*Disclaimer* I am NO expert.
I am under the impression that a theft recovery on the title is only after an Insurance payout on the car where they take ownership of the car. If my car gets stolen today and recovered next week, does my title get branded forever? I certainly hope not (but I have never had it happen so I dunno. I don't wanna hijack the thread by asking that question). If I took insurance money for the car, then the car was recovered, and then I bought the car back from the insurance then I would suspect that the title needs to reflect those ownership transactions.
Another key thing is making sure you are comfortable with both cars being actual mileage and not 119k 136k. Most states list these cars as 'Mileage Exempt' with their registration. As turbocamino pointed out, paint is a known issue with these cars (and the 80's in general). I have seen some cars from members here that were is pristine condition with over 100k on the clock that I would buy without hesitation because they owned and obviously cared for the car for a good portion of its life. I plan to drive and enjoy the car.
Price is a factor too. If I paid 20k just to be able to say I have a nice low mileage car, but then I get my doors blown off by a 2015 Scion TC (not that you would) I would be seriously regretting my decision. Unless of course I spent another 3-5 K on performance upgrades. (And the addiction begins hehe). I would be better off with a higher mileage, well maintained car at a lower price point. I could then take the money saved and modernize the performance of the car. To me a solid owner, with documented history is more important than the mileage given my stated purpose for the car. As an investment piece, sure a clean title always trumps a blemished in terms of resale price. However I don't know of anyone who has ever gotten more money out of their TR than they put in to it, so whats is a couple K off the resale price compared the the miles of memories you got to enjoy with it (or so we tell ourselves hehe)
Do your homework, check the history of the car (Autocheck/carfax) and inspect the under-body. These two GNs sound nice, but realize they aren't the 'only two' out there. Once you think you have decided on one, question yourself. If miles, location, and budget, were no obstacle, what would another GN have that would sway your current choice? Are you settling for what you know about or are you buying the car you always wanted?
At the end of the day we just need to be happy with our purchases. Someone ALWAYS got a better car for LESS money it seems (like big fish stories). Worst case scenario If 3 years down the line, you found out the car you bought was built from the wreckage of a MonteCarlo using recycled Legos from China, but it looks, felts, and drove exactly like a GN, are you gonna regret the purchase? Ya just need make sure you are completely satisfied in your reasons for the choice you are about to make.
Just my two cents
