Since my '83 245, the yellow rustbucket, was rearended several weeks ago I've been keeping my eyes open for a rust-free 245 with which to replace it. My plan is to migrate my good parts (IPD bars, Nissens radiator, new blower motor, and maybe my M46 if necessary) onto the 'new one' once the weather warms up and then have the '83 carcass hauled away.

Yesterday I looked at a low mileage inexpensive '89 with an autobox. It's got issues which have resulted in its asking price to be quite low, and these issues are things I can manage once the weather warms up. In other words, this car could be a good value purchase.

But...I've got this subconscious sense from noticing the occasional postings over the last several years that 1988 was one of the best 240 years and 1989 was one of the worst. 1989 was the first year of the LH 2.4 fuel system, and the first year of the EZ ignition system -- were there some growing pains suffered by the '89s? Also, I sort of recall that the ECU in the 1989s were problematic.

Are my recollections inaccurate or is the 1989 year something to be wary about?

Thanks in advance for your insights.

Rob Kuhlman