I usually don't go for this type of message, but my heart is telling me one thing and common sense another. Interested in opinions of others.

I have a '95 T5 sedan with 153k miles that I have put 12k miles on without any major issues (some minor brake work). It does have a split CV boot and broken spring seat, but the previous owner told me about the boot and the seat, well... that's maintenance for you.

I love the car. The interior with faux woodgrain is in immaculate condition for its age. The leather has no splits or cracks in the finish. The sound system, for stock, is great. I looked on Autotrader and there it was (two towns away). It was winter time, and the owner had few people looking. I was eager and had $3800 and you know the rest. The Dealer had cars with only 90k miles, but they weren't turbo and they wanted $9K. I liked the look of the 850 sedan - doesn't seem dated for a 10 year old car.

So here's the deal. I always wanted a Volvo wagon. I looked at a V70 when they came out - wanted a stick model. I have had a few wagons, and like the ability to transport boxy items. Wagons frequently afford a sturdy roof rack (I had euro rails on a passat). The temptation is to look for an 850 T5 wagon and sell the sedan. The previous owner of mine did tell me he looked far and wide to find a car in such nice condition (drove to GA from PA to buy it). I feel it may be a long search that may result in buying another's problems (this board is an excellent place to learn what to look for). Should I just stick with the sedan, put a hitch on it for those infrequent times I need more storage space? Sometimes a need to rent a bulky piece of equipment, and sometimes I need to move a load of lumber or a washing machine or water heater or .... I have gotten used to the auto tranny (my first at 44 years old), although I have seen the warnings to watch for beating the trans to hard when pulling a trailer.

Should I give up the "dream" (which unlike the styling may be dated) and be happy with what it is my hands, vs what I might get into? Thanks for reading this long post. Don 153k '95 T5