It looks like circumstances are conspiring to force me to get a new vehicle. For various reasons there are 3 models that are leading the pack and I’m looking for any opinions on why I should or should not get any of them (or something similar):
Toyota Tacoma; used, low-mileage, extended cab
Jeep Compass; new (never heard of this before today but looks promising)
I don’t know anything about your first two choices but I have a Wrangler and I love it. Actually, this is my second Wrangler; I bought a '90 used in '94 and had it until late '01, when I got my '02 new. It is lots of fun to drive, gets reasonable gas milage and can be used to haul stuff if needed.
I know about 10 people with Tacomas and everybody is fanatical about them. Many are in construction and they all seem to think that they are extremely sturdy and reliable work trucks.