First Priority Is Quality

In his Dec. 17 commentary in the Business section, “Cost of Buying Foreign Is Loss of U.S. Jobs,” Harry Bernstein offers us four ways to help “Buy American.”

But he misses the one point that almost every consumer complains about, but to which most manufacturers refuse to address themselves--quality.

American automobiles, to cite the highest-priced example, are overpriced and poorly built.

The customer pays an inflated price for the car and every extra, often available only in “packages” containing things he doesn’t want.

These vehicles are expensive to repair; repairs are required all too often, and authorized repair shops are careless, sloppy and uncaring.

When you bring this to the attention of manufacturers and dealers, they tell you that you don’t know what you’re talking about, you don’t know how to drive the car (especially if you’re a woman), and you can bring it in again first thing in the morning for another long wait and another large bill.

JAY BISNO

Culver City