The YJ series of the Jeep Wrangler strikes me as one that’s poised for a continuing rise in value over the next few years. This era represented a classic styling period for the classic Wrangler, enhanced by several special edition offerings that make a vehicle that’s typically a bit rough around the edges slightly easier to live with. There’s also the “wide-body” Renegade for those of you looking for a Jeep that came with a body kit (all 12 of you). The Wrangler shown here is one of those upmarket trim editions known as the “Sahara” and it remains in outstanding condition with just under 23,000 original miles. Find it here on craigslist for $38,000.
Yes – close to $40,000 for a used Wrangler. Honestly, it doesn’t surprise me. Wranglers have been moving upwards for some time, even if it is the most basic trim model (but with low miles and in tidy condition – both of those criteria must be met.) It’s important to note that Wranglers in poor condition of any generation are still quite affordable and come nowhere close to the asking price shown here. But if you own a low-mileage survivor that hasn’t been modified and used off-road, you can feel comfortable asking a healthy number for it. Just look at this Sahara edition, with its iconic hunter green and tan paint job on full display and in awesome condition.
Now, you might be expecting to see a Jeep from the middle 90s to have a bare-bones cockpit with no sense of style, but that wasn’t the case with the Sahara. Proper carpeting, a gorgeous two-tone upholstery pattern, and coordinating interior plastics made for one of the best-looking Jeep interiors you’ve ever seen. The Islander Edition may have been the carefree and fun special edition YJ, but the Sahara was for the Jeep fan who wanted a more upscale experience. Even today, this Wranger’s cabin stacks up against the current model’s with the exception of technology features, which I would argue represent a downgrade in most cases. Put one of these in the garage with an Orvis edition Grand Cherokee and you’ll have a stunning combo of 90s-era trucks.
The seller correctly points out that this is a final-year edition YJ, which could add to the appeal of this example you’re a seasoned Jeep collector. The YJ and TJ-era Jeeps represented the last of what some might consider the “classic” Jeep models, as they featured the incredibly durable 4.0L inline-six powerplant and the delightful simplicity Jeeps had been known for over the last several decades. The models that followed the TJ represented a seismic shift away from the rattle-your-teeth-out ride and the coarse but unkillable I6 engines. While the bulk of consumers seems to love progress, I’d argue your $40K for a new Jeep product is far better spent on this time-warp Sahara edition. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the find.
What a day,,first, a $250 dollar heat assistance voucher, and now this. Let me say dis about dat. It’s a nice one, no doubt,,but $38 grand nice? More on that in a sec. We’re bound to get the “headlight” schtick, I am SO sick of hearing that. To me, this was the best Wrangler. It embodied the classic Jeep feeling, with a FEW modern upgrades. No, you won’t find heated gas pedals or axx massaging seats, and who needs that crap in a Jeep anyway? Jeeps have strayed so far from this, they have become mainstream, trendy, in fact, mostly because not many US companies offer much like it. New Bronco is a half baked attempt to regain some status, but a Jeep is universal to almost everyone.
Okay, I’m going to tell you right now, and I’m totally serious. You won’t hear this from the writers, but if you intend to spend $38 grand on a Jeep like this, I don’t care if the plastic is on the seats,, and not buy the new one with heated this and that, you really need to have your head examined. Not sure what it is, physically, that makes someone think their 30 year old Jeep is worth that. In the words of Rick Harrison, “how’d you come up with that number”?
“Sahara” is nothing more than the lipstick thing, and please, my friends, don’t fall for this foolishness. Lot of Jeeps out there, and I paid 1/10th of what they want, and mine has a hardtop. Not as nice, but does the exact same thing. As mentioned, I LOVE my Jeep, partially because of the simplicity of the YJ, and not much could replace it. Again, don’t encourage this behavior.
What he said
I’ve never ridded in this model, I rode in the back seat of the prior one with the round headlights. It was a kidney busting ride and from what I’ve been told, that is still normal unless it’s the longer wheelbase ones. Jeeps are fun for the driver. The passengers may not have as fun a ride. Since I drive a 3/4 ton truck for work thatvrides and handles like a trash truck, I don’t have them on my wish list. I don’t know what’s fair for a price but it is very clean. I paid less for my 2017 Tundra that I can tow with and has all the Bells, whistles and comfort.
I gave that much for it , I’d drive it til’ the wheels fell off of it .
Well stated Howard.
YJ and TJs do not rattle your teeth out unless you mess them up your self.
BarnFinds wouldn’t be BarnFinds without Howard’s constant complaining about high prices. Jesse and Josh, don’t change a thing for 2023.
Any nibbles on the Jeep yet,,,,Jack? You can’t possibly think this is acceptable behavior. If you do, I’m sorry to say, you may be in the wrong place. I feel I’m always justifying my position, and I hope the staff has made peace with it, a member is a member regardless how off key they might be, but GENERALLY, people aren’t visiting a site called “Barn Finds” to buy a $40,000 Jeep, opr ANY 5 figure vehicle. We’re simple folk, worked our axxes off and still could never spend this kind of money.
Ran out of time, for the record, I enjoy the interaction, and am willing to pay for it. I don’t enjoy upsetting people, not my thing, and there has ALWAYS been “us vs. them” mentality. Just seems, years ago, even the not so fortunate could enjoy these things, look at me. Never a big shot, but still enjoyed much of what wealthy people have to pay, what I consider, a fortune for to enjoy. Okay, MY Jeep isn’t as pretty, but back in the hills, my coffee dumped over, no biggie. This? Oh, a calamity. As usual, Joe Lunchpail gets the shaft today. You better not wonder why lesser advantaged folks are upset and are pixxed off. It’s practically hopeless for them to even try today and getting worse. Get your gas bill lately? We’ve become a country that runs on credit, and I was raised in a frugal environment, so yeah, it’s a lot of money to spend on a mere “JEEP”. Buy the Excalibur, and BE somebody,,,
Pricing is just bananzers these days. How bout that Ford Lightning pickup…truly the deal of the century for the base model at 40k….now a year later it starts at 55k….and they are sold up till further notice. I guess driving your 38k 30 year old jeep to the store for your 12.00 loaf of bread will be the norm. Interesting times.
I have a 91 and 95 . The 91 is a true survivor 128000 no rust for Ohio that’s something. But asking that much is ridiculous . Although I have 2 more wranglers ,a 2003 and 2017 I would not give up either yj for anything. Love my TJ And both my YJs ,JK not so much .
YJ and TJ models do not Rattle your teeth out unless you mess with the suspension and don’t really know what your doing.
Howard makes a lot of valid points. My 190K 1993 is way down the scale from this one. But like Howard said I have about 1/10th of my hard earned dollars in it. Dead nuts reliable and a hoot to run around in. Maybe the seller will get their ask but I did a “you gotta be kidding me” reaction when I saw it. I’m just happy that I already have a few old vehicles that I get to enjoy. I sure wouldn’t be in the same situation with this market. Also, being a realist; I know my Jeep is nothing special and if I want to sell it my asking price wouldn’t even approach five digits.
That is a very neat YJ, just needs a set of rear bumperetts. I’m surprised it doesn’t have A/C, I figured that would be almost standard. Must have decided to skip it with the soft top.
Curious if anyone has ever seen a fancy late ’95 YJ? This one has regular hood bumpers and tailgate hinges. The late production ones came with TJ hood bumpers and heavier hinges.
you talk too much.
$38k is JK range.
YJ was the last of the leaf springs.
I recently sold a YJ that was like this one with all of the factory options. Mine has 53K miles. It sold for 20K and I thought I had done very well. Seeing this price makes me think I sold it too cheap.