I strongly agree with that. I purchase my 2001 Jeep Cherokee while station in Germany. Still driving it with 176K (driven in 10 countries and half of the USA) with the engine still going strong. I added a 3 inch lift and 31 inch tires the rest is original.
Plan on having the XJ repainted next year and replacing the carpet this fall.
The biggest deterrent of buying a new car is the cost at dealership for me. My last two cars I had to argue for many hours to get a reasonable price. They want way to much money. In the end I got my deal, but I wonder how many people get rip off not knowing.
One concern I have for some lower price new cars is the quality of plastic and rubber. The plastic snaps easier and the rubber turns white.
I have an 01 Cherokee with about the same millage. The only things that really get me down are the 15mpg Highway and very Truck like ride. I think it will go another 150k or 15 years with the price/value point still in the black.