Love my JK. No kids so I don't need a 4 door.
Chrysler is giving away the 08/09 Wrangler lease returns for around 12 grand with 10K miles on them.
I sprung 2K for the 7 yr/70,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty and paid 16K out the door.

If you have your heart set on the wagon I'd stick with the 97 to 01 Cherokee Sport. The Limted is nice but has a ton of electical switches that hate water and dust.
Stock 29 spline 8.25 rear end is good for up to 33" tires.
I believe all the 4x4 models come with the select trac transfer case which is pretty stout.


Grand's have terrible reputation for engine and electrical problems and weigh 1,000 lbs more than XJ's.