I think Chevy makes the cheapest small PU, but I’d probably pay more and get a Toyota Tacoma.
You’d be shocked what old late 80’s to early 90’s Toyota Extracab pickups are being bought for, so long as they’re 4x4 with the bullet-proof 22R 4 cylinder. If they’re no rust, excellent condition, low miles, $12K on up. People are starting to restore them, too.