Looking to buy a new/used truck

[Tech1]

Well, for years and years i have put off buying a car, i don't like what insurance company's charge, and never been a big fan of driving, i have always took the bus or rode with co-workers, i have never needed a car.

In a few months i'm looking to buy a pickup, but don't know which one to get? I have a friend that works at a GMC dealership, and can get me any car from their partners (Not sure which) for a good price. Or i'll have her come with me and help me haggle with the dealership of my choice (Since she knows how to do these things)

I've been looking around while i'm going to work, and those Ford F-150's or Toyota Tundra have been ones i've seen alot. They look nice.


My Requirements (I know NOTHING about cars, so i need a guide to show me the ropes):

1) Price really doesn't matter as long as it's under $20k-$25k
2) Don't mind Diesel or Unleaded, just as long as it doesn't make alot of noise!
3) Good mileage of course, around 20MPG would be great
4)Should have the option of having an extra-cab (No doors though)
5) Not too huge, i don't want a big bad ass truck
6) 4x4 not needed, but would be an extra.
7) CD/Radio/Air conditioner/heating/nice interior/power windows
8) A bed cover, not the kind that go all the way to the roof, but the tarp kind so the bed is covered, as long as it's easily removable
9) My friend (The dealer) told me never buy new because they rip you off, and it's a better value to buy used

Not sure what else i would want, like i said, i know nothing about cars and their packages

[SonicVanguard]

If you've got a friend at a GM dealer, the new Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon look great. The are larger than the current S-10/Sonoma with the new 5 cyl. vortec. Because of the new emissions standards that require auto makers to have a certain percentage of vehicles sold with low emissions, these two trucks should be very reasonably priced (since GM's big trucks are huge sellers and will never be on any low emissions listing).

I'm also a fan of the Toyota's trucks. I've owned a 2003 Tundra access cab stepside SR5 4x4 since June and just love it. Before this beast, I owned two Tacoma's and loved those as well. Other than a Hummer, I doubt that there is a better 4 wheel drive system made than what comes from Toyota. My business partner owns a 4Runner and would also agree with me.

But a few good resources for information on trucks and what to look for would be About.com's 4 Wheel and SUV section and Edmunds.

Dave.

[sdkfz]

I can second th eEdmunds site, While i was buying new I was able to ue them to tell me what price I should pay for the Didge Dakota I wanted(given that I was perfectly willing to give a "resaonable" profit. I walked in with an xcel spreadsheet the guy I was dealing with took one look at it asked what I wanted to pay, walked back to get approval and 5 minutes alter I was done, no haggling

Also the Edmunds site works used vehciles and just generally has a lot of free information in a format that you can understand (I too am not a car person)