Well I've been a lurker forever but I've sold my '79 Honda Prelude and I'm out for a Volvo 140 daily driver. I've got two great options and I want to bite but I thought I'd run it by the experts. This'll be my first Volvo.

I'm deciding between a fully-restored & sorted '72 144E for $6500 and an original, well-kept '73 142E for $3500.

The 144E is at 150,000 miles. Recently rebuilt everything, converted to electronic ignition, new Bilstein HDs, sway bars, 240 turbo wheels, new tires, OK new paint job. Never any rust. 4-speed with OD. Beautiful.

The 142E is at 140,000 miles. Never rebuilt but well taken care of. New M41. (Was an M40.) Great shape, couple of dents, everything works. Original paint, no rust. I personally prefer the '73's looks and the tachometer in the dash.

Is there a better deal here? The 144E is a bit a of a stretch money-wise but needs absolutely nothing. The 142E sounds reliable but should I be worried about a rebuild in the near future for a 140 with 140k?

Thanks in advance!!