BF Auction: 2006 Jeep Wrangler Sport

Seller: Donald H olsinger
Location: Provo, Utah
Mileage: 38,000 Shown
Chassis #: 1J4FA49S86P758665
Title Status: Clean
Engine: 4.0L Straight-Six
Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic

As far as I can tell, it is impossible to own a Jeep Wrangler and not be happy with it. Yes, I know – there must be some Wrangler owners who are cursing John North Willys, American Bantam, and maybe even Henry Ford as we speak; I’m just saying that I’ve never met them. My neighbor’s had a 2014 since new: He loves it. A friend of mine recently dumped his leased Silverado to buy a 2006 Wrangler with almost 200,000 miles. It looks great, and, yep, he loves it. Imagine how happy a 38,000-mile rust-free “last-of-the-TJs” would make you. Is it yellow, like the ducks those happy Jeep people swap with each other? Yes, yes, it is. This beautiful Wrangler is located in Provo, Utah, and is now available as a Barn Finds Auction.

The Wrangler is perhaps the ultimate off-road vehicle, but this one is so clean underneath that it would almost be a shame to take a turn down that two-track forest road. It would also be a shame not to. It has new tires, upgraded suspension and brakes, a fresh alignment, and a mild lift, so it will handle some rugged going. The owner has performed meticulous maintenance on it as well, including a new water pump and thermostat, valve cover gasket, transmission flush, spark plugs, and more.

Under the hood is the classic 4.0-liter inline six in its final year of production. With 190 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque, it had exactly the low-end urge off-roaders grew to love, and many were disappointed when a V6 replaced it for 2007. This example has a four-speed automatic, so driving to the trails will be a relaxed affair. The engine compartment looks like there should be a Jeep showroom around it, circa 2006.

The seller has spent a lot of money improving his Jeep and keeping it immaculate inside and out. It has cruise control and air conditioning, so it won’t beat you up like that rusty old CJ-7 my cousin owned back in high school.

In talking with my friend who bought the 2006 Wrangler, I came to realize how well Jeeps hold their value, especially when they’ve been owned by people who loved them. This is clearly one of those cars; it will come with a California car cover, but I personally hope you have a garage so you can keep it as clean as it is now. If not, I hope that dirt will come from some far-off trail somewhere, where you and your yellow Jeep will follow that never-ending horizon, a smile on your face, a duck on the dashboard.