thanks for all the replies. Looks like the 3.8 is right within normal. And I think each individual increment on the oil measurement is 0.4 qt. It's about 1.2 qt from min to max level.

 

It's definitely worth checking out the posts on 997 oil consumption...but bottom line is that there is a wide range of experience with oil consumption. My 3.8 Targa uses about a quart per 1,300 to 1,500 miles with about 19k miles on the engine. My consumption seems to be slowing down with use.

One big piece of advice that I got from reading the posts - starting my own thread - is to add a half quart at a time and fill to the mark below full.

Nice looking car.

 

Ah, for the days of a good old-fashioned dipstick.

I recently had my oil warning light come on...and did not, in fact, need any oil. I am not sure this is a reliable reflection and am having the sensor checked out at next service.

Although I drive a non-S C2, I have taken the car on very long tours (1,000 miles plus at a shot in varying weather conditions) and flogged it on the track without noticeable oil consumption.

Given the production tolerances of the engine, I would not be inclined to consider excessive oil consumption normal under any reasonable driving condition.