Dakota or S-10?

[OhioDeerHunter]

I'm looking to buy an older Dakota or S-10 (extended cab, V6 and 4WD) but wanted to get some opinions on each from people who have owned them. I was originally looking at the 92-96 Dakota and 90-93 S-10. But, it's tough finding these years that are a pile of rust. So, I've started looking at the newer years.
So, for those that have had one or the other, what did you like/dislike about it?

[Arnie Oakley]

I'm looking to buy an older Dakota or S-10 (extended cab, V6 and 4WD) but wanted to get some opinions on each from people who have owned them. I was originally looking at the 92-96 Dakota and 90-93 S-10. But, it's tough finding these years that are a pile of rust. So, I've started looking at the newer years.
So, for those that have had one or the other, what did you like/dislike about it?

I had a 2000 Dakota and thought it was the scrappiest 4 wheeler I've owned, and that's comparing it to a Chevy Blazer, GMC Sierra and a Chevy Silverado. It was a rough rider, but very little maintenance in 100,000+ miles. I thought the Dakota was a great truck.

[CannedHeat]

My Dakota rocked too. Problem was it was geared poorly(which I knew when I bought it) and it sucked gas like it was free. Never an issue other than a balljoint or two...common with them.

The S-10's always seemed to rust out nearly as fast as the boxes on the old Toyota pickups...never had too many issues with the ones my Dad had though, other than the rust.