Thanks for all the replies but it was in vain...but the story ends well!

850 had a salvaged title and the "owner" did not have a copy
940 sold before I could put in an offer
Mercedes self-leveling suspension frightened me enough to wait until I had "no other options"

Then, out of the blue, I decided to search Craigslist for any car under $2300 in my area...long and boring search but it turned up a 1990 Volvo 240 sedan (spelled vovlo).

In short, I picked up a new-to-me 1990 240 DL, manual windows, cloth interior (in unusually good condition), Steel Gray on tan.

Brakes are weak, either needs bleeding or a master cylinder (or hoses, etc)
Driver mirror glass is MIA
Interior mirror is MIA
Driver rear taillight needs replacing
It has on spot of sill rust rear of the passenger rear door
Tires are new and OD relay or wiring is getting punky
Both door pockets MIA

Said all that to add this...two owner with...wait for it...106K carfax and pedal rubber verified miles! All for $1300.

I have a Brick again!