Given how much drivers have changed since 2020, I almost wish I had been parked in 2019 when this 1989 Jeep Cherokee 4×4 Pioneer was parked. I’m sure you’ve all noticed that the roads aren’t as friendly as they were before 2020, not that they were overly-friendly then either, but it’s noticeably different now. This red rig is posted here on Craigslist in Newcastle, California, and they’re asking $5,000. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Barney for the tip!
Colorado Red is the name of this paint, according to this 1989 Jeep color page from a brochure. The paint is pretty faded and rubbed off or scratched a bit here and there, as you can see. The BF Goodrich tires are fairly new, but as always, I’d go down a size and, thankfully, the seller mentions having two sets of original wheels that go with the sale! This one is looking better all the time, despite the rugged paint and 2″ lift. I really like the Pioneer trim level, but I wonder if this one is too far gone (paint-wise) to try to bring it back as much as possible and just leave it at that point, or if it deserves a full repaint?
The tailgate looks a little dinged up. Did someone actually use a pickup to haul things rather than sitting in the drive-thru line ordering a venti, caramel, skinny latte with extra foam and sprinkles?! The driver’s door appears to have been repainted at some point; maybe a full repaint is in order, which means bodywork. There doesn’t appear to be any body rust on this Comanche, so that’s good. They do mention a 3/4-inch spot of rust on the transmission tunnel and that’s it for this truck.
Jeep made the Comanche by lopping off the rear portion of a Cherokee, and they were made for the 1986 model year until the end of 1992. This Pioneer was a step up from the base level, but anytime there are graphics involved, I’m in. I’d prefer bucket seats, but this bench seat looks great, if not a little dirty. I would love to clean and detail this Jeep pickup. About the price, Hagerty is at $5,400 for a #4 fair condition truck, so they may be right on the money. They’re at $13,700 for a #3 good condition truck, in case you wanted to put some money into this one.
Sadly, they didn’t bother to pop the hood, and my bad jokes about the engine looking like a back seat (when I include a photo of a back seat where I usually put an engine photo, or, in this case, a side view of the long bed) don’t go over well. I’ll just say that the engine is a “Power-Tech” 4.0-liter OHV inline-six with 177 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque. It’s backed by an Aisin-Warner AW-4 four-speed automatic that was column-shifted on trucks with a bench seat. That combo sent power through a famous Jeep transfer case to all four wheels as needed. The seller says it runs but could use brake work, and I’d want to go through everything after it has been sitting for a half-dozen years. Would you maintain this Cherokee and drive it as is, or pick away at restoring it to its former glory?
Make it roadworthy, buff the paint and let ‘er haul! Nice to have that little bit of extra space behind the seat-this is the epitome of what some of us know a small/medium work truck to be. Good engine, would prefer a stick but this’ll do for brining home stuff that won’t or you don’t want inside.
Rare auto column shift. Bet Howard approves of this rugged Jeep truck 👍
You are right Stan. I have worked at three different Jeep dealerships over the years and have only seen a few column shifts back in the 1990’s.
Our family had an 87 Loredo model, counsel auto 4.0 with them awesome rocker seats, if you know…you know.
Really wish we could buy affordable, basic frame on small pickups nowadays. I said before, bring back the S10, and I’m not even a Chevy guy, but the S10 with a 4300 vortex was the best of all them. JMHO
Oh, and before anyone comments on the Uni-body construction. The Cherokee was a full Uni-body, the Comanche was frame on from the cab back. A very unique design. Not the same vehicle, or suspension in the rear. Both had good towing capabilities, but our Cherokee did better off road believe it or not. Both were Loredo trims.
Wife had a Cherokee and a Grand Cherokee both with the 4.0 back in the day. Whenever I was allowed to drive one, I was impressed with the 4.0 as far as performance and reliability. When kids started to approach full size so we had to move up.
My son had a Wrangler with the 4.0 and that was more than enough to get him in trouble.
I’d remove the lift kit, go with stock wheels and tires. At my age, I’d need a step stool to get in otherwise. Get the brakes fixed and anything else needed (shout out to Al’s in Shannon ILL) and hit the road. Wonder if he’d take an 09 Mitsubishi Raider with123k miles on it in straight trade? BTW, GMMQ you are correct sir! I could not get the thumbs up to work
Fix the brakes and drive it! Plan on buffing and maybe clear coating, but never get around to it. Leave the lift and tires on it. Jeep did a better job than other manufacturers of the time with keeping the ride height of their 4wd models reasonable (unlike Toyota). The Comanche with a 2″ lift is probably similar as the Toyota from the factory. I would much prefer a 5 speed manual for function, enjoyment, and fuel economy. My experience with the same era of Cherokee taught me that the 5 speed get significantly better MPG than the automatic.
I’ve never heard anyone disparage the 4.0. Oftentimes it is in the ten best engines of all time lists. One of the nicest things about owning an older pickup that shows some battle scars from having been used as a truck is that nobody will criticize you for leaving it as is. This is a Goldilocks truck. Not too big, not too small but just the right size. GLWTS.
They were great vehicles. The only reason they were discontinued is because Chrysler bought it from AMC and they did not want the Comanche to complete with the smaller Dakota pick up!
The 4.0 was basically bulletproof except that you never wanted to overheat one!
I owned the 2WD souped-up version 89 Comanche. It had the short bed, 4.0 liter high output 6 cyl, 5 speed manual trans and bucket seat interior! It was a fun vehicle to drive and ultimately got me to owning a few more newer Cherokees, sticks and automatics. I bought it for $1800 back in 97, drove it for 3 years and sold it for $3500. I thought it would replace my 86 Toyota pickup….. It didn’t! The guy who bought it still has it, sent me pictures and it looks and runs great! I still have my 86 Toyota also!!
For a vehicle like this, I would’ve taken it with either a manual shifting gearbox or an automatic. It’s a damn shame that it was discontinued when it was. If I bought one, I would’ve liked mine with a 2.8 litre Turbo Diesel engine.
Nice that it is still on the road. Those 4.0 liter engines just keep on going and my family has three Cherokees from the 1990’s all 4.0, auto and 4×4 equiped.
With maintenance and careful driving, they can last forever.
It’s gone, gone, gone, did one of you grab this Cherokee?
It looks like it. I would’ve liked it had it been offered here in Tacoma Washington. I’ve always been interested interested in the Comanche.