If an rx7 gets 15mpg there is something wrong, they will get around 20/city 25/highway running straight and thats turbo. I was 18 when I went and got my 88vert under my own insurance plan, for the minimum it is 182/month with AIG.

I would just try and sell the escort, then purchase a really good stock FC turbo that has somewhat low miles or a rebuild. They can be found for 3-4k.