Mazda: 2009 RX 8 oil usage, apex seals, oz per gallon

Question
My 09 RX8 has 10 k miles and I have had the oil changed once and had to add 3 qts myself.  The dealer and the manual says the  car using oil.  It that common for RX 8?  Seems like a lot to me.  Does the brand of oil matter as long as I'm using 5w20?


Answer
The RX platform consumes oil it is a fact of life.  It is equipped with a secondary oil metering system that injects oil into the rotor housing for secondary lubrication.  The car is equipped with a low oil warning system but, the stick should be checked cold every two weeks.  Depending on the type of use you should see 1-1/2 quarts every 3,000 miles.  Use of conventional 5w-20 is recommended, we use Valvoline.  A 5w30 can be used in hotter climates.  In addition we have used the Idemitsu Pre-Mix in several street and race applications and have seen good life from side and apex seals on cars with or without secondary metering systems.  Your should use 1/2 oz per gallon of gas.   Not alarming but, keep track of it and check it cold.