Back story:
I originally was going to get a '99 Stepside - auto - 3.0 - 4x4 with high mileage (258xxx) although it looked new. I've also been waiting for them to put in a new transmission. It's still not touched after a couple of weeks, so I started looking for another truck again.
What I found was a '94 Fleetside - XLT - manual - 4.0 - glass canopy in matching color - less miles (201xxx)
It needs a throwout bearing. As long as it's that far down, it's getting a new clutch, etc. I've got a very good mechanic that will do it for $900. So far so good. Still needs two front tires as the backs are almost new. New to the point of I don't need all four. Windshield is cracked.
That's the bad stuff.
The good stuff:
Being a '94 the shape it's in you would guess newer. Body and paint are at 95% - interior is roughly 90%, (another surprise) - nice stereo - A/C works.
At the price I'm getting it at, even with everything I have listed above either fixed or replaced, I'm still going to be in it for less than if I were to find one in good condition that needed nothing. Only difference will be, I will know that mine will have all new stuff vs another used unknown.

Another reason I changed my stance from an auto to a stick was all the stories I've read on auto's. Not very comforting.

I'd love to hear your comments and/or suggestions on my pick. Go ahead, I've got thick skin and can take criticism as a learning tool.