blown oil pan gasket

[riu]

i've got a 99 merc sable wagon
earlier this week i checked my oil and it was rather low, it surprised me because its hasn't been that long since the last time i filled it up. i was getting my oil changed anyways in a few days so i decided to bite my lip and wait it out. i then discovered that i had blown the gasket on the oil pan. the mechanic told me that he's got a 2000 merc sable and he's had oil leak problems too, he didn't specify however that he blew his gasket.
i was curious whether or not this is a common problem on the 99 sables? although the car isn't maintained as well as it should be, i can't imagine blowing a gasket from just my daily commutes. any insights here?

-riu

[dinamobuc]

It happens with time...I think you have to disconnect the exhaust to replac e it. Has anyone done the job?

[beyondloadedSE]

duratec or vulcan?