EXPERTISE or OPINIONS- +\- $10k for a reg cab 4x4: what do you buy?

I’ve got to trade in my bigger taco for a family car, but I refuse not to have a small truck for my solo adventures with the dog when I get the opportunity.
So, I want a stick 4 banger bench seat 4wd. I love the 90’s pre-Tacoma/hilux/ pickups with the manual locking front axles, but I don’t have any experience with the 22re’s. I would love a 2014 with the 2.7(?) but anything not completely beat on is probably gonna be over $15k and well out of my price range.

This will be a 3rd car, a street parked, beach going, dog drooling truck, but one that I can clean up, like the look and feel of, I can sit in for 2-3 hours on end, won’t brake down, gets good mpgs, and offers some semblance of entertainment while driving.
Any insights, pictures, experiences, opinions, classifieds, etc would be greatly appreciated…

I wouldn’t dare pay 12k$, but for the right price what’s the downside here:

https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/d/sherwood-1994-toyota-pickup-4x4/7594501710.html

 

One thing to take into consideration is insurance and registration costs. Plus being in LA, there is the concern of theft/vandalism if you are street parking it.

 

For sure. I’m not in LA anymore, but good call. I was thinking a cover and a club might keep it safe???

 

I saw your CL link. If you are now in Portland, no way I would street park a vehicle.

Personally I wouldn’t spend $12k on a vehicle I don’t “need” to put a club/cover on it in the street. Not worth all the potential headaches.

 

Fair. 1st gens and pickups will fit in my garage. Looking more for anecdotal insights into what people have owned and loved from engines, size, or other technical insights.