You may recall that yesterday I asked the resident gurus about the PRV engine.

Well, I'm stuck: I can't decide whether to buy a 1976 265 with 77K miles, no rust, and stick shift or a 1993 245 with 211,000 miles and automatic. That's all I know about either one at this point.

If anyone has any advice, I'm very grateful! Which would you pick for me, assuming they're in roughly the same decent mechanical condition?

I'm looking for a just a reliable get-around-town car. Though I of course plan to do all recommended maintenance, I don't want something I'll have to constantly take to the shop. (Embarassingly, I'm pretty useless with a wrench and must rely on my fantastic master Volvo/Saab mechanic.) The r134 a/c on the '93 has a lot of appeal, as does its auto tranny (so my gal can drive it if need be). But the 265's double-round eyes look so cool--and it does have way fewer miles and a more powerful (though more thirsty) engine.

Again, thanks for your help!

John
(Ex-owner, 1988 244DL, M47, IPD sport exhaust)