Which year should I look for?
 

Well I am not new to Jeeps or Cherokees so I kind of know what to look for. Let me start by saying I used to own a 92, loved it! But it rusted out beyond my control and started having lots of problems so I sold it while I could still get something out of it.
I bought a Wrangler. Liked it for about 2 weeks, now I miss all the room I had in my Cherokee, the security, the power!!!!, and just the comforts of my XJ.
I am thinking about trying out a Cherokee again, and hopefully keep this one....we'll see
Anyway, I notice that my 92 and 94(parts Cherokee) had lots of rust under the rear cargo area and floorboards. My friends 98 has none so at what point did Jeep fix this? What are the best years for a good XJ that has kind of the best of everything?

The Jeep will be used for mostly driving on the road and camping trips and everynow and then off road adventures. I will try out a quality 3" lift but nothing taller. My budget will be around $2000-2500 not much more, I just can't afford any more and I will want it by end of this month or next month.

So I guess long story short for that price range what XJ would you suggest to search for when I possibly go searching for another Cherokee?
Thanks,
Bryan

When I bought mine I was looking for a 96 or newer, but I wound up with a 93 which lived by the bay all it's life and had NO rust besides the muffler, and exhaust pipes. Anyway, rust can be fixed and nutralized. I had to deal with plenty of it with my last rig. I say find the one you really want and a little work will keep her from getting more or any cancer.

thats about the going price of a Cherokee, i paid 2200 for mine 10 years ago.

I bought mine based off the motor more then anything, i really like the straight 6, 4.0 motor. Its got alot of power and lasts for 250,000-350,000 miles, as long as u take care of it.

try to find a 99' they were the last year they had the high pinion axle which is better and they have all the stronger joints, and from what ive heard they are the best year to get.........oh and by the way i have a 99 and i love it! ive only had 1 major problem with it and it happened today, my t-case went out but other than that no complaints whatsoever!