940 = 240 with better safety, bigger and better sorted - electronics not too bad...get the manual with the m46 and you will feel right at home maintance wise, but the car is nicer than the 240 to drive...

850 = totally different car, but ok...DONT buy an auto before 94/95 (the 93's have a particularly checkered history...) mainteance wise actually not to bad so far for me...oil changes are EASIER than a 940/740/240 cos the filter is nice and easy to get to...

cant spreak of later models, but the laterthe more electronics, after 95 the 850 went form OBD1 to OBD2 which means you need areader to pull the codes...

if you do lots of your own work and like RWD i would buy a late model 940 with the b230ft engine....and then spend the money you save over a late model sorting it, or having it sorted...

my experience ive based upon...(cars i have known intermately!)

71 144 Delux, b20 m46 i believe (cant remember for sure!) killed by rust (eventually) more miles on it than would be decent to mention!

91 744 b230e, 250k+ miles m46 (got maried from this one!)

88 745 b230e, 180k miles m46 (killed by engine corrosion...change that antifreeze!)

92 945t, b230ft, 145k miles, m46 (serious oil usage problem...but I WILL overcome - or die trying!) - the most fun to drive of the lot! - and will swallow a wardrobe!

95 854 2.5 20 valve auto, 65k miles, goes, stops, dead comfy! my everyday car now..change the auto box fluid often!

89 245 b200e m45,150k miles too new to the family to tell you much but seems ok (note fill/drain plugs on the box are a B&*^&D to get out!)and being an E that flametrap is a SOB! (compaired to the ft)