80's late 90's 4runner and pickups

I just turned 17 and I'm looking for my first car. I want an suv or truck so I've been looking at 80's and late 90's toyota 4runners pickups and tacomas( love the look of these models and I need a truck for work in the summer) and I have a few questions. I also have a VERY small budget around the 1.5k area , so keep that in mind.

1. Rebuilt engines? What exactly does that mean and should I stay away from cars or suvs with them?

2. What kind of millage should I be looking for?

I have absolutely no mechanical experience, NONE. But I really want to learn how to work on my own car, ya know. So my last question is. Would any of these models be harder to learn how to work on than say a ford of chevy that's around the same age?

Any other advice will be MUCH appreciated.

Thanks