which would be a better investment- 92 940; 960; 2004 s60

[Fat Guy]

Hi

I'm on the hunt for a good volvo to use as a backup car, and I've been doing lots and lots of reading online regarding good years and good models etc.

Recently I came across a couple on craigslist here in socal that I may possibly invest in however I wanted to pick the brains of the members here to see if they leaned more towards one than the other.

I understand the importance of getting a pre purchase inspection and also the importance of looking for a car that has been well maintained and well kept over the years.

I saw a 92 940 gle that was primarily driven in Hawaii but has made its way over to california with 97,000 miles on it and complete service records (2 owners). the only issue was that the ac needed to be recharged. pretty standard car. tempting because of the reliability history of this model, but is 92 too soon for a 940? They are asking $3000 OBO which I think is way too much.
http://inlandempire....4769787605.html

I saw a 97 960 wagon with 116k on it that has been meticulously maintained (3 owners). Actually the 3 owner just purchased the car and needs to sell it (2 weeks later) because of a "family emergency" overseas. not that I don't believe them but my instincts kick in thinking that anybody who wants to sell a used car weeks after they buy it may not be disclosing everything about the car. They are asking $4000. I'm hesitant about what I've read about maintenance on a 960. I wonder if 960 is something I should avoid.
http://losangeles.cr...4794821588.html

The 3rd would be a 2004 s60 2.5l with 124k miles on it being sold by a used car dealer. not much known about the car other that it is clean and well maintained, according to the dealer. my reservations would be if a 2004 s60 would cost a lot more to maintain compared to the other ones listed above. $3588 http://www.autotrade...386898447&Log=0

Thanks in advance for any response. This car purchase would be primarily used as a backup. I have a prius that is a daily driver but I needed something that was safe and reliable as a good family car to use when the prius was being driven by myself of my wife. This car would be driven maybe 40 miles a week (if that).

I like volvos a lot and my mom used to have a 240 dl wagon back in the mid 80s which she loved.

I can do some minimal maintenance on the car but would be having things like timing belts and suspension issues etc addressed by a volvo tech here in pasadena.

Thanks again

walter