Truck Buyers: what do you look for?

[Coley]

After watching some of the great buys that have shown up here I got to thinking about the way each of us (all of us?) go about finding and choosing a possible 'buy'.
For me, I like the higher option trucks, definitely the 1/2 tons, prefer the 71-72 Eggcraters....and definitely like them in original condition.
I would probably take a stock engined truck (to start with) with all its stock equipment over another chrome air cleanered truck (with all do respect of course).
I have a hard time with stuff needing bodywork....probably because at this point, I haven't done much of it. I've been seriously impressed by a lot of you who have and your projects....amazing. Clearly some of you have no fear of something needing rockers, cab supports, floors, etc.
So do you prefer them finished ready to go? (somebody is buying those high dollar trucks). Do you prefer them as drivers? or tow homes? Do you love a project? or....does it have to be immediately useable? (yes for me).
What about budget? I've never met a guy who wouldn't quickly spend up to $3500 on just about any nice truck, whether he needed it or not.
Coley