Superkirby

Hi. I've been a member here for awhile, but primarily read and not really post. But now I'm looking for a new Jeep and have a pretty tight budget, somewhere around 3500. I had a 1993 Jeep Cherokee and finally lost the battle to rust. It only had 88k miles on it so it was sad to see it go.
I want something simple that I can work on, so the less computers involved in making work, the better. So far my best bet is a 98 Cherokee with 105k miles. It has a couple small interior issues but nothing major. For the most part its clean. The body is in good shape. Mechanically it's pretty good, though will need a new battery before this winter and tires in a year or two. It also as a little bit of a whine that sounds like it could be the alternator or water pump, but could even just be the belt not quite tight. It has the 4.0. I'm not entirely sure about which transfer case, though it's not 4wd. They're asking $4000 but I think I could get them down a little more.
So, does this seem decent or would I be better to keep looking. I would love to say that I'll build whatever I get, but if I'm being completely honest it will see a lot more pavement time. Not that it won't make it off road some, but you know.
So yeah, I need some help. Any suggestions what I should be looking for would be great.
Thanks.

blakexcore

if its not 4wd, it doesnt have a transfer case....

rmoore1031

^ He is right. 2WD means no transfer case. That price seems really high for a 2WD. Location is a big deal on price. Try to expand your search area. You might want a renix era, 87-90. Since it doesn't have OBD and might be easier to work on.

PocketsEmpty

OBD doesn't much affect how easy it is to "work on" in my experience. I have a '98 and it has been by far the easiest vehicle to work on I've ever had.

The big things you'll want to look for are obviously rust, any leaking coolant or mud inside the radiator or reservoir, things of that nature.

I would definitely agree with the rest and say keep looking. 4k is too high.

Superkirby

Sorry guys. Wife just had a baby and running on not much sleep.

What I meant was it's not full time 4wd. It has the 2wd/4wd option. I just didn't really say that.

Does that change anything?

rmoore1031

I'm not familiar with the difference between the NP231 and NP242 transfer cases. Having 4WD does increase the price. But we don't know your location. Some 97+ XJs around me in NY go for $3000, however I got a 97 with 234k for $1000. I also got my 90 XJ Laredo for $2500. Like I said before, expand your search area on Craigslist. Ebay will give you a good idea on how prices are across the US.

blakexcore

Part time 4wd is the NP231. Check the floors and unibody for rust. 1998 is a good year, imo. It could have the 29 spline 8.25 rear axle, and it still has the HP d30 axle up front. 4000 still seems pretty high if its not in perfect showroom condition. I paid $2k for my 96 in pristine condition. Bought it from the original owner.

EagleXJ

In my area, it would be about $3000.

Superkirby

I think it's high at $4000. $3500 still seems a little high but it would be almost worth it to me to not have to deal with rust after my last one. I would prefer an XJ over a ZJ, but beggers can't be choosers and I can't seem to find something else decent. Most of what I've seen is 160k or more miles, or else real beat up and rusty.