Need something around $20-$25K and need room & mpg.....

[Midwayman]

It's more than that. I have a home and a fairly sized yard and shop. I'll admit it isn't best financially to have it but it is much more convenient and that offsets the costs imo.
Every real man needs a truck, home, and a shop. I'm only fulfilling my duties as a man.

If you're hauling every other weekend, it doesn't really apply to you. However that's not how the vast majority of these vehicles are used. As someone else said a utility trailer is a much better option if you really want the convenience factor.