So my girlfriend and I both really like 240s (I have scouring the internet for any and all info on them) and in August her parents are selling the car she has (scion xb) and giving her 3k to get another car. I think that this 3k will is enough in southern CA to get a clean 240 (wagon preferably) N/A stick. I am not an experienced mechanic, but a Chilton/internet/pick-a-part/sweed immigrant Volvo mechanics friends, makes me think that a good condition 240 wont be too much to handle. The main goals of this car are as follows

reliability; we understand these aren't new cars, just want to be comfortable that it will not leave us stranded. I have a friend who does literally NO service/maintenance other than gas/tires/breaks in his 240 and it has given no trouble at all.

Pass smog

MPG, obviously this is hit and miss, and the wagon will not be any help. I just hope for low 20s in the city with 30 or so freeway if possible with a stick.

So I come here asking you of anything I should be made further aware of other than what is on the "Common Issues With The Volvo 240" sticky http://www.volvo-forums.com/t29045-common-issues-with-the-volvo-240.htm We both like the 70s-80s 240s more than the 90-93, but the wiring harness issue has really got me wary of picking one of them is it really as bad as they say...

Lastly, we have been peeking at 740s and are just curious as to how they compare to the 240 in terms of reliability and power.