Oil usage

How much oil is being used in your 3.5 Intrigues over a 5000 mile period? When I had my oil changed (Mobil 1 synthetic), the mechanic at sears put in 6 quarts and said it was full. I didn't believe him cause the manual says 6.5, but it was full. Over the next 5000 miles (i change the oil by the light) i ended up putting 1 quart in the engine over time, and the low oil light was still on before I got it changed again. This time i went to the dealer and they only put 6 quarts in, too. Is this normal? Is my engine using too much oil?

you may have a leak somewhere. check that they are swapping out your filter, the filter holds about half to a full quart in it. its a good idea to buy an extra bottle, after a week of driving, top it up cause the new filter will have sucked it up.

When I change oil on my 2002 it always takes 6.5 quarts. I change it every 3000 milles religiously, though.

I used to use M1 (0W-30) in our '01 Intrigue (w/ 3.5L V6) and just like you experienced, I had to top off the oil due to oil consumption. I checked under the car numerous times and it's always been bone dry; the engine doesn't leak. The last time I used M1, we had driven from ATL to Orlando, FL and when we arrived, I noticed the oil level was at the "MIN" mark. I had changed the oil a few K miles prior and I filled it to the "MAX" mark. Next oil change, and every oil change since, I've been using green Castrol Syntec 0W-30. This 0W-30 is noticeably more viscous than M1 and has reduced oil consumption in our car to practically zero. I'm about 3K miles into my current oil change interval and the level is still at "MAX". Another thing that may have helped is that I did an Auto-Rx cleaning prior to switching to Syntec which may have cleaned any junk out of the ring packs (apparently this engine design is notorious for gunking up the piston rings).

Try a "heavier" oil in your car next time and monitor your oil level; see if that helps and then stick with an oil that works best in your car. Also, take the car out on the highway every now and then and give it a good run. These Northstar based engines are designed to be run.

Keep the rings clean by using a good synthetic oil, don't extend your oil changes too long and run the car every so often. That should keep your Shortstar running happy for a long time to come.

My 2¢