2001 Ford explorer sport trac or 2006 Scion xa

I’m trying to get a new daily commuter. I had a Tacoma but unfortunately totaled it ;(. I live in the Western Slope of Colorado near places like Glenwood Springs and Rifle. So mountains and weather. My commute to work is about 30 miles there and back.

I am rebuilding a 1990 Jeep xj, it just isn’t driving yet so I’ll have a dedicated offroad rig eventually.

The explorer has 198k miles and guy is asking $3k. I offered $1500 cash. Money talks I guess and he accepted but lives a little far away.

The scion has 136k and asking $1500 but I offered 1300.

What say you? I kinda already asked about the scion but these are my two. My budget is 1500 from taxes

And 🙏