WTB: Automatic compact pickup 1996-newer

I can't really mess with rust but if you have/know of one of these miserable beasts, I'm semi-serious.  $5k and less.

What do you consider "compact"? Is that a Dakota or Tacoma or something? Ranger? S-10?

Be aware the compact pickups have long suffered from neglect regarding engines and power trains by the factories that build them.  
     You will actually get significantly  better gas mileage with a full size pick up.   The big attraction was the low price, but that has gone away.  
     They are now priced as high or higher than  a full size.  Plus parts for the full size are much cheaper because there are so many more of them.  
  In addition getting over 200,000 miles in a compact pickup is really great. Many won't achieve that.   While full sized are just getting broken in at that point.  
    I hate that.   I think the small compact is a great size.   Easier to park and run around in.  
    My compromise is the short box regular cab  full size.  It's only a little wider.  And massively more practical. 

I guess I'd widen the search to full size regular cab shortbed, but Dakota and smaller is what I'd prefer.  

The 1st gen Colorado/Cayon pickups would be a possibility, either the 4 or 5 cylinder versions. They get overlooked and can be found for a decent price, quite a few on FB marketplace here in Georgia and Carolinas. 

Your dashboard doesn't say where in the country you are, but I'm in upstate NY; well worth it for me to go hunting in Florida and Georgia.

A few years ago I bought a 2007 Frontier with two doors and a 6 speed stick.  A rarity now days, found near Ft. Lauderdale.

I'm in west TX.  Pretty dang dry but it never was a big market for small trucks.