[Christ]

I was thinking Cara for the following reasons -

Familiarity
Initial Investment
Return (utility)
Return (resale of salvaged parts, engine, auto tranny, etc.)
The fact that it's an "out of the ordinary" vehicle to be pursuing excellent mippigs in, and it kinda shows that you can even be eco-friendly without driving a Festiva.

The only reason I'd thought about using a small truck was so that I could easily mount the engine in a longitudinal orientation, and have a full utility vehicle... but on the same note, I have nearly that with Cara, once I upgrade the rear suspension, and no further investment beyond parts.

I'd love to see what ideas everyone else has that might refine the process though.