Hi, Im looking to buy my first Cherokee. I have found two in pretty good condition with similar miles. One is a 95' and the other is a 98'. I am not very mechanically inclined but I hope to learn. Any recommendations on either year? Also any good resources for learning some car mechanic basics?

 

I like both styles but thinking I would lean towards the '98.
Good year and the fact that it is an OBD II, and the '95 is not, makes it so any cheap scanner can be hooked up to her to get the code in the case of a CEL.

 

Both are good years, I'd be more concerned about what options they have and the condition.

 

forgive my ignorance but what is an OND II and a CEL?

 

CEL is Check Engine Light.
OBD is On-Board Diagnostics.
OBD I is older. OBD II is newer.
This is probably technically wrong but still think it will get the point across.
OBD I is Windows XP.
OBD II is Windows 10.
Many places, such as Auto Zone or Advance Auto Parts, will read the code stored in the computer that results from a CEL.
This gives you an idea of what might be wrong. But they can only read OBD II.
Any cheap scanner, which is a good thing to own when you own a Jeep that is OBD II, will work.
Getting a code from a CEL in an OBD I is not quite as easy.

Should this influence your decision on which one to buy?
No.
Different body styles so which one do you like better?
I prefer the '98 body style but that is me.

 

If all things were equal, I like the look of the 95’ better. But I’m the kinda guy that thinks the stock Cherokee is gorgeous and will prob do little to no modifications. The 98’ is very similar in look but there’s something different I can’t quite put my finger on.

 

Get whichever one has no rust and is in better condition overall. Other than that pick based om which body style you like more.

 

Yesss.. 95 is the better body style, come to the dark side.