Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

18,498 Original Miles! 1986 Jeep CJ7

This 1986 Jeep CJ7 is described as a time capsule find, listed as having under 20,000 miles and featuring mostly original paint and interior. The Jeep has some nice tweaks as well, like the light bar with awesome KC driving lamps, and what are presumably upsized tires on aftermarket wheels. That being said, it’s still not quite as perfect as you’d expect, but the fixes appear to be mostly cosmetic in nature. Find it here on eBay with a $24,999 Buy-It-Now and the option to submit a best offer. The Jeep is located in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Now, the unfortunate thing is you really can’t call this example a survivor. The mileage may be low and possible to verify, but there are quite a few additional modifications beyond the ones I’ve listed. The bumpers are aftermarket, and I don’t believe the side steps are stock, either. This is just a guess, but it looks like the suspension could have a mild lift as well – but I’m not sure if that’s accurate, or the larger wheel/tire package is making it look that way. Regardless, these are all easy fixes, and it will look much closer to OEM with just the proper bumpers fitted.

The interior has some modifications as well, but again, nothing that can’t be changed. The dash looks to be in great shape, but some of the gauges appear to be aftermarket. The factory floor mats have gone missing, replaced with some incorrect, Pep Boys-style mats. The back seat photo shows two big MTX subwoofers mounted on either side of the rear bench, and while there’s inherently nothing wrong with this, it just further emphasizes that the Jeep wasn’t necessarily kept under wraps as a time-capsule grade survivor. Still – these are easily reversible mods for the next owner to sort out.

Close-up pictures of the frame do show some surface rust and aftermarket suspension components. The engine bay is nicely preserved, with that looks like an aftermarket air filter/cleaner installed. The seller notes the truck runs well, and does feel like an 18K mile example when it’s going down the road. While some scratches and other cosmetic faults are noted, the Jeep overall is likely a smart investment that can be sold for more down the road once the cosmetic tweaks are reversed back to stock configuration. Would you go this route or keep it as-is?

Comments

  1. Avatar photo Vegaman Dan

    Drop the price 10K and it’s right in line where it needs to be as a fun driver. The mods aren’t terrible and I’d leave them.

    Like 6
  2. Avatar photo Mr.BZ

    Bumpers, side steps, lift kit, tires/wheels, fender flares, lights, air cleaner all aftermarket, valve cover too? Why would anyone put this much money into parts and never drive it? Other than that, I agree with Vegaman!

    Like 3
  3. Avatar photo XMA0891

    Last year for the CJ… My best friend bought one just like it brand new. Fun car for a fun time in life. How many times did we swap out one of the three tops he had for it?? Lot of good memories scrolling through these pictures. Man, I wished he’d have taken better care of it. Even with all the mods, this rig is still beckoning.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar photo Weasel

    Wranglers look a little “off” when they’re clean.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar photo Tom Bell

    Maybe some canshec some light here. This one looks like it has a twin stick transfer case–one to engage 4-wheel drive and one for high or low range. I bought a ’79 CJ7 new and it has a single stick for the transfer case. I thought the two stick set-up was long gone by then. Any input appreciated.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar photo Tom Bell

    Maybe some can share some light here. This one looks like it has a twin stick transfer case–one to engage 4-wheel drive and one for high or low range. I bought a ’79 CJ7 new and it has a single stick for the transfer case. I thought the two stick set-up was long gone by then. Any input appreciated.

    Like 2
  7. Avatar photo BobMck

    Love it!

    Like 0
  8. Avatar photo Dean

    Just by looking at the engine and the sides of the Inter wall that sure is awful dirty for just having 18,000 miles on it and a lot of paint missing in spots. I’m not saying anything bad but it’s real hard for me to believe that CJ5 only has that few of miles maybe it’s turned over once on the odometer maybe not but it’s way over priced for what it is needs to be around 9,000 to 10,000 that would be right in line for it

    Like 1
  9. Avatar photo Stephan Homewood

    For a lot less money you could buy a WWII jeep or a M38 or a M38A1,which is about the same as a cj5 only better. Join the MVPA and get a real jeep. Military parts are NOS mostly and a lot cheaper in price. Nothing like getting a fuel pump for a M38A1 in triple wrap, or the 1953 rear end for my jeep for $1200 complete,shipped from Ohio,Put in the box by the boys at the factory in 1953 . NOS wa hoo

    Like 0
  10. Avatar photo CJinSD

    Shows what I know. I thought the price was high for back before the earth fell off its axis, but ebay says it sold for asking. Paying too much when others are trying to figure out how long they can stay afloat: It’s a Jeep thing! Now it actually makes sense.

    Like 2
  11. Avatar photo JimmyJam

    My absolute favorite Jeep! Wouldn’t change a thing!

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.