2000-RAV4- using 1/4 qt. oil every 3000 miles

I have a friend that owns a 2000 RAv 4 with 70K miles who says he thinks the cars engine has a problem with oil useage since it uses about 1/4 Quart of oil every 3000 miles (his oil change interval) He says engine does'nt smoke or leak and sparkplugs are clean. I maintain that 1/4 Quart is very acceptable and even normal considering you would get oil past valve guides and piston rings. He says it's used the same amount since buying the car at 20k miles. I think it normal, he's sure his engine is defective..Any opinions?

He's worrying about nothing. My 89 4 cyl Camry with 220K miles uses 1/2 quart of oil every 3k miles and has been this way since it was new. Most auto makers now consider 1 quart every 3k miles to be acceptable.

There is no problem with using that little oil. Tell him to relax.