purchase question--high miles a worry?

[mclaren]

I am debating between an 89 740 wagon with 138,000 miles or a 94 960 wagon with 194,000 miles. the 960 seller is the original owner and has perfect service records, garage kept--mint condition. The 740 has fewer miles, good service records, and a few owners. The 960 is a $1,000 more than the 740.

What kind of lifespan can I expect from the 960 if I keep it in good condition, should I worry about the 194K miles? Or do I go with the lower miles, but not as good condition car?

Thanks for any advice you may have.

[pgrilo]

There is a few think to look for:
-what kind of driving those cars had, town vs highway
- was a car seamed to have been towing (look for a hich), that whould make a big difference on mechanical wear.
-where the cars were park at night, in a garage vs out to the weather.
-look if the cars may have been in a accident, and if it was repaired correctly
If the cars seamed comparable, remember that the rubber ages, so you may have to replace some parts earlyer on the older car, or things may rattle more. I would think the 94 model would be a better buy, if the maintenance was kept up. Anyway when you buy a pre-owned car its alway a gamble, but going with a Volvo you can go wrong.

good luck