I drive a 2004 Dodge Dakota base 4x4 model with a the older Dodge 3.7L V6. It's alright got a decent deal on it from a private seller about 5 years ago. Engine only has 105K miles on it just replaced water pump, serpentine belt, battery, spark plugs, distributor cap and spark plug wires on it a few thousand miles ago. The suspension is absolute shit although all my Forest Service road driving doesn't help. I've replaced the wheel bearings, tie rods, shocks and ball joints in the the last year. About $2K worth of work for the suspension and another 1K for the engine work. It's nice and reliable since I got the work done and that will probably be the last money I put into it. It's been good to me and as noted put some tough miles on it going out hiking and backpacking in the PNW.
Blue Book on it it's like $2-4K (interior is in good shape all the power windows and locks shit is working and I put in a nice head unit). I think I'm just going to trade it in a few years when it needs more work and get another truck. Not sure what model but budget will probably be around 10-15k. Don't like taking long car loans like to pay mostly in cash. Maybe a F150, seems like Ford is making decent trucks again.