am i right in assuming that its burning COOLANT?
if not someone please correct me immediately

what i was wondering was what would be the most obvious causes for this?

could it be something as small as a gasket that needs replaced?

or something as big as a crack in the block?

any help/comments would be appreciated

Test that compression.

Compression check would be useful, as would knowing what the "smoke" smells like. If it is indeed coolant, then you're looking at a possible blown head gasket or worse. Find the source, and quickly, or face possible hydrolock and severe engine damage if it fails completely.

what should the compression test come back with if its good?

if it comes back good does that rule out it being coolant? never smelled the exhaust even though i examined everything else you could possibly think of

the coolant in the reservoir was low, just above minimum...backing the theory

Could be a blown head gasket...

i thought VG's rarely ever get blown HG?

just wanted to note that the car idled and ran fine otherwise, very quiet

it did seem underpowered, however i was driving my VE immediately before and after

lol

If its coolant it will smell like maple syrup with a "sweet" scent to it.
Have you had a problem with the engine overheating recently?

it was a local VG for sale that i looked at

rust free...shiny glossy paint, nice interior

ran and idled fine, yet seemed a little lacking for a v6, its been years since i had my first VG but this one seemed a little underpowered

if i talk to the guy again i will smell the smoke

Sounds like hg, did you check oil cap\stick 4 mayo lookin oil? Stick finger in radiator lookin fot oil.

Coolant issues, lack of maintenance and aluminum heads are a recipe for blown head gaskets on any engine especially w/aluminum heads......