Excessive Oil Usage

vikarwhite

I purchased new a 2003 Corolla SE. Changed the oil religious. At around 125,000 miles it started using a quart every 1,000 miles. This oil consumption increased over time. Went to mechanic had engine cleaned and he reported no oil leaks. Recommended switch to synthetic oil which I did. Now I am at 188,000 miles and I am burning a quart of oil every 545 miles. Seems like the engine is shot although it is running great.
I owned a Ford F-150 did not not burn oil at 250,000. I am extremely disappointed in Toyota. Based on the maintenance and care this vehicle received I do not feel I should be dealing with this problem at this time.

Seriously considering going to a Honda.

kyfdx

Maybe your mechanic was wrong?

188K miles and 15 years... and, still runs great.
Sounds terrible..

thecardoc3

vikarwhite said:

I purchased new a 2003 Corolla SE. Changed the oil religious. At around 125,000 miles it started using a quart every 1,000 miles. This oil consumption increased over time. Went to mechanic had engine cleaned and he reported no oil leaks. Recommended switch to synthetic oil which I did. Now I am at 188,000 miles and I am burning a quart of oil every 545 miles. Seems like the engine is shot although it is running great.

The engine oil specification was API SM, ILSAC GF4 and it failed to properly protect the engines, that's why most manufacturers had specifications that exceeded the API standards. Toyota, Chrysler, and others all suffered with engine sludging and piston rings getting stuck in the ring lands as well as scoring of the cylinder walls. Switching to synthetic with O.E. approvals would have protected your engine better if you had done it sooner, by 125K it was too late.