All of you are very helpful. Thank you. I am really going to have to think this through. The car is in great shape, it would be an easier decision it other things were causing problems. Except for new tires 1.5 years ago, I have just kept good fuel in her and the oil/filter and air filter changed. No repair expenses over my 2.5 year, 43,000 mile romance. She still starts right up and runs well, although in last two week the "chang-chang" sound seems louder.
Also there are no oil leaks. Since I noticed the oil consumption last summer I bet I have been under the car every other weekend looking for leaks. Would a bad head gasket start to weep oil to the outside of the engine?
JT