You're right. US now requires highway cars/trucks to use low sulfur diesel. Kind of like when they switched to unleaded gas. The cars can use low-sulfur, but it does cause increased engine wear from what I understand.

I am not as concerned with engine size as I am for brake and control issues. Who cares if I get 0-60mph in two days as long as I can stop in time to avoid someone, or control the trailer in a crosswind on a wet road. Unfortunately, good braking and steering usually are combined with a big engine (gas hog)

Didn't the old VW Rabbit diesel get about 45 mpg? I drove one a few times in the late 80's and it was a no-frills little zippy car. Of course, this was compared to my "Big Daddy Mac" Chevy Chevette.... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />