GMC Repair: burning oil?, 1999 saturn sl1, oil leaks

Question
I have a 1999 Saturn SL1 that has 100,000 miles on it.  A few weeks ago the engine started tapping.  It turned out that I had almost no oil in there at all, even though it had been between 3000 and 3500 miles since I had it changed last. The oil that was left looked like molasses.  I immediately filled it and two days later took it to Saturn to change the oil.  I asked and they said they found no leaks, but old engines will start to go through oil faster.  I then did normal driving for two weeks then took a road trip, altogether about 1000 miles.  Upon returning I checked the oil and the dipstick was at the low line, so I put a quart in.  I have not been able to find any leaks.  Is it possible that there could be a very small leak that I normally wouldn't see?  Could there be a bad gasket somewhere?  Or do I just need to carry an extra quart of oil around with me all the time?  It uses 5W-30, would something different or synthetic help?  I want to be able to get at least another 50,000 to 100,000 miles out of the car if I can, and I don't want to be on the road somewhere and have the engine die on me.  Any thoughts or suggestions on this matter will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Phil


Answer
It would not be that unusual for a vehicle with 100,000 miles on it to burn a quart of oil every 1000 to 1500 miles.

If you have no EXTERNAL oil leaks then you HAVE to have an INTERNAL leak of which can be caused by:

1. Worn piston oil rings.

2. Worn out VALVE STEM SEALS.

3. Leaking head gasket(s).

In your question, You ststed "would something different or
synthetic help? Not likely, The wear already exists, In my opinion you would not gain any benefit by changing oil brands.

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