So I picked up my 05 Coupe 55AT about 3 weeks ago. I checked my oil yesterday and it was right up to the low mark on the dipstick. I added a quart of Mobil 1 synthetic oil and its at the half way mark now. I'm planing on taking it to get an oil change asap, buts was any damage done to the engine driving it which such little oil? It runs fine and there no ticking or anything. The engine has 57k miles on it

 

There's no real way to tell, but I highly doubt it. Low oil, while low, just means some needs added (although my main concern would be more as to why it is low than what damage you may have caused.)

 

Oil consumption is an ongoing battle for these VQ motors. You can find a lot of info on that topic with a quick search. Until you figure things out, I wouldn't suggest driving around with your oil pan half full as driving around without enough oil will cause abnormal wear on your bearings, and once those are shot, your motor is done for.

The only advice I have for you is to change your oil regularly, and avoid Mobile 1. Castrol Syntec is popular on these forums because it's good and protects your motor well. You'll hear people talk about some special German Castrol or whatnot, but the regular Castrol Syntec you can find in stores is just fine.



my350z - vq oil analysis and info

 

I used synthetic in my VQ Altima and found it to be consumed MUCH faster than dino oil. Just my experience. I run castrol GTX in the G every 3k.

 

I use Castrol Edge(Syntec) with great results. Synthetic is thinner and if you have leaks it may leak more.