I am considering purchasing a 2000 V70, 113k miles. The current owner has provided service records for the majority of the life of the car and it seems to be well-maintained. I took a look at the oil level this morning and it seemed a bit low (just above the "min" line on the dipstick). The service reminder sticker from the service center indicates that it still has about 2k miles to go before it's due for another change.

From what I've read, the dipstick range provides a tolerance of about 1 quart of oil. Is it normal for these cars to use that much oil in between changes? I suppose another question to ask would be what the recommended frequency would be to change the oil? My experience is about 3k although I know that varies from car to car. A quart of oil every thousand miles is a lot different than every 3 thousand miles.

I am taking the car to the service center where it is normally serviced for a good once over in the morning, but I'd like to have an idea of what I'm looking at before I go in. Any feedback that can be provided will be tremendous. Thanks!

 

I'm quite sure all manufacturers consider 1 quart (litre for you Metric types) per 1000 miles (1600 km, ditto) quite normal and not needing correction. The problems are, however: (1) when was oil last added? 100 miles ago? That's a problem and (2) what's the cause? Rings? Leaking seals? Valve guides? Scored cylinder bores? Combination? You really can't tell without undergoing quite a diagnostic series of tests.

If you are indeed losing 1 quart per 1000 miles, you've already changed > 1/2 of the oil in 3000 miles, assuming you add it as needed. My guess is that you could extend the change interval to 5000 miles under those circumstances. As long as you remember to change the filter, too.

Don't worry. A Vega my family once had burned through 17 quarts in 3000 miles -- the all time champ of oil burners.