[reldridge]

When you have the hood up, does the noise sound like it's coming from the valve cover? (the silver thing with 2.0L Split Port Injection on it, just incase :) ) If so, chances are it is lifter tick, and it is pretty normal. You can get some additives that will make it lessen (any Upper Valve lube from Canadian Tire that you add to the oil ie. Wynn's, Bardahl, etc.).

Smelling gas? That's a weird one. I'd maybe have a mechanic take a look at that. Could just be running REALLY rich on start up, but it could be something more major. When was the last time the fuel filter was changed?

Gas mileage gets worse in the winter, for sure. Fuel resellers add ethanol and other additives to stop the gas from freezing (Petro Can adds gas line antifreeze, or Tactrol in marketing speak :D). All these additives work as filler, and don't do anything for fuel consumption. They get burnt off in the process, but don't give much power (less BTU's from the fuel due to additives, causing more fuel to be used to give the same energy). Ethanol has been proven to give worse mileage (up to 20%, depending upon concentration in the fuel), and it can even be seen in additions of only 10% (think MacEwan's or Sunoco gasoline). On the upside, you don't have to buy gas line antifreeze as much anymore. :D

Ryan