We need to hear her points of reasoning because it sounds like you are in half agreement already. Is she coming from licensing, insurance and space as they are hard to beat down?

You could come back with I can exchange the best parts of both cars and make the wagon better. Then blow off the sedan as the wagon will have better resale value just because it is a wagon with that 5 speed and its small truck capablilites! Every man needs a truck but the dog is optional.

Is the color of the wagon a common color as most doors are plentiful as complete bolt on units for cheap at PNP. Dismantlers shake you down for a bit more but scrounging is easier.

Double check the bodies door hole for symmetry before getting all warm and fuzzy about the car. If the dent got into the cross brace a door pillar or two may have moved, depending on the front or rear.

You may still have the piston slap issue as that is a common noise which I think I have read is due to the short skirted pistons or they just go round and loose their fit up.

Good luck as life is a continuous negotiation until one party stops speaking then compromise kicks in!

From the man and wife that have four Volvos! One of them being a 1986 wagon.
Phil