I own 2 wagons, among my 3 240s, and I'm hoping to get another 245 this summer. My take on things is to go for the one with the fewest problems within your budget. If you're poor, like I sorta am, a late 80's/early 90's wagon is beyond reach -- unless it's got tons of miles or a specific problem, in which you may. Also -- if you're looking for a manual, as I am, they got to be less common the later into the 80s you go. Starting in '87, Volvo switched from the M46 (4 sp +o.d.) to the M47 (true 5 speed), which is purportedly a less robust trans. So you may find a peachy 88, but it's probably got an auto trans, which you may or may not find desireable (I don't). Rust issues were supposedly fixed by better galvanizing on the sheet metal starting in '88 or so -- but you'll find a number of late 80's/early 90's which have rust issues.

So...the upshot is, I suppose, is to get the best one with the fewest problems consistent with your budget. I wouldn't worry as much about the specific year.

Rob Kuhlman