Honestly diesels are a lot cooler, but if you don't actually need a diesel and and you aren't loaded... Buy yourself a nice mid 2000's half ton. I would love a diesel, but don't have an extreme need for one and with me being in college I'd rather not dig myself into more debt.

Its all personal choice, you could get an older diesel or a fairly new half ton. Good luck.

id agree with GMC 2000-2006 z71, there nice and easy to fix, and dont have many problems.

My favorite is the 6.0 powerstroke. everyone i talk to has major problems, but ive had 2 and never had a problem besides the ICP sensor went out 2x in a month. one was bulletproof and the other wasnt. and i still have a built bulletproof 6.0 in the shed waiting to be put into a rat rod.

I own a 2008 6.4 Powerstroke (F250 Super Duty, Diesel) with 180,000 miles, bought new. Would recommend it any day. Really fast, really loud. Great gas mileage and power with a DPF delete and a tune. I really recommend it.

For 10,000 its going to be hard to find a good diesel truck and then modify it. I would go with an older chevy or like a 05 ford crew cab 5.4 triton they sound pretty good actually. But it will be right at the top of your budget. Older chevys look and sound great.

First vehicle is a truck? Well i go with something small like a Ford Ranger. and build up.