I am considering a Volvo wagon. Can't decide between an old 240 with the more square hatch opening or a newer, luxury model.

After eight years with no car (just a scooter or motorcycle) I am really missing having some cargo capacity. After looking around on Craig's List I noticed a lot of older Volvo wagons in my price range. Now I find I am very attracted to the styling of both the 80s and 90s wagons. I am amazed at how nice a car I can get for $2500 - $4000 out here in the Bay Area. Though it seems the fancer the car, the worse the gas mileage.

I've still got a month or so before I will have saved up enough to afford a $4000 car, so I have some time to decide. I know about the timing belts and stuff to ask about before I buy. But I am having trouble deciding between all the different models and ages out there. Here are some things I am looking for:

• Decent gas mileage. Doesn't have to be the best because I don't have to commute far.
• Don't necessarily need a turbo, certainly not if it is going to kick in every time I take off from a stop sign and waste my gas.
• I'm getting seriously tempted by all the fancy luxury stuff, but not if it is going to ravage my gas mileage.
• I like how the 240 (and I think the 850) have a much more square hatch opening. The newer models seem to all have an opening that is narrower at the top and much more rounded off, thus making it harder to get large squareish items in there.
• I am concerned that an older 240 will give out on me in just a couple of years. Are they mostly getting to the end of their useful age?

Well, howdy to everyone. I appreciate any feedback you can give me.