New to the forum and Jeeps. Am seriously considering buying a 1996 Cherokee with 155K miles that appears to be in outstanding condition. What are some things a new guy should look for? Thanks.

 

Welcome!
'96 with 155k you say? not bad, not bad.
when buying a used vehicle there a many things to look for.
My best advice would be to enlist a mechanic friend's help to look it over for you/test drive it.
If not find a local mechanic who will do it for a small fee.

Condition of body, and chassis. (XJ is unibody)
Rust, holes, floor falling through etc...

Leaks.
Motor, if possible try and do a compression test.
If the seller won't let you, check oil for fuel smell, and ask him how often its changed and does it burn oil?
Steering components, ball joints links yada yada.
Test drive to feel for wobbles, shimmy's, white-knuckle shaking etc, at speed, and under braking. Be sure and try and take it to at least 55mph because some things don't show up till your at speed.

Transmission leaks, transmission shifting, smoothness etc.

Look for tell tail signs inside and out of what I call "owner-doesn't-give-a ****-about-their-vehicle syndrome.
Like hacker wiring, and bubba mods. (LOL)
Neglect is easy to spot!
and there's more but I'm digressing and you get the idea.

Good luck!

 

Welcome to the forum

 

Welcome!