i'm getting almost 24 in town, on my 06 NA Ltd autostick, and fully expect 30 or better on the road, but I usually drive about 70 OTR.

the manual is about 1 mpg less than the auto, and if you're up around 80 it will be less. Just like my motorcycle, they tend to be geared for efficiency around the 60-70 mph range, that;s just the way it is.

i've used the 87 or 89 octane and the cross seems to be just as happy with that-no loss of power or MPG, but because the price differential is so low I generally feed her 91. Our octane numbers are lower than other parts of the world for equivalent quality, so an 87 may actually equate to 91 in Europe or Asia. This is a fact as I've learned about my motorcycles I've had. But the Cross does seem ok with 87 at the pump. 110K for that car seems a good overall price. You will love that car.