Why do newer cars (1997 and up--or so) leak so much oil???

[Thtwudbeme]

There are oil leaks all over the parking lot where we live---the oil spilled under new, expensive SUV's in the parking lot where I work is just unreal.

Our Outback just had the rear main seal done, and I think it has ANOTHER oil leak now---at least it smells like it does--that icky oily burning smell after highway driving---but, nothing showing up on the dipstick---so, it's really small.

My old cars NEVER did this--

The parking lot at Target looks like an oil slick!

[Seabiscuit]

1. Maybe it's an SUV problem, not a "new car" problem.

My 2003 Corolla has never leaked oil.

[Thtwudbeme]

2. My outback is a legacy station wagon--

I don't know---I just find it really odd.

My father in law's little black sedan something or other is still under warranty and leaking oil like all hell.

[Oeditpus Rex]

3. Can you tell where it's coming from?

Probably not, with the factories they call "engines" now.

A lotta times, oil leaks are nothing more than an oil filter or valve cover that isn't properly torqued.

[Thtwudbeme]

5. I think it's probably the front cam seals that have to be done when

the timing belt gets done this summer anyway.

It's clearly dripping tiny ammounts onto the hot thing that goes all the way to the back-

It's just frustrating. The rear main was a $700 dollar job, and the timing belt isn't due for another 10,000 miles. The smoking slightly from the hood scoop gets on my nerves too-

[cleofus1]

4. i've had my explorer for five years

i park it everyday in the same space....no oil...

[Thtwudbeme]

6. maybe not; but next time you are walking across a parking lot

take a look around on the ground.

[Blue Diadem]

7. My son's brand new Saturn(about 2 wks old) has an oil leak

It's back at the dealership, he's seriously thinking of using that 30 day cancel the deal they have. Service has had it a couple days now..said the part didn't come in yet..it was supposed to be done by Friday.

I don't know about other new cars..ours is old as the hills and doesn't leak.

[Thtwudbeme]

8. My 1987 Nissan Sentra with 200,000 miles had no leaks;

same for the 1985 Ford pickup; same for the 1967 Dodge Dart Charger.

It's just ridiculous.