[ZX5chica]

I had a problem like that with my old Tercel. The car was burning oil and creating carbon sediment that was interupting/covering the spark and spark plugs. It started with that and then I would slowely lose pick up as the carbon build up would cause the spark plug to die. Try looking at the plugs and seeing if the filament in the middle is gunked up with carbon deposits, or if it is cracked. When you replace them you should see a difference, especially if you're burning oil like you say you are.