Update from a Thread I started in Toyota Nation Forum (excellent Forum, by the way): "The T-100 had a manual transmission for the 3rzfe from 1995 to 1998 (last year of manufacturing). I would guess that the first gen Tacoma would extend that out to 2004 as well. Looking further into the second gen Tacoma, it would appear that the 4 cylinder did have an option fer a manual transmission in the RWD truck...so at least up to 2015."
And said that https://www.cargurus.com currently has a listing for a RWD manual 4-cyl.

Thanks. When I take her out, someone in the parking lot invariably comes over for a look-see. Have you thought about pre-2010 Tacoma or pre-1995 Hi-Lux (i.e. pickup-style?)? I've seen Scotty advise that before...

thanks @Techsus , that old Toyota of your's sounds like a great truck. I wish they still made 'em like that. I see the early 90's were quite smaller than the recent ones, I wish they'd stop making such giant trucks!

thanks @Techsus . I've heard Scotty say that 4 cyclinder is more relialble than 6, and 2 wd more reliable than 4/all, and manual transmission more reliable that auto.

Toyota only has 2 offerings for manual transmission- the TRD Sport and the TRD Pro. The Pro and Sport are both v6, 4wd. So, it's not possible to compare Nissan 4 cyclinder manual to Toyota 4 cyclinder manual because Toyota doesn't offer it. It's also not possible to compare Nissan manual trans. rwd to Toyota manual transmission rwd since Toyota only offers 4wd on both of their manual transmission trucks.

So, the question really is, is a V6 4wd Toyota more reliable than a i4, rwd Nissan? I know the opinion of the brands in general is that Toyota makes a better vehicle. But, can you confirm that this still holds true given that you must compare the reliablility of an inline 4 cyclinder rwd Nissan basically unchanged since ~2005 to a redesigned in 2016, v6 4wd Toyota.?

There is a reason Tacoma is priced there. Instead of trying to find something cheaper than a Toyota, get a cheaper Toyota or a Ford F-150. I'd personally get a Toyota in my price range, but I still have the 1991 Toyota truck I bought new. Nearly every broadcast Scotty advises that Nissan quality has gone disappointingly downhill since Nissan partnered w/ Renault in 2000. Just keep going back in time until you find a year-model Tacoma you can afford. I found these for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILnCSbPgWSw