joe-yamma, in response to your question I haven't brought it back to the dealership yet. I spoke with the tech a few weeks ago, and he suggested I wait longer to bring it in then the normal 1000 miles to really gauge any type of oil loss.

The change is due as of today, so I'll be bringing it in there monday or tuesday and we'll see how it goes.

When my '99 started getting close to the point it threw that rod, I noticed the engine was getting generally louder and louder as time went on. So when I bought my '01, I paid real close attention to how audible the engine was at 40mph. It was EXTREMELY quiet.

These days (36,000 miles later then when I purchased it) the engine is obviously louder then it was before, again. It's a real concern for me - then again I may just be paranoid. And this may just be a fact of the car getting older. But that engine sure is noiser then it was before.

About to go get an extended warranty thats for certain.