Ot GMC truck, I want a truck Options

[F4i]

I am looking for a new to me (first) truck. I am really leaning towards a 2000-2003 gmc sonoma/s10. any thoughts on them are welcome any maint. issues? Pitfalls. Engine choice? Any info and opinions welcome. thanks
Oh BTW ext cab and 4x4 are almost musts. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/boldblue.gif)

[Kevin@ojai.net]

I also have an '03 s-10 4.3L 2wd all the goodies, 30,000mi on mine. The rebates they had going on in late '02 made it the same price as buying a couple year old used one. I regularly pull my little 17ft glastron with it -- no problem.

I have had two issues with it though: I had a POS steering box on it that started leaking -- had to get that replaced. Also had to replace the drive axle due to a universal going out on it (I guess they don't just change the universals anymore). There is also an aerodynamic flaw with the vehicle (I've tried this on 4 diff S-series '02 and '03) where if you crack the drivers window
at high fwy speeds of 75-80mph you can not roll it back up unless you crack the passengers window.

I uploaded my fuel economy to 914.ojai.net/mileage.xls You can see I get about 19mpg avg. including city and towing, and low 20's on the fwy...

Over all i would recommend one, not bad little trucks. But again, if you want to cary lumber and tow heavy loads nothing beats a full size! But if you want to be able to squeeze into little parking spots and want a commuter that can do some light duty double work as a "truck" the small truck is a great way to go.

HTH,
-Kevin