We get it already. Every truck that isn't a Cummins, Powerstroke, or doesn't cost $35,000 is junk. You don't need to remind us in every thread about diesels.
OP, have you considered an old military pickup? I know they're 4wd and reg. cab, but they are a 1 ton (actually 5/4 ton), usually minimally rusty, have less than 100k and typically can be had for less than $3,000.
My K10 with a 6.2 gets 20 mpg and hasn't missed a beat in the 6 years I've had it.