After re-reading your original post I think your perfect car is a skoda octavia scout(4x4).
We have one at the work and it is excellent. Absolutely bombproof, safe, fast, 40 odd mpg, capable on moderate off road, good resale value, far more reliable than any 4x4.
I dont know if you would get one for 5k, but it would be your perfect motor.
We use ours on snow, forestry roads and modest offroad (through fields etc) and is more than capable.
Most people with a pickup etc never actually use them offroad to any great degree.
FTB