New to Cherokees and found two worthy contenders a 1998 2 door manual and a 2000 4 door automatic was wondering which would be better or which to pick

 

Which engine is in both and are both 4x4 or 2wd ?

 

both are 4 wheel drive and have the 4.0

 

for me if it was a classic car, i would definitely go with 2 door stick shift, but for my wheelin cherokees, i prefer 4 door auto, but that's just for convenience while on the trail.
i've only ever been with 2 jeeps that blew a slave cylinder, but with a 4 door, it's just easier to get to gear in the back.

but out of the two years you mentioned, most will say go for the 98 over the 00 for the high pinion d30 and better engine head design along with a distributor instead of coil packs.

but really, it would come down to your choice. 4.0L are pretty indestructible.

 

I love my 2 door stick and wouldn't trade but my kids are grown and back seat passengers are rare. It's folded down 99% of the time. Some will argue that auto is better on the trail and I see the point but it doesn't bother me.

 

This would be my choice as well for the reasons given are valid ones.

 

All things being equal; both good engines, rust, similar mileage, 4x4, etc

A '98 2-door stick is probably one of the rarest of the rare XJs found today.
And you won't have to worry about the 331 heads cracking with the 2000.

 

5-speed FTW!!!! A 2 door will be next on my list.

 

I love my 2 door on and off the trails. It's really not that hard to wheel with a 5 speed either.

 

I say the 98 because the 00 has its own problems you don't want.

 

we have two 5 speed TJs that we take out depending on what trails we are gonna run.
i do like the 5 speed for steep decents, how you can keep it in gear to act like a brake, where as the auto will want to change gears, unless you do the shift mod.

really, i have no complaints with either auto or stick. i just say auto, cause unless you are REALLY good with the clutch/gas pedals, you can get yourself (and potentially others) into trouble in certain areas. auto is just easier on technical trails.