High mileage 200TQW

[Eric_R_Kissell@email.whirlpool.com]

My search for a 5000tqw or a 200tqw has led me to a couple of interesting 
vehicles. I live in Indana, but I am looking out on the East coast, since 
we will travel to New Jersey tomorrow to visit the inlaws over Christmas.

One 1989 200tqw in Pittsfield, MA sound like exactly what I want - well 
maintained, many Type 44 PITA-parts replaced, suspension bits renewed, cv 
joints recently replaced, all service records, owner touched up undercoat 
and paint chips regularly, etc. One troublesome statistic - 344,000 miles. 
Am I crazy for considering a car with that many miles? My inner voice tells 
me that no matter how well the car was maintained the engine and 
transmission, if original, are probably worn out, plain and simple. I will 
look at the car Thursday. Due to a tight travel schedule, I probably will 
not have the abilty to get a mechanic to look at the car and will not have 
the time to do a compression test. The price is good for a 1989 200tqw, but 
how do I factor-in 344,000 miles? 

Comments? 

Another option that surfaced in Freehold, NJ is a 1989 200tqw that hit a 
deer, resulting in front end and hood damage. Damaged includes left front 
fender, hood, left headlight, front support, grill, and possibly bumper. 
How much difficulty might I experience in locating used parts of the 
correct vintage to repair this damage? Do you think I could find a fender 
and hood for a 1989 200 in the matching black color in a salvage yard and 
avoid a trip to the body shop? Who has a left DOT headlight for a 1989 200? 
Is it likely there is damage to the unibody from hitting a deer? Is this a 
project I want to start?

TIA,
Eric R. Kissell
1986 5000cstq, 1.8 bar, k24, unhappy right now