For my sweetheart....

Yes folks it's that time again. What would you choose.

My sweetheart needs something to drive. And Yes I know the answer is Miata, but in this case it wont work.

She has found a 1994 BMW 5 Series 525 I with 185 K mostly highway driving. Not much said about maintenance.

And a 1990 Volvo 740 GLE with approx 200 K. that has had the following done:

Maintenance:

Break pads and discs changed in July 2011 
Gear box fluid and filter changed in July 2011
Front suspension bushings changed in August 2011, and alignment performed
New winter tires installed in October 2011
Engine gaskets replaced and new spark plugs installed in September 2011
Generator belt and fan belts replaced in July 2011 (timing belt and balancing belt come with a car)

The Price is about the same Under 2,000.

I like the Volvo, my sweetheart likes the BMW. It would be used around town and have the kids drive now and again.

I know how to do some things but not everything. So my question is which would be the best way to go ? or does it really matter.

Thanks in advance.

If the BMW is an automatic and you dont have any history of transmission service that sounds like a not so good idea. If its a manual its probably alright though.

speedman wrote: She has found a 1994 BMW 5 Series 525 I with 185 K mostly highway driving. Not much said about maintenance. And a 1990 Volvo 740 GLE with approx 200 K. that has had the following done:

Just to be clear, we are talking kilometers here?
185,000 km = 115,000 miles
200,000 km = 124,000 miles
Both, relatively low mile examples. I initially read this as two high mileage (not kilo) examples.

The Volvo in question has the 16V head on it, correct? Make sure the external oil pump pulley bolt was changed. It can shear with old age, taking the timing belt (and valves) with it.

Other than that, the Volvo sounds pretty solid. Over the years, I've been more or less self-taught on how to do everything on a car courtesy of my Volvos.

I have read a lot of horror stories about automatics in older BMWs. Prone to fail, very expensive to repair. On that point alone, I would prefer the Volvo. In addition, you have documented service records on the Volvo, which implies that it was properly taken care of. Big difference.

None of this is relevant. If your sweetie prefers the BMW, get the BMW. If you get the wrong car, you will hear about it every day for as long as she has the car and your life will become a living hell.

Get her what she wants, but try to steer her to a reliable car. If you help her pick out an old car, and it has ANYTHING mess up, it will be YOUR fault.

well, we just got back. the Volvo sold before I could even look at it. The BMW sweetheart is think she like the 3 series.

also looked at a subaru legacey L 1997 .. drove this one and she likes it but for now the hunt still continues.

If she's after a 3-series BMW, you should thank your lucky stars and get her one.