In the case of my 1998 Duratec, it's a "Yes".
From the time I bought the car from CarMax at 17K mi, the engine always has been prone to use (as opposed to visibly burn) oil. Although CarMax gussied-up the car before putting it in the showroom, one thing they didn't do was replace the OEM rubber (apparently using a micrometer, CarMax determined the tires met inspection requirements ... Those bad boys came off pronto).
The sorry condition of the tires clued me the previous owner must have been your garden-variety, automotive know-nothing who gets on the throttle from Mile One. Based on the tire "forensics", the engine and MTX underwent an immediate conversion to Amsoil 100% synth oil and ATF.
Now, at 55K, based on small top-offs every 3-4 refuelings, I'd guesstimate it's using a quart of oil every 4000-4200 miles. No smoke out the pipes or anything scary -- yet. But even with the Amsoil, I'm only hoping it buys me more time -- like another 40K mi -- before whatever latent damage the original owner may have done becomes a maintenence issue.
