The name of the game is "Tell me what car you think I should buy and why because I don't know a lot about cars". Or "Talk some sense into me because selling my truck is a bad idea."

Reasons why I want to sell my current vehicle:

My 2001 Silverado (1500 extended cab, standard bed, 115k) is costing me about $400 a month in gas to commute to work, and currently I don't need any of the "truck functions" - towing, hauling, etc.

When I bought the truck in 2010 with 70k miles on it, it KBB'd for $11k. Now it has 115k miles and is KBB'ing for $10k. Looking at market trends, it seems that the value of my truck is going to start dropping rapidly in the next year or two.

It is due for about $1k in preventative maintenance items - rear shocks and front control arms ought to be replaced, I couldn't afford some of the 100k maintenance items at the time and I forgot to go back and do them. I really don't feel like paying $1k or more to keep a 13 year old truck going.

It's a PITA getting a carseat into the back seat of the current vehicle. The back doors open like suicide doors, making it impossible to park directly next to anyone and have access to the cab.

If I get a more fuel efficient car, I can save $200 or more on gas alone. If I save $200/mo on gas, I can use that money to make payments on a newer car or (even better) put that money into the bank.

Reasons why I don't want to sell:

I love having a truck around. I plan on doing some hefty landscaping work and finishing my basement within the next few years. I like the idea of saving on shipping and delivery costs by doing it myself, especially with landscape materials. Delivery fee on a few tons of rock is $$$$. Long story short - I like the versatility and "Do It Yourself-ness" of having a truck.

I like being able to get places off the beaten path without bottoming out and destroying a car. Especially when it comes to going shooting, mountain biking, hiking, or camping.

I feel very safe in my 5500lb truck.


What I need help with:

I haven't looked at cars in a long time and I don't know what I should be looking for. I have about $18k +/- $2k after I sell my truck that I can put into a new vehicle.

If you are a mechanic or know a lot about cars, your input would be especially helpful.

If i'm crazy and should hang on to my truck, then tell me why you think so.

Requirements:

4 doors

~25mpg or better. Bonus points for 30+

Needs to be able to fit a carseat in the back

Needs to be safe

less than 60k miles... preferably less than 40k.

Nothing older than 2005 year model





Thanks in advance!