I keep hearing from some people that the 1979-1982 240s are somehow less desireable or inferior to the late 1980s 240s. One Volvo mechanic said to avoid the pre-1982s because they require too many repairs (go figure that one!). I can understand that age and lack of airbags could be reasons. However, I just bought my second 1980 DL and love it. I like the retro look of the single round headlights and roundish passenger compartment. Is it a fluke that I've had good luck twice in a row?