Purdue University
English Composition II – Eng 105
Fall 1988, Dr. Bolduc
Grade: (A-)
Persuasive Paper
My dad, a clone of Archie Bunker, would be 72 years old now if he were still alive. I can imagine him cringing in his grave at the thought of my buying a foreign car. This is a futile attempt to convince Dad, but possibly a fruitful attempt to convince you that it is not only OK to buy a foreign car, but it is a smart thing to do.
Dad never knew that in May 1978 the Department of Transportation recalled all 1971-1976 Ford Pintos due to a flaw in the gas tanks; the gas tanks would ignite instantly upon impact; many people were either critically burned or killed as a result. This was the most expensive recall in automotive history.
The worst part of this recall is that Ford Motor Company owned the patent on a new, safe, saddle-type gas tank before 1971. Ford plants were already tooled to manufacture the ignitable gas tanks; the company’s “cost-benefit analysis” said it was not economically wise to go through the enormous expense of retooling, even though it would have saved many lives.
Through personal experience, I learned why Consumer Reports magazine (April 1986) said that the Chevrolet Cavalier built in 1984 was the worst used car to buy. Before 40,000 miles I had replaced the following in my 1984 Cavalier:
Brakes
Muffler
Alternator
Battery (twice)
Starter (twice).
In addition, from the time it was brand new, the butterfly flange would close in cold weather (it then causes the car to flood),; I was told by the Chevy dealer and several other mechanics that this could not be fixed, these cars just do that. This meant that I had to get out of my car, pop the hood, and stick my rat-tail comb in the flange before my car would start in weather below 32 degrees. The car was also recalled for faulty emission control mechanisms.
And now for the real joy, at about 44,000 miles the engine blew up. Chevrolet said sorry lady, but you have to pay the $1300 to replace the engine; you must also pay for the rent a car you will need for 3 weeks to get to work. Only through obnoxious assertiveness did I get Chevy to pay for all but $100 for the new engine.
Being a college student, I then decided to do my homework before buying a new car. I spent 4-5 hours in the library researching Consumer Reports about small cars. The Toyota Corolla that I bought had the highest ratings in its class in almost everything:
Least repairs needed
Easiest to repair and do routine maintenance on
Seating comfort
Gas mileage
And safety in engineering ie Brakes etc.
I have never heard of a Toyota recall. I have had my Corolla for 3 years now and have never had to fix ANYTHING; my car has 67,000 miles on it! All I have done is routine biyearly maintenance checks and oil changes every 3-4,00 miles. My average gas mileage is 37 miles per gallon. Two different mechanics and a salesman at a tire store, recently told me that my tires looked like they had 15,000 miles on them and asked why I was even thinking about replacing the tires.
I consider myself patriotic; I get teary-eyed at the sound of the National Anthem. However, loving your country and a good car but don’t necessarily go hand in hand. Our system of capitalism breeds competition; the Toyota Corolla has won.
Japan has strived to make reliable, affordable cars; they have perfected their technology and used quality materials; they have earned and proven worthy of my faith in their products. Chevy must agree because their Nova and Spectrum are made as a joint effort with Japan.