My 1989 Corolla now has over 273,000 miles on it - original engine, original 5-speed tranny - and still can get 30 to 35 mpg on the highway and over 25 in city-street driving. Never had a ring job. valve job, or anything more major than replacement of timing belt (twice), alternator (twice), clutch (once), struts (once) and brakes PRN. Damn fine little car!