck (pickup) from 85-95, a base model with 22re and 4wd shouldnt be too expensive.

 

x2