I have 71,000 miles on mine (yes, I drive alot), and still the clutch has no slip, the brakes are excellent, and I can't rave about the car enough. Sure, I don't drive as hard as you appearantly, but it's seen redline quite a few times. I think the key is changing oil and filter every 3,000 and I've been using Castrol Syntec 10w-30 since 9,000 miles. Now, I don't know how much this has to do with it, but I followed the break in period to a tee. And, changed the oil at 1,500, then at 3,000. When engines are new, they still might have a little bit of metal dust or some particles that you want to make sure are cleaned out completely. I plan on doing all the belts, hoses, water pump, and whatever adjustments are needed at 80,000. Like I said, mabe I go a little too far on fluid changes, but better to be safe than sorry. I plan on keeping it till the wheels roll off.