S Series Oil Consumption

I have read many posts that indicate that oil usage among higher mileage Saturns is normal. What is it that actually is responsible for the increase of oil use? Is it the piston rings, valve seals....? I would like to know that if I buy a higher mileage SL or SC what it would take to reduce oil consumption.
Thanks gurus!

oil rings to be exact. They get stuck and oil is allowed into the champer. A Murder Mystery Oil (MMO) soak usually has had great results for lossing the rings and reduceing oil comsuption.

oil rings to be exact. They get stuck and oil is allowed into the champer. A Murder Mystery Oil (MMO) soak usually has had great results for lossing the rings and reduceing oil comsuption.Do you think I would be ok buying a 1999 SL2 with high oil consumption? Is there a good chance I could get it to come down a bit?

Maybe with a new PCV valve, and a piston soak (I've done two on my SL1 with no improvement) - you might be able to get it down some. But don't bet on it.

Im sure you can get it down a little. As said a few MMO soaks and a good tune up and you should be alright. However its good to note that burning oil is NOT a bad thing meaning the engine is bad. It can be costly however, as you need to keep the oil at the right amount. Burning alot of oil (1qt every couple hundred miles) is expensive, but really thats the only thing bad with it.