97 lx with 214k on it. It runs like a dream and I'm getting 27 mpg on a bad tank, but it burns a oil, about a quart give or take between changes, 3k. Now i expect it to be using a bit of oil, but does this seem like a lot or about right? I'm running 10w30 Valvoline high mileage. My girlfriend's 02 Malibu with 59k was burning through standard valvoline 10w30 like it was going out of style, about 2 quarts every 3k, due to neglect early on in it's life, but a change to 10w40 brought the burning down to 1/2 qt. per 3k. Should I go up a grade to reduce burning and if so, to what grade, or should i just deal with topping it off every two weeks? Thanks for the help! Edited to add that I'm not leaking any oil and there is little to no exhaust smoke nor blue smoke.

Jim

 

Run some No smoke first then go to 10w40, its worth a shot that won't hurt to try.

 

Climate permitting, run straight 30 weight oil

 

So 10w30 is best?