Easy to work on is a relative term. The 240 is fairly easy to maintain, and the 89 should have some nice things that were not in evidence on earlier models. Wiring harnesses come immediately to mind, as does an improved location for the flame trap. This car is about to be 20 years old, so there will be some issues with things that are made of rubber (suspension bushings etc). As I said, the maintenance on the 240 series, does not tax one's abilities, but I would reccomend getting one of the Bentley manuals, and follow the reccomended maintenance regimen. Mine is 4 years older, but has fewer miles, which is a rarity. I think that you can probably buy that car for less than 4 large, but you are the only one who can make that judgment call.

The average car payment today is nearing 500 per month. Using that as a benchmark, you would need to keep this car for at least a year to break even. How many miles per year do you intend to drive the car? All these things need to be taken into considerarion, and weighed as being important. If you are going to drive 40K per year, you might wish to consider a more current vehicle. Conversley, if you are in the 10-15K per year, you should be alright with this one, given that it has a good service history.

The important things to check, are RUST, Timing Belt, RUST, brakes, RUST, transmission service, RUST, suspension, RUST, engine and transmission mounts, RUST, and most importantly is RUST. Take the car to a competent mechanic, and pay him to check the car out, paying special attention to RUST.

Bill
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Those who beat their swords into plowshares will surely plow for those who did not.