gre48733,

  Congratulations on completing your formal education and enjoying good job prospects.  My '97 Z-71 4x4 with 325K fits me well--just re-skinned it a few thousand miles ago with Michelins so the dang thing had better keep running. <g> My wife bought it for her truck at 40K but when she found the Burb, it became my truck.  I kept records and it runs 12-13 cents a mile for maintenance and gets the same 16 mpg it always got.  Has the original, untouched 5,7 engine, second transmission and other regular stuff.  After going through two alternators, I had one rebuilt and carried it under the back seat.  That was 150,000 miles ago and I haven't needed to use it.  Funny how that works. 

  One of the reasons I keep it is that as I see the future, there is value in heading on into town with a truck that looks like it isn't worth stealing, and the occupants aren't worth messing with.  A well-used topper adds to the bland package, concealing whatever I'm hauling and a nice coat of road dust completes the package.  Meanwhile, the F-250 earns the highest truck theft rating in San Antonio and I can do without that sort of hassle.  Maybe it's just me.

Take care and I hope you have a great time finding and driving what works for you.  Stetts