Hello everyone, looking to buy 88 Chief, have questions
 

Hello I've been researching religiously online and on this great site as I am very interested in buying a family friend's 1988 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 Chief, 4.0 i6, two door. I fallen in love with the Cherokee and everything about it and just have a few concerns before making the purchase.

First some history and details on the jeep:

- has ~160k miles, though family friend, who I trust, said it was driven by her sister to pick up her son in college in NorCal (from SoCal), so most miles are highway
- the interior is immaculate except for a small tear on the driver's seat
- exterior is nice and only very minor dings but she said they will be gone by the time I buy it
- no rust except for very little on the front grille guard, none on the body or underneath
- ac and heater both work well
- power locks, manual windows
- she will put new off-road tires on, but will increase the price (I'm probably gonna let her so I don't have to do it)

- final thing and what concerns me, it is 5 speed manual and I don't really know much about cars and not sure if it is the Peugeot ba 10/5 or ax15
(I'm getting differing views when the ba was switched out in mid 88 or 89)
- it shifts smooth and perfect to me, 4x4 worked, and drives great

Should I be concerned if it as the ba10/5?

If so, when the time comes, what would be the cost to swap an ax15 at a shop? (I am not that mechanically inclined so would not be able to do the work myself)

I am pretty sure she is gonna ask somewhere between $1500-2000 with the tires.

I really like the Jeep, but just have some concerns as it is an older vehicle.

Thank you for taking the time to read this all, and love the site.

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Welcome to the forum. They changed over to AX15 in mid 89.