We're a family of four. The kids are 3 & 4. Wife drives a '96 Dodge Caravan and we agree the space is nice.

We have two Volvos. A '95 850 turbo wagon and an '88 740 turbo wagon with M46. Wife doesn't drive a stick.

One must go. Which to keep, which to sell? The Caravan and the 850 are known for some of the same reliability issues with A/C systems and transmissions. A replacement evap or trans in either will run about the same amount.

So far I've had to replace the compressor in the van but there are still lingering problems. Also, the 3.0 V6 is anemic and once again I need to have the rocker cover gaskets replaced. The rear is a PITA and I let a shop do it. I've just replaced brakes this summer. Pads, rotors, shoes, drums & wheel cylinders. It needs shocks struts & bushings.

No problems with the AC or the (replacement) trans in the 850 yet. The trans was replaced under warranty by the original owner at 56,000 miles and the rear seal was done also.

The 850 will ride smoother when I replace the 16s with 15s but it's a pretty small car and needs a few things like seatback cable, roof trim & rear brakes.

The 740 is roomy, has IPD bars, new clutch but again, wife can't drive it.

She wouldn't mind keeping the 850 and selling the van and currently it doesn't matter to me which Volvo goes if we decide we can't live without the van's space.

Van, 120,000 miles
850, 95,000 miles
740, 190,000 miles

Opinions?
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Erwin in Memphis, '88 745t 190,000 miles, '95 855t 92,000 miles