no, it was not like that when I bought it - it was washed before that definitely as it was pristine clean. but I have changed the oil 3500km ago and haven’t looked at the engine without the plastic cover since that so probably you’re right. so what I’m left is more serious damage and the concern is; I might be looking at an engine overhaul.

I havent noticed oil spill under the car, there is no blue smoke but from what I heard about these engines (on polish mazda3 forums) is that they don’t consume more than 1l per 10k kilometers when healthy even if used aggressively. with a calm driver, it shouldn’t need a refill at all