We autocross with a Mercury Mystique v-6,5sp. After 2 years and 117,000 miles (dailyDriver also) it still a great car. The gas problem seems to be a Ford problem in autocross cars. It shows up big time in Focus cars, but I have seen a couple in Contours. So far, so good with our car. It does help to have the local dealer a fellow autocrosser, along with the top local Ford Mech, also a Drag Racer/Autocrosser. Don't worry about your car, just go out and have fun at a great family motorsport.