I own a '96. Have had it since 2013. I have no complaints about it and would be happy to add another just like it to my stable.
Know that the fuel system is a one off design for '96. It has the steel tank of the earlier years, but runs a returnless fuel system like the later years. This means it has a unique sending unit/pump assembly in the tank. The tank itself is no different from the earlier years, but the sending unit/pump assembly with the built in fuel pressure regulator is unique to '96. That was a problem a few years back, but there are solutions should you need to service that particular component.
A couple other details worth knowing: '96 is the first year of OBDII for an XJ, meaning it is the only year of the early body style that is OBDII.
Also note that the airbag in a '96 (and '95) is a mechanically triggered airbag. It is "disconnected" via a bolt in the steering wheel itself. Back off the bolt and the airbag is deactivated.
At some point late in the '96 model year Chrysler switched over from 27 spline to 29 spline 8.25 rear ends. I do not know when that point was, but it was at least after April of '96.
I have nothing to complain about with my '96. I can drive it a thousand miles, go wheeling for several days and then drive it another thousand miles back home. In 2018 Wayne S. drove his '96 from the east coast to Moab, wheeled for the week, drove south to see more of the desert country and then drove back home. That trip was probably between four and five thousand miles.
I wouldn't worry about the year. I would be more concerned about rust, abuse and poor maintenance over the years.