I'm talking 15 mpg in town, about 20 on the highway. It's rated for 20 city and 29 highway (and btw, I have ALWAYS gotten the EPA estimated gas mileage in all the cars I've driven for the past 30 years - got 52 mpg out of my 3 cylinder Geo Metro).

It has all new plugs, wires, distributor cap, etc.

It is a 5 speed manual and I've driven manual for 30 years.

It has 73,700 miles on the engine.

Recent work includes new timing belt, some other belt was also replaced but I forget which one. New air filter. Replaced a torn CV boot and front control arm. Was previously owned (literally) by a little old lady who only put about 2k miles on it the last year she owned it. Had regular maintenance. There are no apparent engine problems - runs great, doesn't hesitate or stall, no knocking, pinging, or other strange noises. "Check engine" light is not on. I was thinking an O2 sensor but shouldn't that trip the check engine light?

I'm at a loss. With gas $3 a gallon and me a poor starving grad student (with a son in college as well) I can't afford this.

Any ideas?

Sojourner