I looked into replacing my 87 wagon with a 94/95 about one year ago. Ended up keeping the 87 because I could not find a clean, low mileage late model 124 with which to replace it. It's tough to find a wagon that hasn't been run hard and put up wet...

I'll toss in a vote for the 210 wagon; I actually prefer the 210 chassis over the 124. I like the size a little bit better - not quite so tight around the shoulders - and I prefer the ride/handling tradeoff. If anything, the M113/722.6 drivetrain in the 210 is proving to be more reliable than the m104/722.3 in the 124 wagon. Only the harmonic balancer is troublesome, and that's a relatively inexpensive and easy fix, vs. head gaskets and wiring harnesses.

It will probably be difficult to find either car with MB-Tex interior; they seemed to be moving upmarket from the introduction of the 124 line.

BTW, there is no 97 wagon. The first year for the 210 wagon was 1998.

From an economic standpoint you are clearly better off keeping the current car. It sounds to be clean, reliable, and has had most of the gremlins addressed. Even a nice 1995 wagon could have significantly more issues than your current car - that's what I found when looking, anyways. The last of the 124 line is getting to the point where common age related repairs are required - suspension accumulators, hatch struts, etc. If these have been addressed on your 1988 wagon, then you may be selling someone a nicely fixed up car while taking on a new project.

Of course, just try to convince SWMBO of the merits of the above argument!

- JimY