Q&A

The 2.0 liter non turbo four that VW used for a number of years has had history of using oil, however, one needs to keep in mind how much oil the engine is actually using. Based on dealership service experience, I can tell you that normally this engine uses about one USA quart every 1500 to 2000 miles or so. The engine is designed this way; if you keep the oil level topped off, change the oil and filter every 5000 miles, the engine will last a long time. I have seen this motor last till 200,000 miles or so before needing repair or replacement.

If the engine uses more than one quart per 1000 miles, then VW has a service bulletin, in which the rings were replaced, depending upon year of the vehicle. I would suggest usage of 5 -30 oil in the vehicle. If the vehicle is still in the power train warranty, you will need the entire service history (with no missing oil changes or service), have a dealership perform the oil usage test for 3000 to 5000 miles (you pay for a oil and filter service, bring the vehicle back about every 1000 miles or so, the oil is topped off and a service record recorded and when the vehicle has completed either 3000 or 5000 miles or so, the oil consumption is checked against the VW standard of 1000 miles per quart).

If the consumption exceeds this standard, then VW is advised and an approval to perform further checks and a possible engine tear down is performed. Please note that under the powertrain warranty (applies only to the original retail owner for 10 years/100,000 miles), no substitute transportation is provided.

So, hopefully, this will give you some idea of what normal oil consumption is for this engine. I can tell you from 15+ years of experience in the automotive service business that European cars in general consume far more oil between changes than the Japanese or American built/designed vehicles. It has to due with design concepts: the Europeans believe that oil helps to cool the motor and oil usage is normal, they also maintain their vehicles according to a very tightly designed service schedule, vs. the US/Japanese concept of vehicle maintenance. Expect that European vehicle service is going to be more expensive and more often as a result.