I will pull the trigger tomorrow or Sunday on one of two cars (maybe three):

1996 Volvo 850 wagon, non-turbo, 91 K verified miles
1992 Mercedes 300TE wagon

Time is my issue and both cars a drivable NOW and local.

The 850 is a broker car where the guy admits he paid to much up front. My cost $2K but it has a few interior issues that do not concern me. The lack of records or history do concern me. Car is rust free. No way to verify AC working.

Mercedes has lots of failed rubber parts in the engine (various intake related hoses), drives great in spite of these, very good interior with only the drivers-side bolster worn through. Only exterior issue is what looks like an attempt to back out of the garage with the drive door open. Not noticeable from 20 feet but does cause a whistle around the drivers door at speed. No rust. My cost $1400. Self-leveling suspension seems fine. No way to verify AC working. Some record in car and odo shows 186K.

Lastly, looking at a '93 940 sedan, non-turbo, white. It is only $1K and drivable, but with interior issues. Would need to buy a Harbor Freight 4' x 8' trailer and hitch to meet my other needs.

850...engine goes the wrong way and scares me.
300TE...never worked on this model and lots of deferred maint
940...not a wagon and still needs work right but not right now, no records

What would you do?

Onkel Udo