Chrysler Repair: low oil upon oil changes, oil consumption, platinum edition

Question
Hi, I own a 2004 chrysler t&c minivan (platinum edition) with 47,000 miles.  Upon the last two oil changes I was advised that I was down a quart, then two quarts respectively.  I go about every 3-5K miles before changes. About 80% of my driving is stop/go.  I park in the same spot and see no oil drips, I don't see smoke coming out of the engine, so don't see any evidence of it being burned at a high rate, but don't really know where to start besides really expensive diagnostics at the dealer.

thanks in advance for your time

Answer
Hi Chad,
It is normal to burn a quart of oil every 1-2,000 miles without noticing any blue smoke from the exhaust. So I believe this just means that you should check your oil between changes, maybe every other time you fill the tank so that you don't inadvertantly let the oil level get too low to maintain the pressure while you are driving. I would not worry about oil consumption until it drops down to the range of 500-750 miles per quart. The main test would be a compression test of the cylinders, which is not too costly, but it isn't necessary at this time.
Roland