Engine issues

I have been changing oil with full synthetic ever 7,000 miles and I take it in every 30,000 for its regular maintenance service. For the most part I have not had any issues with this car and it has been running well.

On 10/31, I took car into dealer for 90,000 mile maintenance (actual 95,000). Part of that service was a recall an oil pressure sensor software upgrade. They also said it had low oil pressure and was four quarts low. I had no issue with oil before this and did not notice any oil burning or leaks. ( I have owned old cars before where checking the gas and filling the oil was needed, so I know what to look for)


On 01/19, (99,000) engine suddenly had a very loud whistle. (99,000) Acted like a vacuum leak. Immediately drove it in. Determined that I had a plugged oil trap and that I needed to replace pistons and rings, but they were offering to do the labor for free. I had to pay for parts. ($3,000.00)

On 2/5, (99,000) I received vehicle and immediately drove it back. There was a vibration in the car. Similar to having a tire out of balance, not as severe and not in the steering wheel. You could feel it through the seats, door etc. I took it in back several times about the vibration. They checked suspension and mounts and told me everything was normal.

Other passengers in car noticed vibration and would comment on it. It also drove me crazy. Decided on getting new car. Received new car (3/5)

I drove Volvo one to two times a week to keep it in shape. I waited until May to get detailed etc. And prepped for sale.

On 6/8 (101,000) was driving Volvo when heard a small boom followed immediately by loud metallic clanging and the no oil pressure sensor was struggling to light. (Almost like it was not getting enough electricity) Pulled over and had car towed into dealership. I did check the oil and the oil was fine.

Said big end bearing on crank needed to be replaced. I asked about engine damage and rep said I was okay.

Noise was gone and so was the vibration! I was so happy, I was thinking of keeping car. Unfortunately it was short lived.

Driving it home from bearing repair (fifteen miles), I started hearing a faint knock. At first I thought I was imagining it. I turned off radio, air etc, and I was still not certain about the noise. However, as I drove it home it got louder to where I knew I needed to bring it back in. About half a mile before I got to my driveway the no oil pressure sensor was struggling to light again (checked oil and again it was okay). Had towed into dealer.

Now the dealer is saying I have a bad connecting rod and I need to replace the engine which they will provide labor for free. ($8,000.00 my portion)

I questioned this and they said they could put in a used engine (90,000) for about $5.500.00 (my portion) or give me up to a $6,000.00 credit towards a new vehicle.

I am highly suspect of the dealership. I think when they did 90,000 maintenance they messed something up. Then when they rebuilt engine they did not do all that was needed, which is why bearing needed to be replaced

I am not certain what I should do and if it is worth trying to fix car. Outside of engine car is in excellent shape.

Any insight or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave