I have a friend that is looking into buying a Cherokee and selling his beat 89 Trooper (he might be able to get $800 for it if he is lucky). He is thinking about a mid 90's classic style (he likes boxy) and could spend around $6000. He wants something reliable, easy to work on, cheep/abundant parts. He has heard of electrical problems in Cherokee's... Are there good/bad years.
My sugestion would be a pre-'96 (no OBDII) with a stick and 4.0L. Is that good advice? What things/problem areas should he look at when deciding which to buy? Thanks for the help.

95 is generally considered one of the best years. It has the stronger 297 ujointed axle shafts. With a manual it also includes an external slave cylinder. I had to convert my 93-PITA. Should also have the Chrysler 8.25 rear axle as well- better than the Dana 35c-clip that was used earlier. I think 95+ also has the larger brake booster too.

The only thing is that jeep is notorious for being inconsistant on when these were changed over. Best to check for them rather than assume.

any after 91 is safe, better cooling system, and the HO motor, 297 joints come in all ABS equipped rides, but stay away from the pre 93 ABS. wireing was fixed arround 93-94. I believe all ABS have a 35c in the rear tho, so may want to stay away from those all together. in 96 they put more webbing in the block, so it stays more true, won't warp as easy, not that its a problem. and stay away from one someone has lifted. and make dam sure its never been in a wreck, unibodys are a great thing, but a lot of places won't fix them right when munched.....