the oil consumption is not normal or OK for me because I have a 2007 TCH (and 2k shy of 60k) and it doesn't consume oil at 5k intervals (I do oil change myself) I also have 2 other detroit crap V8s that are over (112k and 105k) and they don't consume oil at 4k intervals (still our daily driver) Prior to that I have a 1998 Mercury Sable (120k) and a 1997 Ford taurus (136k) and they don't consume oil either.

 

since we moved here in 1993, we had 19 vehicles, including Chrysler, Fords, Chevys, 4 Mitsubishes, Hondas, Toyotas, and a Lexus. Trucks, SUVs, passenger cars. With various mileage on them.
I also spent quite some time helping buddies to repair their cars.
THERE IS NOT A SINGLE CAR THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN, THAT WILL NOT CONSUME OIL TO SOME EXTANT. I'll call anyone who states otherwise. It is not a space ship, it is not completely sealed environment, you physically can not prevent any fluid from break down in such harsh environments as inside engine. You simply can not. One may look at dipstick and say "Oh, it's same level I saw last time", but it's human eye, and human memory. Minor lowering of oil level on dipstick is not noticeable, but it takes a quart of oil to refill distance between marks on it, for a 4cyl engines. 1/5th drop on a dipstick is barely noticeable, but it will translate into quite some oil added, if one gets obsessed with it.
Same time, it will depend on engine temperature, surface inclination, how deep dipstick was inserted and how good operator eye sight is. Or memory, for that matter. Base line - it is IMPERFECT way to check and is SUBJECTIVE.
Physically, you can not prevent oil from being somewhat consumed, as no one in sane mind will ever claim 100% sealed piston rings or valve stems or gaskets or seals. It physically can not be done, period.
Question is - is it right to call that particular engine pos oil burner? NO. it is a minor oil consumption. If one wants to make an issue out of it - well, personal choice it is.
Should his engine been consuming a qrt every 2-3 000 miles, i'd have been first to say - dude, something's wrong. And I am first to say - do not buy Mitsubishes, they are oil burners. Out of 4 we had and still have one - they DRINK oil. But what he has? It's nothing. So is mine, I am not even thinking about it.
And yes, cloud is full of exhaulted owners that freak out over slightest noise, level, squeak, etc, and start crusades against maker right away. It's understood. I have a cure for you though. BUY A BENTLEY. Car is made to last 100 years. Otherwise, you always get what you paid for. Be content.

 

Even Bentley's use oil. When your chauffeur takes the car to the dealer for cleaning, they check the oil and add more if needed. ;-)

 

Have you ever measured the oil you remove from your engine when you do your own oil changes? Are you sure that you do not burn a little oil at 5000 mile interills? Possible,,,,but not likely.JMHO.

 

that doesn't make sense when I don't have that issue, the dipstick check is enough. A "little oil" is possible but would I noticed it? probably not.

 

Engine - Oil Consumption Information
Bulletin No.: 01-06-01-011A
Date: July 22, 2003
INFORMATION
Subject:
Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines
Models:
All 1996-2004 Passenger Cars and Gasoline Powered Light Duty Trucks Under 8500 LB
GVW except Chevrolet Corvette
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to update the Model Years. Please discard Corporate
Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011 (Section 6 - Engine).
All engines require oil to lubricate and protect the load bearing and internal moving parts
from wear including cylinder walls, pistons and piston rings. When a piston moves down
its cylinder, a thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall. During the power stroke, part of
this oil layer is consumed in the combustion process. As a result, varying rates of oil
consumption are accepted as normal in all engines.
Oil Consumption
The accepted rate of oil consumption for engines used in the vehicles referenced is 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi). This rate only applies to personal use vehicles, under warranty, maintained in accordance with the appropriate maintenance schedule, with less than 58,000 km (36,000 mi), or 80,450 km (50,000 mi) for Cadillac, driven at legal speeds in an unloaded (for trucks) condition.
Many factors can affect an owner's concern with oil consumption. Driving habits and
vehicle maintenance vary from owner to owner. Thoroughly evaluate each case before
deciding whether the vehicle in question has abnormal engine oil consumption.
Gasket and External Leaks
Inspect the oil pan and engine covers for leakage due to over tightened, damaged, or out
of place gaskets. Inspect oil lines and fittings for signs of leakage.
Improper Reading of the Oil Level Indicator (Dipstick)
Verify that the dipstick tube is fully seated in the block. When checking the oil level,
make sure the dipstick is wiped clean before taking an oil level reading and fully depress
the dipstick until the shoulder bottoms out on the dipstick tube. The dipstick should be
the proper part number for the engine/vehicle that is being checked.
Not Waiting Long Enough After Running Engine to Check Oil Level
The vehicle should be allowed to sit for at least 5 minutes (20 minutes for the 3.4 L LQ1),
after the engine has been shut off, before taking an oil level reading to assure the oil has
had enough time to drain back into the crankcase. In order to ensure accurate results, the
temperature of the oil should be close to the same temperature as the last time the oil
level was checked.
Improper Oil Fill After an Oil Change
Following an oil change, verify that the proper amount and type of oil was put in the
engine and that the oil level on the dipstick is not above the full mark or below the add
marks. Refer to the Owner's Manual or Service Manual for information on recommended
oil quantity, viscosity, and quality.
High Speed or High RPM Driving
Continuous driving at high speeds/high RPMs may increase oil consumption. Because
this may not always be an everyday occurrence, it is hard to determine exactly how much
the oil economy will be affected.
Towing or Heavy Usage
Towing a trailer will increase oil consumption and may cause oil consumption to fall
below the normal accepted rate referenced in this bulletin for an unloaded vehicle in a
personal use application. Large frontal area trailers will further increase the work
required from the engine, especially at highway speeds, and thus increases the rate of oil
consumption.
Crankcase Ventilation System
Verify that the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is operating properly.
Incorrect PCV valves, blockages, restrictions, or damage to the PCV system can result in
increased oil use.
Oil Dilution (Fuel and Water)
On vehicles that are usually driven short distances, less than 8 km (5 mi), especially in
colder weather, unburned fuel and condensation generated from cold engine operation
may not get hot enough to evaporate out of the oil. When this occurs, the dipstick may
indicate that the oil level is over-full. Subsequent driving on a trip of sufficient length to
enable normal engine operating temperature for 30 minutes or more, in order to vaporize
excess moisture and fuel, may give the customer the impression of excessive oil
consumption.
Engine Temperature
If an engine is ran at overheated temperatures (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual)
for more than brief periods, oil will oxidize at a faster than normal rate. In addition,
gaskets may distort, piston rings may stick, and excessive wear may result. Verify that all
cooling system components are in proper working order.
Engine Wear
Piston scuffing, excessive piston-to-wall clearance, tapered or out of round cylinders,
worn, damaged or improperly installed valve guides, seals and piston rings will all cause
an increase in oil consumption.
Measurement of Oil Consumption
Engines require a period of time to BREAK IN so that moving parts are properly seated.
Therefore, oil economy should not be tested until the vehicle has accumulated at least
6400 km (4000 mi). An exception would be allowed only if an engine is reported to be
using more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 1600km (1000 mi).
1. Verify that the engine has no external leaks. Repair as necessary.
2. Verify that the engine is at normal operating temperature (see Owner's Manual or
Service Manual).
3. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
4. Wait at least 5 minutes (20 minutes for the 3.4 L LQ1), after the engine is shut off,
before checking the oil level to make sure that most of the oil has had time to drain
back into the crankcase.
5. Verify that the oil level is at, but not above, the full mark on the dipstick, and that the
proper viscosity and quality oil are being used as recommended in the Owner's
Manual.
6. Record the vehicle mileage, date, and exact oil level on the form shown.
7. Ask the customer to verify the oil level, each time the vehicle is fueled, following steps
1-6 and return the vehicle to the dealership if the oil level is found at or below the add
mark, 0.946 liter (1 qt) low. If the oil level remains above the add mark, the customer
should continue to operate the vehicle and verify the engine oil level until 3200 km
(2000 mi) has accumulated before returning to the dealership for a final evaluation.
8. If the final evaluation shows that the engine uses more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200
km (2000 mi), follow the published symptom diagnostics as described in the
appropriate Service Manual. If the oil consumption test shows that the engine uses less
than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi), explain to the customer that their engine
meets the guidelines for oil consumption.

 

My 07 tch is burning one quart of oil per 1000 miles. It has 160,000 miles on it and has been doing this for 3 months. The dealer says the piston rings need to be changed for about four grand. I am skeptical, any ideas? The dealer also showed me a TSB for this so toyota knows there is a problem however I am way beyond the warranty period.

 

are you skeptical that it's the piston rings or the 4k tag to fix it? if $4k sounds like an engine rebuild I'd go for it or sell the car in craigslist


you could try a higher viscosity oil (5W30) it might help a little bit or worsen it, but won't fix the problem.