This is a little late because I have just returned to the echo after
being BANNED by Roy Witt.

The Subaru AWD does a very respectiful job because fo it's design. The
Drawbacks are no low range transfer case and the car vehicle sits low so
cannot handle deep snow.

For the best gas miledge the old Suzuki Samuari, which was a very
capable Off roader, is about the only option. It is a true 4 wheel drive
and gets in the middle 20's MPG. And you do an engine swap and go with
the VW Diesel it gets about 30 MPG

Here is some info on that:

http://www.rocky-road.com/samurai-diesel.html
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 þ SLMR 2.1a þ 0