Does a Used Car Burning Engine Oil Count as a Problem Car?
2 Answers
Used cars burning engine oil are considered problem cars. There are many factors that influence oil burning. Engine oil naturally has a certain level of consumption, but excessive consumption indicates an oil burning issue. Factors affecting oil burning include fuel quality, driving conditions, driving habits, maintenance practices, and more. Below are related phenomena caused by excessive oil consumption: 1. Carbon deposits: Carbon buildup in the combustion chamber can cause the piston rings to stick, leading to poor sealing. 2. Blockage: Sludge forms in the lubrication system, clogging the oil return holes of the oil control rings and weakening their oil-scraping performance. 3. Wear: Wear occurs between the pistons and cylinder walls. 4. Corrosion and aging: The valve seals corrode and age, resulting in failed sealing performance.
Excessive oil consumption in used cars is definitely a red flag, based on my personal experience. I once bought an old Volkswagen Bora and noticed it burned oil quickly—about half a liter every 1,000 kilometers, which was a real hassle. The usual culprits are worn piston rings or valve stem seals. If left unfixed, it can lead to engine seizure or catalytic converter damage, with repair costs often running into thousands. New cars rarely have this issue, but high-mileage used cars frequently do. In severe cases, the car might suddenly break down, posing safety risks. After repairs, my car's symptoms improved, but I still had to check the oil level frequently during maintenance. My advice: when buying a used car, always ask a mechanic to test the oil consumption rate. If it exceeds 0.3 liters per 1,000 kilometers, either negotiate the price or walk away. Such cars come with hidden risks—don’t fall for a cheap deal and regret it later.
