I've owned my TCH 9 days travelled almost 2200 kilometres(1375 miles) it's already returning 5.9 litres per hundred or 39+ miles per US gallon, it's quiet and has most creature comforts. So overall I am happy but would be even more happy if the front end had a little more bite. It under steers (pushes) something wicked, yes I know it's front wheel drive but so was my Maxima SE. I believe a lot of the problem is due to the 60 series tires that roll over and give up.
So you bought the car for economy Andy why worry about handling?
If I don't have to slow down for a corner, ramp I don't have to waste energy re-building speed.