I found a 1998 Jeep Cherokee XJ today with 112000 miles on the truck at a local mechanics shop.  The 4.0 has just been replaced with a new crate engine, the body is almost excellent (one small dent between front driverside fender flare and bumper that I didn't see until I went back to look at the jeep the second time)  It has an automatic and looks in about the same shape on the inside, a few very minor marks but otherwise great.  It isn't idling well, but the shop owner said he would fix that and the few other mechanical issues like that it won't start unless you push the shifter forward hard into the park position to engage the neutral dead switch.  It has all power options and the shop is asking $3800.  I checked this with blue book and it is about right.  I just worry about the rough idle and the fact that I saw a little smoke out the back of the exaust when the engine is revved.  Any advice would be great.  Also the jeep has brand new goodyear tires, stock size, and a fresh inspection.  

Sounds like a pretty decent deal as long as the engine is in good shape.  

I just got a 87 Jeep XJ for free outta my neighbors yard and it had been sitting for like 2 years and it started right up with a jumper cable,  but it had some body issues but i fixxed her up and its got the stock 4.0 4 speed Auto trans. but the XJ's are bullet proff man they will do anyhting you put em' though,  I say its a good deal i would look into that Idling issue though, could be somthing monor.  

As long as the shop fixes the idle, if its running rich it wont idle well and could explain the smoke on acceleration. The neutral safety switch can be replaced or bypassed. I'ld  start with a $3,000 offer and be firm, walk out if they wont work with you. Get the best deal you can now, By the time its lifted, geared & locked, winch and bumpers, you'll be out of funds anyway, so save at the onset, JEEP=Just Each and Every Penny  

You should definitely get it. Jeeps are really excellent on off roads.