1996 Jeep Cherokee, what to do?

[imported_Captain_Crunch]

I've been in the market for an older XJ for a while. Last night I went out to see a 1996 Cherokee Sport with 100,700 actual miles (I verified with carfax) on the clock. I decided to buy it and put down a deposit, will be picking it up in about 2 weeks. I looked it over from top to bottom, and I was very impressed. The engine starts up instantly and runs so smooth I could balance a dime on it. Great power and torque. Oil was ok, brakes good, new exhaust, water pump 10k miles ago (not sure about timing belt, I assume it was done along with the water pump), A/C out but the heater could bake bread. No rust, it was originally a Florida vehicle and not driven much. One thing, however, worries me. I checked the transmission fluid and it was brown. I sniffed it, didn't smell burnt or anything, just smelled normal. It's definitely old, might even be original ATF, but I don't have the papers yet so I don't know much about the maintenance history of the vehicle or when the ATF should be changed. When I drove the car, it went into Drive just fine (albeit with a slight jolt, but I have never owned a car that didn't do that), went through the motions and every gear engaged smoothly. No slipping, clunking, grinding, or struggling. Got up to speed just fine. I plan to take the Jeep in for trans service as soon as I get it, for a pan drop, gasket and filter change. I don't want to flush it, because I cant be assured that it won't hurt the trans. I can never seem to find a mechanic with the same advice. Everyone has a different opinion! What the hell do I do? Do you think the trans is on it's way out? How much could it cost to fix the thing (here in IL with labor about $80 an hour?) Thanks in advance!


P.S. Does any one know if the steering wheel on a 96 cherokee can be adjusted up or down? I looked all over for a tilt or telescopic lever and could not find it. There has to be one, even my 91 Corolla has one!