Right... I always thought a smaller engine is more efficient than a big
one. so the 97 (1.6L) vs. 01 (1.7L) is not that big of a difference.
But you are right, the electronics is probably very different. Also,
the 01 has 59k miles, but never had anything replaces (except tires).
According to the manual, spark plugs/timing belt/coolant/etc. are all
due after 100k miles.

On the other hand, the 97 has double the mileage (114k) and the manual
says to get new spark plugs every 30k. I don't know when the previous
owner replaced the spark plugs, and it will be due soon anyway, so I am
goona go ahead and replace them. The timing belt was done at 89k.
Brakes are also due soon.

What about the PCV valve? I found a couple or older posts inditating
that a bad PCV valve could drop the gas mileage by 10%. Is this
something a non-experienced guy like me could do?

thanks