So.... I sold the $4!7box bimmer and bought a 2006 XRS Corolla. It has the Celica GT-S motor, 6 speed manual, stiffer struts and springs, larger sway bars, front strut brace and rear strut tower X brace. It gets incredible gas mileage and if I can stay away form the 8200 rpm redline I will get close to 400 miles on an 11 gallon tank.
My forum name on the 9thgencorolla.com forum is shift@8k :D