I have owned a poorly maintained 89 740 bosh, ran it to over 300k, I did alot of maint on the car. Bad piston slap for 80k (sounded like a diesel). Cut my Volvo teath on this car, but it converted me.

Had a 90 740 regina, was pretty well maintained, no regina issues. Ran to over 300k

Had a 91 740, just parted it out, had a head issue at 228k plus rust. Bosh, drove it anywhere.

Current 94 940, has a replacement engine at 225k will go anywhere in it.
Current 95 940, 118k, nice ride, first sedan (all others wagons). Quit, engine purrs. If you can find them, the 940 has a little more sound insulation, get leather seats if possible, sunroof is a minus in the old cars IMO, I did all non-turbos just for reliaibility, I give up hP, gain reliability in the head gaskets.

Basic maint on the car is very important. If the PO did not do it, you will be doing it if you are going to drive it anywhere. My 95 was pretty well mantained, it still needs motor mounts, front seal, tranny flush et al. These are cheap cars if you maintain them yourself. If you are paying for a mechanic, your better off somewhere else IMO. First three cars I owned, I got 280k total miles out of them, paid $250, $500 and $1,200 for them. Spent another 4k in tires, parts over the years, and I have about $1,500 in used parts in my basement that fit my two cars so my future costs will be reduced. Some parts have been on three cars already (like my trailer light controller).

Previos advice was good, PO maint is key if you want to reduce your investment going foward, a lower mialage 740 is not to be left at the curb (post 98), regina or bosh are just different.