Dear Tom and Ray:

I am writing to expose the myth of Japanese car superiority. We purchased a new 1988 Toyota Corolla in January of '88, and it has just reached 100,000 miles--somehow. Despite changing the oil and filter every 4,000 to 5,000 miles, and getting a major service every 30,000 or so, the following is a list of our problems: In March of 1990 at 56,107 miles, the distributor cap and spark plug wires had to be changed to correct an engine miss. In December of 1990, at 77,969 miles, I had to replace the interior dome light bulb. In August of 1991 at 97,513 miles, I had to replace the battery. I can't sleep at night for worrying about this car, and yet I can't afford a new car right now. The car seems fine right now, but what is going to happen next? Should I trade it in for an American subcompact, and if so, which one?
Tony

RAY: Wise guy.