like the title says .. i'm ready to buy my first used dakota.

i am hoping people here can give me pointers, tips, any words of advice on what to look for or stay away from in terms of a used dakota. do some years have more issues that others? some engines work better? some transmissions or transfer case work better than others? some trims pointless? are there key rust spots on a dakota that i should watch out for? anything and everything will be greatly appreciated! at what point should i be worried about high mileage?

here are some specs of what i'm generally looking for in a dakota:
-used
-4x4
-extended cab (not four full sized doors)

some point this week i will check out two dakotas..a 2000, 5sd, v6 with 70k miles and a 2001, 5sd, v6 with 56k miles.

so .. what should i look out for or stay away from??