Exactly why I quit looking at cherokees and bought my rodeo. Plus its nearly impossible to find a 5 speed cherokee. I would even take a c-channel frame over a unibody.

I personally dont like troopers. Too boxy for my taste but thats just my personal preference. The 2nd gens are a litte better to me (I looked for one of those too before getting my rodeo).

As far as rust in the frame. Mine started life in wisconsin and has very minimal rust on the frame. Unibodies rust too. Ask anyone that lives in Ontario. Cars older then 5 yrs old are a rare site on the road because the salted roads rust them quick.

I say if you like the truck and its in your price range then buy it.