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Consumer Reports flags four used cars that burn oil
Consumer Reports has identified four used models whose engines burn oil and advises buyers to consider better alternatives instead.
By George Kensington · 3 min read
Consumer Reports has warned shoppers away from four used cars whose engines burn through oil, a fault that can leave owners topping up levels between services and, in the worst cases, facing expensive engine repairs. The guidance, reported by Jalopnik, also points buyers toward used alternatives that the organisation considers more reliable.
Oil consumption is a problem that often goes unnoticed until it becomes serious. An engine that burns oil loses lubricant through the combustion chamber or other internal pathways, meaning the owner must add oil regularly to avoid damage. For a used-car buyer, that habit can signal wear that will only worsen with age and mileage, which is why the magazine's warning matters to anyone comparing budget vehicles. The problem is easy to miss on a short test drive, since a car can run normally while its oil level drops gradually between checks.
The report stops short of giving the full picture in the material available for this story. The four models Consumer Reports singles out are not named in the source notes, and details such as model years, the specific engine types involved, the oil-consumption figures recorded during testing, the methodology used and the number of vehicles examined have not been confirmed here. It is also unclear whether the problem is widespread across these models or confined to particular engines, and no manufacturer response or official reaction is recorded in the material available.
Consumer Reports also suggests that buyers look at alternatives rather than accepting a flagged model, and the organisation's wider used-car guidance treats oil consumption as one of several warning signs to weigh alongside service history and reported defects. Without the list of vehicles and the recommended substitutes in hand, however, it is not possible to say which cars the magazine would put forward in their place.
For readers, the practical step is to check a prospective car's oil level and consumption history before buying. Ask the seller for service records showing regular oil top-ups or any engine work carried out, and request a cold start, where any smoke from the exhaust or a sudden drop in oil level can reveal a problem. Anyone weighing a used purchase should consult the full Consumer Reports and Jalopnik coverage for the complete list of vehicles and the alternatives the organisation recommends before making a decision.
Source: jalopnik.com
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