greetings brickboarders,

I'm just looking for input on a tough decision here.

My 88 240 DL (automatic) is sitting in the garage right now, with the following worklist: Transmission shift lever bushings, head lamp alignment (parts needed), rear trailing arm bushings (at a minimum, the others in the rear are almost gone too), a bunch of rust repair to pass inspection, and last but definatly not least expensive, replacement of steering rack. I've owned this car since '99, and put at least 113k miles on it. I paid $3000 for it. She's been through one head on collision, 2 kids, and countless shade tree repairs. Right now, its got 265K on the odometer. The engine runs like a champ. She's looking pretty rough, and though I feel like I know this car inside and out, it feels like every time I turn around, I'm putting another couple of hundred into it. The estimate for repairs is $1500-1600. I know a bunch of that is labor, but I just don't have the time to do it myself, though I'd love to.

However,

I found an '87 240 with 131k miles, who's body looks in great shape. No, I haven't driven it yet. I know there is troble with wiring harnesses on this year and earlier. But the thing that makes this such a tough choice is that this one is a 5-speed manual transmission!!!!! I'd love to have this car for this reason alone, (for gas mileage and just because a manual is soooo much cooler than an automatic, IMHO). They want only $1000 for it, and told me it only needs a clutch. Also, it doesn't have A/C, (which for me is not big thing because my 88 hasn't had A/C since 2002.

My question is, should I trade up to the lower mileage '87 with the 5-speed and no A/C, (with its unknown problems always to arise later), or fix up the '88.

Sorry for the long post,
Doug
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1988 240DL sedan. auto. almost 1/4 million miles :>)