Decisions, decisions

I think I put this in the wrong forum earlier when I posted it in off-topic, so hopefully I've got it right this time.

Hey guys,

So I find myself having to buy another ride and was wondering what people here think of two possibilities and what the known problems are for each:

1. 1998 Jeep XJ 4x4 with the 4.0L and auto combo. I guess I'm fairly familiar with these as I still have my '99, but wouldn't mind having my memory refreshed with what can go wrong with these things. A Jeep (whether it's this Cherokee or another) is actually the better, smarter way to go for me as it suits my needs better than a truck most of the time. The one I'm looking at can be found @ http://saskatoon.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-1998-Jeep-Cherokee-Sport-W0QQAdIdZ293474102 . . I test-drove it and it'll definitely need an alignment, some work on the a/c, and the rear washer fluid doesn't seem to function. The body isn't exactly pretty, but isn't too awful either. Under the hood was really dirty but I'm assuming that's because the vehicle is from a rural area with gravel roads and it's really sun-bleached too.
2. 1997 Ram 1500 4x4 reg. cab and short box with magnum 318 and auto. I haven't heard anywhere near as much about these engines as I have ford 302s or gm 350s; so what do I need to know? I'm actually hoping that this thing will be too expensive because it isn't as well suited for my daily life as the Jeep would be; but there's definitely a benefit to having a pickup. This rig has some issues like more rust than the Jeep and it really needs an alignment/other front end work from what I can tell, and the turn signals don't work (though the headlights, taillights, brake lights, and reverse lights work). A bonus to the Dodge is that it has lots of ground clearance and seems trail ready once some of the issues are looked after. The big reason I'm considering it is it looks like the owner wants to clear a vehicle from their driveway and I might be able to get a good price for it and the idea of a big, noisy truck is very tempting! Btw, would this truck be one of those that I need to be concerned about the infamous "death wobble?"

Ok, here are some pics of the Ram http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy246/NunaNunaNuna/IMG_0496.jpg

http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy246/NunaNunaNuna/IMG_0494_1.jpg

http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy246/NunaNunaNuna/IMG_0490.jpg

http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy246/NunaNunaNuna/IMG_0491_1.jpg

http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy246/NunaNunaNuna/IMG_0495_1.jpg

http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy246/NunaNunaNuna/IMG_0497_1.jpg

In addition, I would really appreciate suggestions on pricing. No one wants to give their vehicles away cheaply around here so I have to be somewhat reasonable, but I don't even know where to begin for putting an $offer$ in on the Ram.

Sorry for the long post... Thanks very much in advance for any advice!

-PB

everything about that ram will suck except the engine, which is okay, -ish.

Those 318s have a very narrow oil pick up tube and they get blocked easily, my neighbor has had two blown engines in his 95 Durango.

Not a great towing choice, we had one and it struggled to tow a car

95 durango???? ummmm..... thats cool since they didnt come out till 98... and dakota v8's then were a very diff engine from the magnum whic this ram has.

KATYB wrote: 95 durango???? ummmm..... thats cool since they didnt come out till 98... and dakota v8's then were a very diff engine from the magnum whic this ram has.

Different for the better?

yes better.

I just wanted to thank you all again for your input; yesterday we got the Jeep in the ad below.

http://saskatoon.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-1998-Jeep-Cherokee-SUV-W0QQAdIdZ295769481

PB