Help!

We are NYC drivers, and usually only use our car on weekends. Beginnning in 1997, the car has repeatedly died, often within a few days of the last repair or charge. We only take it to a Volvo certified mechanic, at first because it was in warranty, now because we are frustrated and maybe just plain stupid.

Last month they replaced the battery (4th time) and the radio after identifying the problem over the years as 1. left the front beam lights on (they shut off when you turn the car off) 2. left the radio on (it shuts off when you turn the ignition off) 3. left the glove box open (it wasn't) 4. left the cruise control button on (huh?) and 5. the electric seat movers were pulling power (they finally just died and we had them replaced)-- they said we had an intermittent short in the radio. The one thing I've pointed out to them each time is that since 1997 the clock on the dash does not keep time, it fades in and out as if there is a short in it. It's never been repaired.

I've asked them to check for corrosion on cables. I've asked them to check the clock ).

Now Volvo NA is saying that "it is perfectly reasonable that the battery of a car that isn't driven every day would die in a matter of days." If you ask them if they'd accept that on their own car, they protest. Help! Any other ideas, or a recommendation for a different mechanic other than the Martin's dealer in Manhattan?

Many thanks,

Molly