Since purchasing this Jeep, nothing has really gone wrong with it other than the usual wear-and-tear items. Miles were high when I purchased it (from a dealer for $3,500) but it had obviously been well maintained. I have replaced brakes and rotors, but nothing else. The steering has some "play" in it, but I'd expect some wear in the rack-and-pinion for a vehicle with these miles on it.
This Jeep has been extremely reliable. We have owned 5 Jeeps now: A Wrangler, two Grand Cherokees, a Liberty (wife's vehicle), and my Country. The Country is basically a fancier version of a Jeep Cherokee Sport. Mileage averages about 16 mpg no matter where or how you drive and the suspension is very rough. In fact, this vehicle rides like a truck, but then that's one thing that gives it a more rugged feel. My only complaint might be that the seats are very uncomfortable and I find myself shifting in the seat constantly, trying to find a comfortable driving position. In my opinion, for what we spent on it, this is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. Everything works perfectly, including the 4-wheel drive (both part-time and full-time) and even the air conditioning and cruise control. I will probably drive this Cherokee until it falls apart!
I have a 1993 Jeep Cherokee HO 4.0L it's an automatic and has full and part time four wheel drive. Not most 16 year old girls would drive this, but I love it!