I'm pretty much decided I will not be buying another F-150 next as I just don't need the full-size truck; and I'm starting to go into downtown Pittsburgh more often lately where the size really becomes an issue in some parking garages. Also, as long as PA insists on charging approximately $.50/gallon higher for gasoline than neighboring states; feeding this pig can get real expensive real quick! (At this rate a used Focus is starting to look attractive!) My next truck will definitely be something smaller with a more manageable size. The Ranger, Colorado, or Frontier would be ideal for me. I have not seen the the interior space of the extended cab version of any of these trucks. Of course the Ranger is not available yet; but the Colorado and Frontier seem to be most popular in the Crew Cab. I don't want to have to buy the Crew Cab as I still prefer the extra bed length, and lower price tag to boot, of the extended cab configuration. I don't have children and rarely have more than just two people in my truck, usually my wife and I. But in the rare event that I do have to seat a person back there, I want them to be somewhat comfortable even for a short trip.
As for trim level, I'm open on that but one option that is a must have for me is a sliding rear window. It doesn't have to be a power slider, but it does need to open. Chevrolet won't give you that below the LT series, and if the Ranger is anything like the current F-150 then Ford won't offer it below the XLT series. Having an opening rear window cuts down on a lot of wind noise inside the cab when the door windows are down. I really don't know why the manufacturers are limiting that option like they are. They used to offer it across the board on all trim levels. Another option that is a must have is limited-slip or a locking rear differential. If I can get that I may not even need to buy the 4x4 and can save myself $4-5000.