Dear Brickmeisters--

I was just asking for advice re the durability of the AW70 in my 1992 wagon with 207k. Buuuuut...

Now the owner of the garage I use has a radical suggestion.

I had been thinking about swapping out the transm for an M46 or M47. He says that he has another customer with a 1989 wagon that has a 5sp and the guy would rather have an AUTOMATIC! He suggested we swap cars.

Hmmmm. Here's the comparison:

1. My car: 1992 245 w/AW70, 207k. Body in close to immaculate condition. Long-ago body work on a rear hit that was done perfectly so it all looks original.

I've had a lot of mechanical work done on mine in the 45k I've owned it. Have all the records.

2. The other car: 1989 245 w/M47, "less than 160k". I haven't seen the car yet. The other owner says his car has a "like new" body. The shop owner says he's been servicing this car, but hasn't done as much as on mine. He thinks the AC has not been converted (and it's the earlier system that doesn't convert as easily). The car does not have ABS or an air bag. Both cars are the metallic tan/gold.

Sooooo...If I want to go for this swap, who should be due cash, or is it a dead-even swap? Assume that the two cars are equally clean in body and interior. Mine is three years newer, but his has around 50k fewer miles.

Mechanically: Mine needs a rear main seal and probably I should throw in a kickdown cable and a crank sensor while the trans is out. Otherwise it's ready to go anywhere. Assume the other car has minor issues but is basically solid (or the shop owner would have told me).

At over 150k, the car would need a clutch job pretty soon, yes? AND: is 1989 as good a year as 1992?

Sorry to be long-winded, and thanks for any help you can provide.

Doug Harvey