I have actually owned both a 1998 ml320, GREAT VEHICLE, and my lovely 2005 XC70 so maybe I can help you out here. Both are expensive cars to maintain, that being said they are both very nice cars. Take what I say with a grain of salt as my XC us 7 years newer, and I drove my ML from 80k-125k and my volvo has been from about 30k to the current 82k.
Both cars were amazing to me, never had a break down or any real serious issues. That being said I spent plenty in maintenance working on both. I found my ML to be cheaper to maintain and found myself working on it much less than my XC. However, the ML drives like a truck and is quite uncomfortable on long drives. The seats are very uncomfortable, but they legroom and space is much better with the ML. My XC is also faster, more comfortable, and gets better gas mileage both city and highway. If I had to do it again I would buy and own both like I did at the time. They were both great cars and both suited for different uses, however, if I could only choose one car I would probably pick the XC as long as it was a 2003 or newer otherwise I would go with the ML.
If you have any questions feel free to ask me man. I could give you a breakdown of all the work I did on both cars but that might make me cry. LOL
However, beyond general maintenance the only work I did on the ML in the 45k I owned it was a serp belt tensioner, window switch pack (common), and a fuel pump (VERY COMMON, the gauge just floats and gives an inaccurate reading.)
I also disagree. For 5k you will get a much better ML then you will with the XC. However, I have found that many used ML's were just beat to hell and you have to look at that. Unfortunately, I sold my ML in PERFECT shape with brand new suspension ($$$$$$) for only 3200 an insane price, if I could have kept both I would have.
Sorry for the lengthy post but to close here are some pictures of my two babies!
Would look cool with pegs
lol
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