>>1048111
Pre2000 anything is your best bet. 2003 at the latest. Ford f150s were very popular so parts are everywhere. GMC/Chevy 1500 are very easy to work on, can drop the trans and replace the motor with 3 wrenches. Chilton manuals are extensive so even if you're not a mechanic you can repair the whole truck with troubleshooting and steps by step instructions with pictures. To be a real Thinkpad of vehicles the following features are recommended.
Diesel engine: 500k miles easy, well over 1m if you take care. Can easily be converted to run other fuels like alcohol, and can run on veggie oil with no conversions.
Manual trans: Learn to drive one. More reliable, more power, more control, easier to replace.
4x4: snow, mud, you name it. Get some good tires.
No power anything: hand control 4x4, windows and locks.
I have not found a car that I would call a ThinkPad. Toyota Corolla or honda civic, 4 banger 1990-2005, super popular, easy enough to work on. If you can find one in a manual you'll never drive the wheels off. You never see one and think "man, thats the Thinkpad of cars" though