By chance I found and picked up a 1995 Dakota with a 4 cylinder, 5-speed. The ad said “just the usual scratches and dings”… Well maybe for a contractor that doesn’t care about the vehicle (LOL) but it is a Florida vehicle that began some minor rust during the 7 years in Michigan. I can eventually fix the scratches, dings, and dents…but it is the lack of rust that made the difference for me. I’ve already got thoughts of souping it up (turbo-4 or V8 drag truck) but I bought it for an economical work truck for picking up parts, supplies, equipment etc.
Note: it's about a 1000 lbs lighter than my '98 CC I think; talk about shaving some weight.