car shopping again

[balthazar]

Bought the '11 Jeep Liberty i think it'll be 2 years in Feb. It just turned 75K, has had zero issues. Its not fancy but everyone here enjoys driving it.
Right now my older son is using it, he lives about 50 mins north of me & comes down to work w/ me during most weeks.

My younger son is about 2 hrs north of me, in school in NYState. He lives on campus, but will be interning nxt semester & will need wheels. We have not shopped yet & need to get on the ball. Have not set a budget, thinking recent CPO, small, efficient, AWD would likely be good where he is (the Hudson Valley is very hilly country). I prefer to buy from a U.S. brand only.

I welcome suggestions...

[ykX]

Knowing price range would be helpful, but since you said CPO I am assuming the car will be only 2-3 years old.

Jeep Renegade, low mileage CPO is around 20k

Buick Encore - CPOs are plenty and even cheaper

So is Chevy Trax

Also, I know you said only US brands but Subaru Crosstrek is one to consider as well

 

[Drew Dowdell]

I can't say enough good about my Encore, as you my only complaint is it is low on power, but it is fuel efficient and has been reliable for the 67k miles we've had it.  The AWD system in them is excellent.  CPOs can be found in the $15k range, but they'll mostly have over 50k miles on them. 

They are not terribly exciting, but I bet you can pick up a previous generation Equinox or Terrain 4-cylinder AWD CPO for cheap.  If he can keep his foot out of it on the highway, it will do better than 30mpg. 

If a crossover isn't needed, the best deal on the planet for an AWD vehicle would probably be a CPO Chrysler 200C or 200S. AWD is only on the V6 models. They use a similar AWD setup to the new Twin-Clutch in the Buick Lacrosse and Ford Focus RS, which is supposed to be top of the line.  Most of the complaints about the 200's powertrain come from the 4-cylinder models, the V6 has enough torque to keep the 9-speed happy. Here's a CPO 2015 200S with 21k miles for $15,448

If you really wanna go wild, you can even extend this to the 300C which is probably the best deal on a full size with AWD that you'll find. Here's one for $19,000 with 16,917 miles on it. .. and another.  My experiences with the Chrysler 300 has always been positive. Stick with 2012 or newer to get the excellent 8-speed automatic (V6 Only). 

[G. David Felt]

Jeep Patriot Trail Rated are awesome, for a FWD bias system that has a 4wd flick of a switch system, it was bullet proof for the 80K miles my sone owned his before trading it in on his jeep GC.

Totally agree with Drew on his input for CPO auto's.

[ccap41]

1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

CPO 2015 200S with 21k miles for $15,448

That would have been a great alternative to my Focus at almost the same exact price. 

It's really tough when all we really have to go by is that AWD would be preferred. Are you looking car/truck/suv? Compact or mid size? maximum amount of miles on the vehicle? 

To go with Drew's Encore I'd assume the Trax would slide in there as well for a cheaper price. I assume it also has the same nifty AWD system? I personally think the first gen of them was hideous but compact CUV's aren't much for looks anyway so it's more about the overall product than its looks. 

[ccap41]

I actually hadn't thought about a Fusion. This isn't too bad price/miles-wise. 

Fusion AWD

[A Horse With No Name]

Jeep Compass would be my vote.

[ccap41]

When I put all of the US automakers into autotrader and put a ceiling at 12k and 60k miles with AWD about all that came up were Jeeps and Escapes. 

The boxy Liberty looks the sharpest.

[balthazar]

No truck or full-size car. A CUV or small sedan is probably the target.
Vehicles were casually tossed out were Cruze or Malibu-size in a car, Liberty or next size up for SUV. Smaller is also possible. He's not going to have a lot of gear, but he is 6'1". I know he really loves the Liberty- perhaps a CUV/SUV is the most versitile/best direction to pursue.

I would not go with a Chrysler product, even tho I would go with a Jeep. No issue with FoMoCo.

What's the basic differences between a Compass & the BOF Liberty? And the Renegade?
 

[Robert Hall]

23 minutes ago, balthazar said:

 

What's the basic differences between a Compass & the BOF Liberty? And the Renegade?
 

The Liberty was RWD/4WD on a unibody platform, not BOF.  The Compass and Patriot were FWD/4WD on a Mitsubishi-origin platform, the Renegade is FWD/AWD on a Fiat 500X-derived platform... size wise, the Compass an Patriot were smaller than the Liberty, and 4cyl only. 

Edited September 29, 2017 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Drew Dowdell]

Cubical is right

[balthazar]

Liberty is small but sits high n chunky, I assumed it was BOF. It has that appearance (without sliding under it).

Turns out apparently I hate car shopping.... unless it's something vintage of course.

[A Horse With No Name]

13 hours ago, ykX said:

Knowing price range would be helpful, but since you said CPO I am assuming the car will be only 2-3 years old.

Jeep Renegade, low mileage CPO is around 20k

Buick Encore - CPOs are plenty and even cheaper

So is Chevy Trax

Also, I know you said only US brands but Subaru Crosstrek is one to consider as well

 

Subaru would be my choice by a country mile here.

[smk4565]

2 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Subaru would be my choice by a country mile here.

Ding, Ding, Ding, we have a winner.  My first thought was Subaru and I was surprised I read all the comments until now before it came up.

Used Subarus aren't too expensive, they run forever, get like 30 mpg, made in the USA, and aren't large either, have AWD and just enough power to not be slow, but not enough to be driving reckless.   I think around 2013 or 24 the Eyesight system got added on some of the top trim cars so they have lane departure warning, emergency braking, etc.

A used Legacy sedan would be the top of my list, or Impreza if the price point had to be lower, and no WRX or STi, those are just over boosted and will be unreliable, the 2.5 boxer 4 is tried and true.

[balthazar]

Screwed together location is immaterial to me; Subaru is Japanese.
That said, my sister is leasing an Outback- I've been in it a few times. Other than being rather plasticy, she loves it. I wasn't impressed, but very little knew is to me. My B-I-L has an older one, I know he passed 300K with it a few months ago.
But the brand is problematic- oil useage/burning issues to the point of a class action suit.

Edited September 30, 2017 by balthazar

[Drew Dowdell]

With what you've shot down so far, I'm back to Equinox/Terrain or Escape. 

The Renegade is likely too small. The Cherokee might be an option. The V6 is better than the 4 cylinder, but harder to find and more $$. 

[smk4565]

9 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

With what you've shot down so far, I'm back to Equinox/Terrain or Escape. 

The Renegade is likely too small. The Cherokee might be an option. The V6 is better than the 4 cylinder, but harder to find and more $$. 

Any FCA product will be unreliable, the Renegade is rather new if looking for a used car deal and they are made in Italy, with profits going to Italy.  Jeep is one of the most unreliable cars brands out there along with Land Rover and Fiat, some years Jeep ranks worse than those 2 so I would pass on those.

"CPO, small, efficient, AWD" fits Subaru to a T.

A 2011-2012 Lincoln MKZ with under 50k miles can be had for under $15,000.   Fusions are even less, I found a 2015 Fusion AWD Titanium with 48k miles for $14,793

[balthazar]

• It is not mandatory it's CPO. But unless I know the person, I'd prefer to buy from a dealer than privately.
• Land Rover has improved in recent years but is still deplorable for the price tags. In 2010 LR was dead last w 255/100 issues. Jeep for 2017 is much better than LR then; its @ 209 (tho still 2nd to last). Jeeps get used harder than LRs- wonder if that has something to do with the ranking.
• Subuaru's engine issues are a concern that I'll have to take into account.

Edited September 30, 2017 by balthazar

[oldshurst442]

I am never good with suggestions and sometimes I simply refuse to suggest.

Anyway...I thought about 2 GM cars that were not mentioned that maybe worth mentioning. Maybe price would be a factor for denying these?

Buick Regal 2.0T AWD

Cadillac ATS 2.0T AWD

Both are smallish cars...and stylish.

I would agree with Drew's Encore and CCAP's Fusion AWD suggestions

I will add another suggestion. A FoMoCo product. 

Escape 2.0T AWD.

[smk4565]

1 hour ago, balthazar said:

• It is not mandatory it's CPO. But unless I know the person, I'd prefer to buy from a dealer than privately.
• Land Rover has improved in recent years but is still deplorable for the price tags. In 2010 LR was dead last w 255/100 issues. Jeep for 2017 is much better than LR then; its @ 209 (tho still 2nd to last). Jeeps get used harder than LRs- wonder if that has something to do with the ranking.
• Subuaru's engine issues are a concern that I'll have to take into account.

What is the price limit here?

Like OldsHurst says, there are ATS out there and gen 2 CTS AWD out there, but an ATS is probably expensive and Cadillac and Buick have an old person vibe.

Insurance rates could be a factor too on some cars.  Certain cars seem to get clobbered on insurance rates, like any 2 door, some turbos, probably Wranglers, etc, where as a Buick or MKZ might have low insurance rates.

[oldshurst442]

The reason why I refuse to suggest is exactly how the Caravan Hybrid thread has gone down.

One dude has never had problems with ΧYZ car, while the other guy had nothing but problems with XΥΖ car while the another guy swears he will never buy from XYZ's brand ever again because his entire family tree thousands of years before ALWAYS had problems with that manufacturer while another dude's entire family's heritage NEVER had any issues...

Who. To. Believe?

[smk4565]

45 minutes ago, oldshurst442 said:

The reason why I refuse to suggest is exactly how the Caravan Hybrid thread has gone down.

One dude has never had problems with ΧYZ car, while the other guy had nothing but problems with XΥΖ car while the another guy swears he will never buy from XYZ's brand ever again because his entire family tree thousands of years before ALWAYS had problems with that manufacturer while another dude's entire family's heritage NEVER had any issues...

Who. To. Believe?

Any car, especially used car is a bit of a crap shoot when it comes to reliability.  There are a thousand variables that could make one Chevy Malibu run for 200k miles with no problems, and another Chevy Malibu to have half the parts replaced at 100k miles.  You have to look at overall averages, but buying a used car just because you assume it is the most reliable car is a bad idea, because you never know.  

So you have to buy the car that best suits your needs.  Like in this case, if small, AWD crossover is what is needed, then you pick the best model in that segment that fits your needs.

[oldshurst442]

^^^

THAT response is more realistic and down to earth!

[ocnblu]

Sometimes fuel mileage has to be a secondary concern.  I'd go with another Liberty.  Your family already knows its attributes.  It's one of those simple, uncomplicated machines that run forever with proper maintenance.  Don't you want your son in something like that?

A Trax/Encore would also be a decent choice if he feels comfortable in the driver's seat at his height and doesn't haul a lot of detritus on a regular basis.

I took a chance on a very early build 2017 Jeep Compass, which I factory ordered.  I am not a Consumer Reports "believer", but I heard stories about the "Fiat Jeeps" from other sources.  I recently passed the 5 month point of ownership.  I have 8900+ miles on the clock so far.

I wanted a vehicle that my employer sells.  I love driving a manual transmission, and I feel more piece of mind in a 4X4... so a Renegade or new Compass was the only game in town.  Renegade with manual only comes in the 1.4L turbo.  My Compass has the 2.4L "Tigershark" 4 coupled with the 6 speed manual.

My impressions, good and bad at this point:  I am very impressed with the fuel mileage I'm getting.  Between 31-32, with highway tanks up around 33 +.  I find the seat more comfortable than my previous Chevy Colorado.  It feels like a wider seat, and I can sit squarely in it, where the Colorado seat had me sideways with constant pressure on my left thigh.  The Compass has a nice amount of cargo room for what I need, and it has a decent ride and handling setup.  I like the simple, intuitive center screen layout.  Lastly, I like the "baby Grand Cherokee" style and the green color.

As far as bad points:  more than half the time, the bluetooth drops calls.  I have keyless entry and start, which works fine all the time so far for the doors, except for the liftgate.  Sometimes, with the key fob in my pocket as required, it will not open unless I hit the unlock button... most times it's ok though.  And a couple of other issues that are only preferences, not actual problems... the engine cooling fan is very loud and moany.  And there is a clacking sound in the driveline that can only be heard at extremely low speeds, as when pulling into a parking spot in a parking lot.  At the time of my first oil change, I brought up these last two concerns to my service guy, but he insists they are both normal per Chrysler.  Since then, they've faded from my consciousness and I'm just driving the thing.  Also it is a little slow, but I can still wring a bit of fun out of it with the stickshift... 180 hp and 177 ft/lbs torque, I believe, with my version of this engine.  The brakes are also really touchy.

I don't know how soon from new other people are having the more debilitating electrical woes they describe with these new Jeeps, but so far my complaints are minor... except for the bluetooth thing, that gets on my nerves.

I am also with you on the anti-Japanese thing.  How they handle their home market, in a closed manner, while taking full advantage of our openness here in the U.S., rubs me the wrong way.  Reason enough for me to refrain from purchasing a Japanese branded vehicle.  Plus Subarus with their thirst for oil, etc., nah.

 

[Drew Dowdell]

With regards to Jeep, you cannot look at the entire brand as judgment against a single model or even a single powertrain in a single model. Jeep has one of the most convoluted lineups in terms of who engineered what in any brand I can think of today.

Wrangler - Basic platform goes back decades, Chrysler engine, Mercedes-Benz 5-speed automatic

Grand Cherokee - Daimler Chrysler developed platform with roots in the older M-Class, Chrysler Gas engines, VM Motori diesel engines (now FCA owned, but not when they were developed), ZF 8-speed automatic or Mercedes-Benz 5-speed automatic depending on age (If it has an E-shifter, it's an 8-speed, if it has a more traditional gated shifter it's a 5-speed)

Cherokee - Fiat Platform modified by Chrysler for Jeep, the 4-cylinder is a code-share Global Engine Alliance engine shared with Mitsubishi and Hyundai with each manufacturer adding their own smaller touches, the 3.2 is a 3.6 Pentastar V6 that's been de-bored, ZF makes the transmission (shared with Land Rover, Acura, and a few others)

New Compass - See Cherokee minus the 3.2 V6 option.

Patriot / Old Compass - a hodge podge of Mitsubishi, Chrysler, Hyundai, and Daimler engineering. Uses the same 2.4 as the Cherokee and either a Hyundai 6-speed auto, JATCO CVT, or Asin manual.

Renegade - Mostly Fiat, can either have a Fiat engine or the Global Engine Alliance 2.4, the Automatic is the ZF unit, the manual is a Fiat developed one.

With so many variables, you have to drill down to a specific model in a specific year with a specific powertrain before you can get an idea about any average reliability. 

Aside from Jeep, the Regal depreciates rapidly, is very reliable, and can be had for a song.  In my view, it is one of the best built of the GM vehicles in the entire lineup, even more so than the trucks or 'Burban. 

[Drew Dowdell]

Here's a CPO 2017 Regal 2.0T AWD, 13k miles, $19,899 down at Reedmans. 

[smk4565]

2 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Here's a CPO 2017 Regal 2.0T AWD, 13k miles, $19,899 down at Reedmans. 

That is a pretty good deal considering it is a Sport model and is more of an up level trim it looks like.  Not sure if it is better than a 2015 Fusion Titanium for $5,000 less, maybe it is practically new and 40% off msrp 

[Robert Hall]

Following on to comments about Jeeps,...so far, I've had a good 5 months and almost 6000 miles with my CPO '14 JGC.  A few electrical glitches--overly sensitive alarm with weirdness (the alarm will go off if you lock the doors with the buttons while inside w/ the engine off), remote fob weirdness (battery died on one, the other sometimes unlocks the doors when I pull the outside handle w/ it in my pocket, sometimes it doesn't),  had to reset the button for my garage door a couple times, phone doesn't always connect w/ Bluetooth, etc.   But all in all, pretty happy. 

[Drew Dowdell]

1 hour ago, smk4565 said:

That is a pretty good deal considering it is a Sport model and is more of an up level trim it looks like.  Not sure if it is better than a 2015 Fusion Titanium for $5,000 less, maybe it is practically new and 40% off msrp 

Two years newer. Better engine. Better interior. Better infotainment (original MyFordSync suuuucks, Mark Fields put his fist through the screen of one,) and lower miles, thus more time left on the warranty.

[smk4565]

1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Two years newer. Better engine. Better interior. Better infotainment (original MyFordSync suuuucks, Mark Fields put his fist through the screen of one,) and lower miles, thus more time left on the warranty.

There are probably 2015 Regals out there for under $14k, but I didn't look.  I still like a Subaru in this scenario, but I think an all wheel drive car makes more sense than a crossover, unless you really need a crossover.  Because something like a 2015 Regal will cost less than a 2013 SUV to buy, and cost less to put gas in.

[balthazar]

OK, have some more info.
• AWD is also not mandatory- my son is in hilly country but only 110 miles north of me in central NJ- and we really don't get much in the way of snow here. He got less than we did last winter and we basically got 1 storm.
• Want to try and stick w/ a $12K ceiling. Said that last time and paid $15K for the Liberty, we can spend more with no issue but want to try and keep it closer to $12K.
• DD - thanks for the primer on Jeeps, Glad it wasn't only me who found their catalog somewhat confusing. Before the Liberty, I never really paid Jeep any attention.
• I'm not against a Regal, tho haven't checked one out in person. An acquaintance had a Verano, I thought that car was pretty nice but haven't seen that person in a few years now.

[Drew Dowdell]

Regal and Verano fairly different, but both solid. 

A Verano is a nicer, quieter, more powerful Cruze. They have the steady reliable 2.4 Direct Injected Ecotec that GM put in everything.

There is a CPO 2014 Verano with 15k miles and a sticker of $13,999 just about walking distance from you.  If AWD is no longer a requirement, then that car right there is my answer. 

[A Horse With No Name]

On 9/30/2017 at 12:33 PM, smk4565 said:

Any FCA product will be unreliable, the Renegade is rather new if looking for a used car deal and they are made in Italy, with profits going to Italy.  Jeep is one of the most unreliable cars brands out there along with Land Rover and Fiat, some years Jeep ranks worse than those 2 so I would pass on those.

"CPO, small, efficient, AWD" fits Subaru to a T.

A 2011-2012 Lincoln MKZ with under 50k miles can be had for under $15,000.   Fusions are even less, I found a 2015 Fusion AWD Titanium with 48k miles for $14,793

Depreciation is a huge problem with any Ford products imho.  My daughter works as a claims adjuster with an auto insurance company, she says she writes off a ton of Fords because they depreciate so badly.

1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Regal and Verano fairly different, but both solid. 

A Verano is a nicer, quieter, more powerful Cruze. They have the steady reliable 2.4 Direct Injected Ecotec that GM put in everything.

There is a CPO 2014 Verano with 15k miles and a sticker of $13,999 just about walking distance from you.  If AWD is no longer a requirement, then that car right there is my answer. 

Verano is an amazingly nice machine!

[smk4565]

There are probably a slew of Verano, Focus, Fusion, Malibu, Cruze for under $12k that are less than 5 years old.  I saw 2012 Lincolns for $12k, so I am sure there are 2013 Buick and Chevy's for that price.

[balthazar]

my local dealer has 1 used Cruze ('13) under $12K (and they have 64 used vehicles avail).

[A Horse With No Name]

15 hours ago, smk4565 said:

There are probably a slew of Verano, Focus, Fusion, Malibu, Cruze for under $12k that are less than 5 years old.  I saw 2012 Lincolns for $12k, so I am sure there are 2013 Buick and Chevy's for that price.

Your Lincoln remark is why i said what I said about Ford. Outside of the Mustang and F150, their products have the approximate resale value of toast.

[ccap41]

If AWD isn't a necessity how about a Focus hatch? I love hatchbacks. I'd suggest a Golf as well but you want American. 

[smk4565]

6 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Your Lincoln remark is why i said what I said about Ford. Outside of the Mustang and F150, their products have the approximate resale value of toast.

Lincolns make a good used car buy, the first owner was likely 70 and kept it in a garage 3 days a week, and what was $40,000 new is $13,000 after 4 years.

[A Horse With No Name]

51 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

Lincolns make a good used car buy, the first owner was likely 70 and kept it in a garage 3 days a week, and what was $40,000 new is $13,000 after 4 years.

Personally I would rather have a Buick.

6 hours ago, ccap41 said:

If AWD isn't a necessity how about a Focus hatch? I love hatchbacks. I'd suggest a Golf as well but you want American. 

Focus hatch would be an excellent idea!  Front cabin laying in these is very impressive.

[balthazar]

Going to go look at the Regal tomm evening. Will report back.
 

[Drew Dowdell]

So how was it?

[A Horse With No Name]

50 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

So how was it?

Hopefully quite nice.

[balthazar]

Sorry; I said 'Regal' above but it was a Verano.

Just looked at it in the dark/glare of the lot lights. Nice car, interior was immaculate but some scars on the exterior. 15K miles is real low, and Buick has higher warranty coverage than Chevy, but for other reasons I won't get detailed on- not feeling that this is the right vehicle for this situation.

Had a '14 Cruze on lot, 55K miles, $9999, said they'd drop that to $8999. Obviously a lot more spartanly-equipped and was pretty scratched up (who was putting what on the roof of a Cruze?), but combined MPG is 2 better @ 26.

Started looking online- found another Cruze with 37K and alloys for $10900, if that could get bumped down to 9900, that might be worth a grand for 18K less miles. Going Saturday to look at that one, plus there's a giant AutoLenders lot a miles from it.

- - - - -

My wife is beginning to express doubts on her Malibu. I shudder to think we may be courting 2 new-to-us cars at once. Malibu is an '09 with 122K on it, and tho 'til now it's been excellent, it currently seems to be burning oil. No smoke or drips, but crankcase runs low between changes. If she doesn't feel confident, it's time to shop there, too. Great Spaghetti Monster; help me!

Edited October 5, 2017 by balthazar

[smk4565]

122k miles isn't a lot, perhaps high mileage oil or just adding a quart in between changes could help the problem.  But if I had one Chevy on shaky ground at 122k miles, I wouldn't be looking at another Chevy.  

Or give the Malibu to your son, who probably won't worry about adding a quart of oil every 2 months, let the wife get a new car.    Lincoln MKZ's are going cheap!

[balthazar]

• Not going to send a car that may be needing increasing maintenance 2 hrs away from me.
• Ecotec doesn't throw any oil pressure warning lights, quantity just gets low- has been over a quart low. At that point it starts getting... weird.
• The other Chevy in the driveway has 173K on it & has never had anything on the powertrain touched & is running on the high side of the best MPG it's ever delivered.
• You seem to really like Lincolns; shopping for one for you?

[smk4565]

13 hours ago, balthazar said:

• Not going to send a car that may be needing increasing maintenance 2 hrs away from me.
• Ecotec doesn't throw any oil pressure warning lights, quantity just gets low- has been over a quart low. At that point it starts getting... weird.
• The other Chevy in the driveway has 173K on it & has never had anything on the powertrain touched & is running on the high side of the best MPG it's ever delivered.
• You seem to really like Lincolns; shopping for one for you?

Used Lincolns are crazy cheap compared to even Camrys of the same year.   I am not looking for one, but I have seen 2013 MKZ's under $15k.  

If it were me I would get a used Mercedes because they run forever and the look good over time, and there are probably 2010 E-classes for $15k by now.  I think a Subaru is a good car too for the awd and safety for a young driver or an 80 year old driver.

[ccap41]

Personally, I think the idea of sending your boy off with an oil burner is a good idea and get the wife something she wants, assuming you'd be able to spend a little more not having to buy two vehicles. 

1: He'll learn to pay attention to the car more, hopefully gaining a respect for vehicles in general. 

2: Burning a little bit of oil in ~5k miles isn't bad or uncommon. Ask Audi. They consider 1qt in 1000 miles to be "normal".  

3: It's free to him(it seems) he should take anything running and be happy! 

[balthazar]

• I'm not going Buick, I'm certainly not going Lincoln.
• Mercedes... you know they're money pits after warranty and -in case you didn't catch on over the last few years- the brand doesn't either impress or entice me. $1300 headlights, don'tcha know.

[balthazar]

• I don't want to get calls 'the car is doing X' and feel like I have to try and figure something out from here. I got enough going on as it is.
• I didn't realize Audi's burnt that much oil 'normally'.... but the Malibu never did until this year. If something else pops up while it's in NY and he has to handle that, plus school and an internship, that's a bit much.

Edited October 5, 2017 by balthazar

[smk4565]

3 hours ago, balthazar said:

• I don't want to get calls 'the car is doing X' and feel like I have to try and figure something out from here. I got enough going on as it is.
• I didn't realize Audi's burnt that much oil 'normally'.... but the Malibu never did until this year. If something else pops up while it's in NY and he has to handle that, plus school and an internship, that's a bit much.

I had to add a quart of oil in between oil changes on my Aurora, and I changed the oil about every 3-5,000 miles with a high mileage.  I think every Northstar and Aurora V8 burn oil.  I have never added oil to the Mercedes and I change the oil once a year (about every 8,000 miles) but that is Mobil One, never leaks or burns oil.  My mom had an Audi 2.0 TSFI, she bought quarts of oil by the case after 100k miles because it did go through about 1 quart every month.