Dear Tom and Ray:

I have just purchased a new Toyota Corolla. In the owner's manual, Toyota suggests two different maintenance plans: Plan A, which requires maintenance every 3,500 miles, and Plan B, which requires maintenance every 7,000 miles. My driving patterns correspond to plan B. However, the dealer says that plan A should be followed no matter what. My goal is to drive this car for 200,000 miles. Which plan should I use? Saul

Tom: I'd order the combo platter, Saul. The dealer wants you to come in every 3,500 miles because then he makes money every 3,500 miles. That's perfectly understandable, especially considering the kind of boat payments he's probably carrying. But under normal driving conditions, you shouldn't need a complete engine "service" every 3,500 miles.

Ray: But if you really want to get 200,000 miles out of this car, it's not a bad idea to get your oil and filter changed that often. Changing the oil and filter frequently (we usually recommend every 5,000 miles) is the best mechanical thing you can do to increase the life of your engine.

Tom: So from Column A, take the oil and filter change at 3,500 miles.

Ray: And from Column B, take everything else. Then drive gently, and you'll probably get your 200,000 miles out of this thing. Good luck, Saul.

How can you tell if a used car is in good condition -- or even OK, for that matter? Find out by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet "How to Buy a Great Used Car: Things That Detroit and Tokyo Don't Want You to Know." Send $3 and a stamped (55 cents), self-addressed, No. 10 envelope to Used Car, PO Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

© 1994 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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