You and I are in the same boat. I had a Ford Explorer V8 4x4 that got 14mpg. Sold it and bought a PT Cruiser 5-speed figured I'd get better mileage. I did, but only 19-20mpg and I couldn't tow my trailer with it, I had to row a 5-speed in rush hour every day, and it was gutless with no power.
My CRD is bigger, more comfortable, gets better mileage, tows my trailer, is 4 wheel drive, and I can make my own fuel for it if I so choose. I REALLY wanted a diesel pickup, but they are REALLY expensive around here. I looked at a 2003 PowerStroke with 85,000 miles on it and they wanted $28,000!! Anything diesel goes for nutty prices here in Tennessee. I looked at a 2002 Jetta TDI with 90,000 miles on it and they were asking $18,000. I thought my CRD for $19,000 with only 9600 miles was a steal!
