I bought my S-10 fall of 2000 (with the help of my parents, who are still helping with the payments while I'm in college). I've got 30k+ on it, and it's going to last at least through next year (when I graduate). Once I get a FT job (hopefully!), then maybe I'll consider a new vehicle, but... it's been a dang good truck for me - lot of miles for it's relatively short life, but it's pulled me through some rough spots (I'm thinking of weather & minor accidents).
Plus it's a Flexible Fuel Vehicle and I'm running E85 now, so, while being a bit on the weak side (esp for a truck), it has decent fuel economy and I feel I'm doing a decent part for the environment & reducing the US dependency on foreign oil, so, I'm very satisfied for now.