I'm looking at buying a 97 jeep cherokee and I was wondering what problems to look for? It seems like the suspension might need to be replaced but the guy said it's been looked at and its fine. Basically, a clunking noise. What mpg have you all been getting. it has the 4.0 L , automatic, with 72500

The one thing to look at is the front control arms they have a habit of going out on Cherokees. The milage I get on my 93 4.0 is around 17_20Highway.If it has a
clunk check the Axle u joints and driveline U joints.

Cam7 is right about checking the U joints and control arms.
Also, a common "clunk" that develops in the XJ stems from the shocks. Instead of having an eye at both ends, they have stems that bolt through the fender well. The bushings on the stems, as well as the eyes on the other ends of the shocks can become worn, and allow some play in the shocks' mounting. Its a cheap and easy fix.... IF that is the issue. Same can happen for the control arm bushings.