Volvo Repair: S40 Oil Use, air conditioner blower, mile warranty

Question
2000 S40, .  Every 3,000 miles uses 1+ qt. oil - never had a car
to use oil before.  Once was so low white smoke came for
exhaust - no warning.  Has regular dealer recorded mainenance
and oil changed every 3,000 miles.  Dealer non-responsive to
problem tho have 100,000 mile warranty.  Has 50,000 miles.  
Have owned since 20,000.  Always had this problem.  Is this a
common problem and what might be the cause?  What
reasonable response should I expect from dealer where
purchased.    Major concern.  Student will be taking car to
college soon.  Other problems - air conditioner blower and
thermostat has been replaced.  Brake problem.  Can rotors be
turned on this model?  How many miles should expect from
brakes and brake pads.  Mirror hinge on visor broken.  Cup
holder broken.  Breath on it and something breaks.  Car not
abused but just seems to be glued together with flour paste.  
Please advise.  Thank you from Alabama.  

Thank you.

Answer
The engine oil is being consumed becaused it is either being burned in the engine because of a leaking seal, or it is being burned up inside the turbocharger.  Otherwise you have a leak somewhere where it looses a qt every month or so.  Is your warranty goood only at the dealer closest to you (promotional extended warranty?)?  If you are still under the factory warrany period then you may want to take it to your next closest dealer if there is one nearby.  Also if all of these transactions have been done via phone you may want to go there and talk to them face to face.  That always seems to get more done, plus you can go to the superior employee there if you are receiving trouble from a service advisor.  Go the the service director/manager.  Rotors were not manufactured to be machined, just replaced.  There is no milage garantee either.  Different driving styles have very different effects on braking life.  Some need brakes after 20,000; others I have seen come in for there first brake job at 50,000+.  You just have to evaluate your usage by watching how fast the brake pads wear as you drive the car.  The interior issues are fairly common.  Usually its cup holders that are broken.  Honestly that car isn't a volvo at all.  The old S40's were mitsubishi's branded as volvos.  The mitsubishi version of that model were only sold out of this country.  Its not made of the same materials and some areas are weaker than others like visors, cup holders, etc.  Just be mindful of those weaker areas when you use them and usually they will last longer.  Hope that helps.

James