We've only owned two 1970s  240s for years now.  I love our 1978, but
I am getting a bit worn out having no air conditioning, heavy steering
that no-one can make lighter, 9km per litre of petrol...

But I don't want to buy something that I'm fixing and throwing money
at all the time either.  The 240 has been excellent in this respect.
So I'm Looking for opinions on what models are the most trouble free -
or what models to avoid.

For instance, I've heard the early 240 6 cylinder engines were largely
duds and the blocks became porous.  That the 164 had terrible fuel
economy.  The 240s have poor air conditioning.  The 740s had two
automatic gearboxes and one should be avoided as it would commit
suicide over a ten-second high engine idle.  The 300 series had an
engine (Renault was it?) to avoid.  Interference engines in all models
are to be avoided.  Engines with belt driven water pumps...

Basically, if it's possible, I want a car that is still as reliable as
our 1978 244.  Something that means my family won't die if some idiot
hits us.  Has cool air conditioning.  Needs only a few oil changes a
year, a new timing belt every couple of years, new oil seals every 5
or 10... and isn't at the mechanic several times a year like the other
goobers I know that own fords, Nissans, Toyotas, etc.

So what are the economy, reliability and safety of these like (say out
of 10)?

440 (am particularly interested in comments on this - especially
safety since it's so small)

740 (similar to 240s I assume?)
760 (engine quality?  Does economy suffer due to the 6 cylinders?)
850
940
960

and all the "X" series and anything else I've left out.

Thanks for reading...

Allan.