Chevy S-10 & GMN Sonoma

What is everyones thoughts on these trucks? It is on e of the many options i am juggling for a new car. I want something with a large performance aftermarket so i was thinking the 4.3 Vortech is more my speed...not really feeling the idea of a 4 cylinder in a smalll truck. Also not really sure if i am going to go with a 5 speed or automatic. I am only looking to spen about 3 or 4 grand on the truck itself so whats your thought on the older models?

A friend of mine at work has one...it's an S-10 SS. He's got a lot done to it (cam, heads, exhaust, stall converter, F-body posi, and a lot of appearence stuff like shaved handles all around, shaved antenna, and some nice tasteful rims). It's a nice truck over all.