I don't know the exact cause but oil burning is a common problem in older Toyota's. I've had a 1991 Camry and 2000 Corolla that both burned a lot but had no other issues. You might can slow it but it's hard to totally stop
dorman68, I sincerely appreciate your response! I will try replacing the pcv valve. Is it an easy job to do? I know you have to take the cover off the engine, but as for replacing the actual valve, how do you do it? Also, is there a way to check the valve to see if its bad?I would replace the pcv valve with an oem Toyota part, perhaps its not functioning properly and sucking oil from the crankcase. I also might suspect stuck/gummed up piston oil control rings the only real way to fix this is to overhaul the engine. Sometimes seafoaming the engine frees up the rings all the way or partially thus reducing oil consumption. For now I would try the new pcv valve and the seafoam treatment and see what happens.
Thanks a lot for your input. I ordered the following PCV ValveThe pcv valve is very easy to replace. The pvc screws into the driver's side of the valve cover. Soon as you remove the plastic engine beauty cover you can see it. Usually on a good valve you can hear the insides rattle when you shake it. On a bad valve the insides are gummed up and don't move freely. IN my opinion it's cheap insurance just to go ahead and replace the pcv valve anyway. As for the seafoam , I use the "Seafoam" brand at Advance Auto, I'm pretty sure you can get it anywhere.
I know it's not a lot, which is why I mentioned that's how much she burned during her nonstop highway driving to Maine. I was trying to say that in city driving is when she burns way more than that.1 quart in 3000 miles is not ridiculous oil consumption. Might wanna train the GF on how to check the oil....
How many miles are on this car?
At that mileage (depending on the vehicle's maintenance history) a quart every 1500 miles really would not be unheard of. It's not the norm, but if the car is not fouling spark plugs or smoking, I'd keep a check on the oil and keep truckin.143000 miles