I apologize for the length of this post but I really need some technical advice on this issue!
I posted back in Nov. about my engine light being on. I was told that it could be numerous issues. I took my Volvo s40 into the dealership to check the engine light and get a winter tune up. $1400 later, I found myself with an "urgently needed timing belt, water pump, a replaced camshaft reset valve and a few other misc. items- winter check, oil change and oil flush. I questioned the dealership about the timing belt but was told that it ''absolutely'' had to be done. I did not feel fully comfortable with this but checking with an acquaintance who had referred me to the dealership and worked in the industry I was advised to go ahead since they were a trustoworthy shop as per his knowledge.
Later on this still did not sit well with me and I spoke to some people with knowledge of vehicles. The thing that I must mention is that my car ONLY has 57000 km (not miles, km!). This was cause for concern that I would have a cracked timing belt needing repair and a water pump I was told was leaking at this low km. I promptly informed the dealership that I would be investigating this matter. The manager told me that this was a common issue with S40s- when I asked why this was not a recall issue he backtracked and said only some S40s. (wth???). By this time I was very concerned, the matter was exacerbated when the engine light came back on two days later. The problem I brought the car in for, $1400 later was still not fixed.
I took the car back and the manager told me they were looking into some form of reimbursement for my timing belt. No admission was offered that my timing belt was prematurely removed. I left the car for them to look at the engine light AGAIN. After two days I went in and was told my car had to have the hub assembly repaired and I should sell it right away.
Wait- it really does get worse. They then informed me, the manager and his supervisor from another location who just happened to materialize (I had never seen this gentleman on any of the other 3 occassions I visited the dealership) that I should sell my car because there is too much engine sludge. Remember my car has 57000 km. I asked what caused this problem and they told me improper maintenance or maybe the km''s were rolled back. By this time I was in total shock and dismay and really not believing what was unfolding. They insisted that I ''offload'' the vehicle due to the sludge problem. When I asked about why they did not see the sludge when I brought the car in for the original oil flush and to check the engine oil, I was told they did not look there prior. I then asked about my timing belt. The supervisor who I had not seen before this time then said that it was caused by stop start driving or weather conditions therefore they were not providing me any reimbursement. I asked for the assertion they made that my kms were rolled back to be put in writing and they said they were unable to do that.
At this point I am seeking some feedback on this issue. Is there any hope for my vehicle if they are being honest about the sludge? Is my gut feeling and advice from others correct that they should not have removed my timing belt and water pump? Help needed!
Note: this is a condensed version (if you can believe that) and the stressful events have occured over the past two weeks.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Note: I do not have previous service records on the vehicle and it was bought from a dealer. The car was checked out prior to purchase and given the all clear. I have owned the vehicle for 71/2 months.
Thank you.