I have a Ford Ranger and I've asked if they make them with a diesel engine. I was told they do but they only sell them in South America due to emissions.

I would really love to have a small pickup truck with a 4-cylinder diesel engine.
Remember the VW Rabbit? I drove one of those for a few years and loved it.

As for a scooter, no way am I driving one here in the DFW metroplex. That would be suicide. It's bad enough in a small car, dodging all the trucks (18 wheelers), SUV's, and big pick ups. (I have one of those too, but don't drive it much. Only when I have to take 4-6 people).

For now, it's not the fuel prices that are keeping me from going backpacking but the job.