only thing idk about is the battery. XJs take a very small battery, i imagine your zj or wj? battery is physically much larger. as for the vehicle...i wouldn’t pay more than $1800 or so for it. it’s pre-update, 4 doors and has clearly been sitting. i gave $2600 for my 97 2 door 1 owner 129k mile jeep.

 

Ended up passing. Looked underneath a second time in the light and I closer inspected the rear door wells and underneath with a screwdriver and found it needs new rocker panels and a little bit of floor work. As good as it looked overall, not looking for one that needs structural work (which is a challenge in new england). Guy got a little pissy when I changed my mind, but oh well. Still going to keep hunting since I have until march before my inspection expires.

 

hey.... it's always your right to walk away from a deal if you find something that doesn't sit right with you. So you're sure your current one is far enough gone that you either can't or don't think it's worth repair? Just asking if it's still in good nic mechanically.
It's getting harder to find a good XJ that hasn't been eaten away by the old rust beetle or modded by someone that is a few fries short of a happy meal.
I had to take a risk on one I found out of state from me, because that's all I was finding anywhere near me. And found a straight 1 owner with literally no rust other than a few tiny spots from rock chips in the paint. And was completely stock, never modified.
It was a risk to do it... and so far not that bad... just a tired front end, so working on replacing the tie-rod ends, track bar, etc. as I have the time to take it apart and replace myself...But not bad for a '99.
You might consider looking outside your area since what you're seeing locally is either in or from a "rust belt" part of the US.