Volvo v40 D2 2015 SE Lux Nav - slave cylinder fault
 

Hi, I’m looking for advice please. I purchased a Volvo v40 d2 2015 plate SE lux nav in December last year. Since buying the car I’ve had three problems resulting in it having to go into the garage (1: engine coolant leak requiring egr water valve and engine coolant pipe to be replaced; 2: car battery died as it was no longer charging). The most recent problem is with the clutch sticking half way through gear changes. My car has now been towed to a Volvo dealership for repairs. They have said it’s a faulty slave cylinder and release bearing that need to be replaced and comes to £901.44.
I’ve looked into the service history of the car in further detail and it has had two clutches prior to me purchasing the car. One in October 2015 and the second in January 2016 - both times the flywheel and clutch were replaced. Separate to this, it’s also had x3 egr coolers and a new engine cylinder head. The repairs under warranty are in excess of £8500. It really concerns me that so many repairs have been needed on a car that’s only 4 years old and has done a total of 33,400 miles.
I’ve done about 16,000 miles on the car in the year I’ve owned it which my finance company are arguing the fault with the clutch will be “wear and tear” from the mileage. I’ve been advised by volvo the slave cylinder is a mechanical failure on the car and not “wear and tear” - I wondered if anyone has experienced the same problem with the clutch sticking/ faulty slave cylinder?
I’m really disappointed as this is the car I’ve always wanted but I’ve had nothing but issues with it since buying it. I’ve reported my complaint to the finance company as I purchased the car under a hire purchase agreement. They are arguing that they would not be liable for the repair costs unless I can prove the fault with the slave cylinder and release bearing were there at the time of purchase. Other than highlighting the two previous faults with the clutch prior to me owning it, I have no idea how I can prove or refute there being problems at the time of purchase. I’m also 7 months pregnant so the financial pressure at Christmas and when planning for my first child has been very distressing. I also now do not have access to a car and my finance company will not supply a courtesy car. They have said that I would have to pay for this myself, and if they are liable for the fault they can then reimburse the cost of this after it has been investigated (which can take up to 8 weeks by which time I’ll be 37 weeks pregnant). Any help / advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you