I have read numerous posts that indicate oil consumption is normal in higher mileage Saturns. What is the main cause? Is it the pistons, valve seals, poorly maintained crankcase ventilation? Can I be comfortable buying a 155,ooo mile car with higher than normal oil usage?
Thanks gurus!

It could be one of many things. All the seals will start to deteriorate causing small leaks. But the main places are the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket. If you engine is starting to go, curtianly the valve seals and piston rings, as you stated. But i would attribute most of it to just wear and tear on an engine. Rubber gaskets can only last so long before they break down. I know my car loses about 1 quart of oil every 3000 miles and it has 185k on it. But it still runs like a champ

Worn valve guide seals and/or stuck oil control rings are the main cause. As long as you regularly check the oil, you could drive it for years this way.

My 1994 SL1 leaks about 2-3 quarts about every 1-2 weeks, and I just keep addin'' the oil, and she keeps on runnin''.

I am not worried about the reliablity, I am worried about the long term cost of all that oil!

1 quart a week. That is rediculous. You really should do something if its that bad.

Probably short of pulling the whole engine apart and re-building it, it''s kinda a waste of my time I think. Plus, I am a mechanic for a living, so I hate working on my own cars.

Hi all, interesting enough, mine will burn 1 litre every 5000 kms. My question is ... anything to help reduce the oil consumption, I do realize that our Saturns do burn some oil. Regards, Irv (should this be a new thread?)

My 97 SL has 231,000 miles and still runs great but it also uses a quart of oil every 250 miles, are you saying I should spend a ton of money to stop it from using oil???I dont think so!!!!I get 35 mpg, I can afford the oil!

every now and then check the oil pan bolts. I was having trouble with
leakage then one day when I was changing the oil I noticed a couple
bolts were loose on the pan, tightened em up, and now I leak very little
oil.