Jeep models have earned a reputation for their rugged and utilitarian principles, but unfortunately, that results in most Jeep models being long on the tooth – especially classic ones. However, that’s not the case with this 1985 Jeep CJ-7 that Barn Finds reader Ikey Heyman found here on Craigslist – it is a well preserved, low-mile survivor example of the compact off-roader.
This CJ-7 is available in Lakeway, Texas with a clean title. The seller is the third owner of the Jeep, and they provide some history of the vehicle in the advertisement. The original owner was from the suburban Detroit area, and used the vehicle exclusively for hunting trips, noting that it was never driven in bad weather, never driven through salt, and also never used for off-roading.
The exterior is in remarkable shape, thanks to the original owner undercoating the vehicle with a protective covering when it was new, as well as having the exterior repainted at some point. Under the current owner’s care, all four of the wheels received powdercoating and new Goodyear Wrangler tires.
Inside the cabin, this CJ-7 is also in impressive shape. It features rare “Sand” colored seats, original black carpeting in nearly perfect condition, a tan hardtop, and more. Additionally, the Jeep has comfort features such as power steering, a tachometer, the original AM/FM radio, and more.
There’s a 4.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine under the hood, which pairs to a 4-speed manual transmission. The driveline only has 37,000 miles on it, and it runs excellently thanks to a variety of recent maintenance items, such as new radiator hoses, heater hoses, fuel pump, belts, battery, and a carburetor adjustment.
The asking price for this pristine Jeep is $28,500. What do you think of this impressive, survivor-quality CJ-7?
Overpriced by 2X.
$28,500.00 for a 35 year old jeep? Nice Jeep but a tad steep on the asking price.
If the mileage is correct, then you can’t really compare it to clapped-out Jeep values.
Finding one of these in the northeast is like looking for the needle in the haystack!! They were driven especially in the winter!! They rusted until there was nothing left!! What would you pay for a new computer controlled jeep 4×4??? Not nearly $28,500 and a used one kicking out codes would give you nothing but a headache everytime you go to get it inspected!! With all that being said I’m sure the price fits the vehicle pretty well!!!
Love this Jeep, but the price is really high. Perhaps the current owner is a flipper hoping to make a killing. Best of luck to him. Its only drawback is the full doors and hardtop. But those can be removed.
Can we PLEASE stop using the term “survivor” on vehicles which have been refreshed, restored, repainted, re-engined, re-anything?
Lucky He didn’t say Barn Find.HAHA
Mehhh the Guy is out of his GORD On the price like 12.5K$ Tops, Also how can they SAY it was Used as a Hunting TRUCK But never Off-Road? That Makes no sense. However it has Been Excellently Taken Care of. It is Kind of plain Jane though Even for an AMC Jeep though it is super nice & well taken care of.
Must have gone hunting on the streets of Detroit.
This is a very nice Jeep. Would need to do an inspection of course. No A/C which hurts the value down South. The owner is not even in the ballpark on price however, so it really does not matter. Worth in the $10-12.5k range as others have advised. Good luck with the sale, maybe there is a sucker that has to have it.
Low mileage and excellent condition adds to the value, but not as much as this owner thinks… This is a $15K vehicle at best… (assuming the buyer is clueless). Good luck!
Finding a used Jeep that’s not a hot mess is rather challenging. Took me two years to find mine. Ironically, I use it precisely as this one- cabin (dirt roads/logging trails/4 mi. to town), accumulating 9,000 miles in 15 years. I’ve watched auction prices and think this would have no problem selling in the 20s (where ya gonna get a similar one?), especially with the MT-equipped 6 cyl.
All who think the price is too high haven’t followed the vintage 4×4 market lately. I sold my ’86 that was rust free, with original patina paint, with hardtop, and 156,000 miles for $11k 6 years ago, and there were no shortage of buyers looking for original condition CJ’s without rust, and in solid mechanical condition. You just don’t find many CJ’s this nice and original. Try and find a CJ, Bronco, Scout, Defender, Patrol, FJ, Commando, etc. this nice, and original for $15k and I’ll buy all of them.
Great jeep, someone who has the money will probably cough up $16,500 but with no a.c. tech equipment,suspension etc it would not make a good daily driver which means it’s a toy for short trips at moderate speeds. A perfect second or third vehicle for the right price.
I have a 92, which has the unpopular square headlights. It is a Sahara addition with 53K miles on it and is in excellent condition. I have been offered $10K for it a few times, but don’t want to sell it. So, maybe this one is worth more than the 415K that people are saying. Who knows? It only takes one buyer with the money and desire.
The original owner (from Detroit) says it was used for hunting trips, but, never taken off road. How is that possible? Did the animals agree to meet him/her on the freeway to be killed? I have no problem with hunting, I used to do it myself but haven’t had time in recent years. However, any time I hunted, I HAD to go off road to do it! Jeeps are supposed to be built for it though. Two other things, besides the price, bother me though. 1) Undercoating. In my experience, it actually helps trap moisture leading to unseen rust. I’ve worked on “Zeibarted” trucks that I could stick a screwdriver through the frame and pull it apart. 2) Those Walmart special “Wranglers”. In an emergency, I put a set of them on a 4×4 Ranger years ago. Even in low range, that truck (2.9L/5 speed) would get stuck on flat, level grass if it was even slightly wet! I won’t even get into the never seen winter/salt (remember…original DETROIT owner).