Hey newbe... we were all there once.
First off I'd recommend doing a lot of research on these forums... There is a LOT of good info, right at your fingertips.
From your research, try to narrow down what you are after... (2 door vs 4 door, 4x4 or 2x4, 6cyl or 4cyl, stick or auto etc) That way you can keep a better eye out when time comes to buy one.
I personally like the 87-90 "renix" 1st generation 4.0ls... to me they have been very reliable and easy enough to work on. The 91 & newer HO 4.0ls are not 'bad', they are just more of an unknown to me. I wouldn't take a 84-86 XJ or MJ if it was given to me... especially the ones with the 2.8l V6. I've seen folks with way too many headaches from those... but if you are a glutton for punishment, they can be had for cheap.
Depending how big a hurry you are in, I'd consider trying to find one that was a 1-owner, never 4-wheeled, garaged if possible... and maybe one from outside the salty-road states.
Other than my dislike of the 84-86 model, I feel they are all pretty solid vehicles. Fairly easy to maintain and modify. They can be as affordable or as expensive as your budget allows.
Have fun, read lots, and welcome to
