I have a 91 940 turbo with 202K mi. The engine is in perfect condition, but it has some cosmetic issues. The interior has ripped leather and the plastic pieces are falling off weekly. The paint on the hood and roof is peeling. No dents or rust.

To restore it, I would want to replace the seats, paint it and fix a few plastic pieces. I am hesitant to put money into a car over 200K.

Restore or try to find another 940 with lower miles?

 

The last year the 940 was imported into the US was 1995 so finding one with low miles has become difficult. I saw one with 43,000 miles advertised locally for around $5,000 and there is one on Ebay right now with 83,000 mile for
$6,500.

 

The fact that your car has 200k should not be a factor. These car can go forever if treated right. It's up to you if you want to restore your '91 or get one with low miles which is not always better. People these days make way too much out of miles, wrong! All things being equal, surely lower miles are better but there are many more factors to consider. Since the average person knows next to nothing about cars, (even though they think different) the miles number becomes decisive.

 

I'm with Lev. Matter of fact, I'll go one further. My wagon at 200,000 had a stronger motor than the car that I purchased with 78,000. A compression test will tell. Other than that, the condition of the car will tell the rest. If the seats are broken down and torn up, exterior paint pealing, etc., that's not the better deal.

My thoughts is this, if you can replace the car for less money and hastle than fixing up your current car, replace it.

 

Also something to be said about an old car you know... The new old Volvo you get will have issues, even the best "low milers" do. Spoken from much experience.