My 1998 Chevy S-10 has been alright for me for the last ten years.
At 5k you better change all the hoses in fair weather, change the water pump when the radiator goes, and be prepared to put up with less than new car operation like when one brake light is dimmer than the other or when you have to change out hinge and door latches on the driver's side and F-it-up so you have to key lock it now.
Going to learn about cars at 5k, and education isn't cheap.................runs me about $1,000 a year in maintenance/upkeep unless I'm doing it myself.
2003 Chevy S10 Crew Cab 4x4 v6 105k hail damage - firm price - $4900
https://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/d/2003-chevy-s10-crew-cab-4x4/6710117520.html
1996 Chevrolet 4x4 S10 Pickup - $6000
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/1996-chevrolet-4x4-s10-pickup/6709786673.html
2002 CHEVY TRUCK S10 ZR2 LS - $3850 (ARVADA)
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2002-chevy-truck-s10-zr2-ls/6707454417.html
2003 Chevy S10 Pickup - $5500 (Greeley)
https://fortcollins.craigslist.org/cto/d/2003-chevy-s10-pickup/6704856367.html
On the V6 4.3L the intake manifold gasket goes at 75k, can be fixed properly or with goop in a can that blocks up your heater core.
The 4WD system isn't as good as my old 1990 Geo Tracker was, but with good tires it's good enough for Michigan, Colorado I cannot speak for.