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Your best bet is to stay with RWD and a B230 engine, as you are familiar with those, and like them. Compared to any of the newer models, they are MUCH simpler and easier to work on, and less prone to expensive problems.
Within this category, you have several choices:
240s, which tend to be higher priced than 7 or 9 series cars in similar condition, largely because they look better. 80-87 models are prone to deteriorated electrical wiring under the hood, but are (for the most part) otherwise good cars. Watch out for rust, especially on earlier models. 88s have an excellent reputation for reliability. Air bags on 90 and up, ABS on 91 and up (but not on all of them) 93s have a much improved A/C system that uses R134a.
740s, which feel more modern to drive than 240s. The same issues with the wiring harness also apply to the 7 series. 88s are good, 89s are better. 90s got the revised front end with big plastic headlights, and air bags became standard (some earlier models had one, depending on trim level) ABS was hit-or-miss. My 88 had it, but I've seen 90s without. The dash was redone for 91, and the new style is much less prone to cracking. All 740 headliners fall down eventually and have to be redone. Stick shifts are relatively rare. (none imported after 91) The 7 series cars are much less prone to rust than 240s.
740 and 760 turbos are not that much different from regular 7 series cars. The turbo requires more frequent oil changes (and more expensive synthetic oil) and cuts into gas mileage a bit, but doesn't cause major problems with reliability/durability IF (and it's a big if) it has been properly cared for. You have to decide if you want/need the extra performance.
The 940 is a mildly updated 740. The sedans have restyled rear bodywork, but there are very few changes on the wagons. The last of the 940 turbos (94-95) have oil squirters that cool the bottoms of the pistons, which adds considerably to engine life. The 940 headliners are much more durable than those on the 7s. Oddly, rust protection is not as good as on the 7s, and there is a known problem with it where the frame legs meet the firewall, under the hood. Inspect this area carefully on any 940s you may be consdering.
Cars to avoid:
V6s. While the later (88 and up) B280F engine is a huge improvement over earlier models, and can be expected to last well over 200K miles, it is still unnecessarily complex and a lot harder to work on than the 4 cylinders
89-90 740GLEs and 91-92 940SEs with the B234F 16 valve engine. These are interference engines, which means if the timing belt breaks it will bend all the valves, which is not a problem on other red blocks. (replace the belt and you're good to go) The 16V is also lacking in low speed torque, and cars with automatics are geared too short, so gas mileage suffers.
the 960. The inline 6 is smooth and powerful, but a lot more complex than the old red blocks, and is also an interference engine, like the B234. The straight 6s have a number of other problems they are prone to. See the FAQ for details.
Front wheel drive. The 5 cylinder is closely related to the 6 in the 960, and shares the same list of problems. There are additional problems specific to the 850/70 series, including automatic transmission problems and A/C evaporator leaks. Still, the 850 would have been a decent car if it had had a red block instead of the 5 cylinder. As someone else remarked recently on this board, "There is nothing so expensive as a cheap neglected 850", or similar words to that effect. Run away!!!!
Anything newer than an 850 is going to be expensive to buy, and is even more complex (and therefore likely troublesome) than the 850. In particular, the early Cross Country AWDs are known for self-destructing center differentials, which are hugely expensive (usually, more than the car is worth these days) to repair.
To sum up, stick with a basic B230 2/7/9 series car, and you can't go too far wrong. Turbos are OK if you feel the need for speed, but be aware that maintenance is a lot more critical on them. Study the FAQ on this site for more detailed information on what to look for on specific years and models.
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