I would try to figure how much it might cost to just fix the car vs getting something new if you like the car that much and aren't panning on getting rid of it
the dash isn't an easy one but the rear doors are, use some white lithium grease and that should take care of that
get the codes read at autozone and let us know what they are and most likely someone will know how to fix the problem and get the engine light off, and when that happens your gas milage will go back up also
other then that, i don't think much compaires in the price range, maybe a used VW or BMW or something along those lines
