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About a year ago I bought my car from a car sales yard. Within two weeks of buying, the engine oil was empty. I took it back to the dealers and they wouldn't accept responsibility for the engine burning oil. This over the past year I have had an unwell car that has been in need of regular oil top ups. Is it legal practice to sell cars especially from dealerships that are faulty? And do I have any rights to fight this battle?

Assuming you are a private buyer and the vehicle was not purchased by auction, the Consmer Guarantees Act applies and the dealer should have addressed the issue when you complained about the problem 2 weeks after purchase.
12 months later, your rights are significantly diminished (depending on the age, mileage, value of the vehicle and the distance you have travelled in 12 months). While it will will not be an easy battle this far down the track, if you have some evidence that you complained so soon after purchase, you may still possibly have a case.
It may be worth having the matter heard by the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal.