NAC! pickup question.. ford/toyota advices needed

[thejimrose]

hey boys n girls.. sorry for the wob but y'all are the only set of
valid automotive opinions on the inbterwebz. so..

im thinking about a little 4wd pickup. wanted a tacoma but thye're stupid $
out here. 12k gets you an 02 with 150k miles in decent [not great] shape.
will likely just be for carting around bikes, camping, etc.

anyone know anything about the ford rangers? looks like you can get a lot
more truck for the $. i dont know nothing about em.

any input appreciated, hidden gems welcome [chevy colorado w the I-5?],
mazda, etc etc. a good 4wd system is key as it will get snow use. love the
locker on the trd taco's but not a deal breaker.

thx!
jim