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Never This Nice: Jeep Wrangler Islander Edition

If you were the type of guy or gal who wanted to own a Jeep, chances are the Islander edition would have been high on your list if you were shopping in the early 90s. If you still are looking for one, I’m here to tell you there are very few of these brightly-colored Jeeps with the Islander package stickers still on the road, and even fewer in as nice of condition as this one here on eBay is. There is a reserve and it hasn’t been met. 

These special edition Islanders could be had with either a six- or four-cylinder; this one fortunately sports the larger engine paired to an automatic transmission. You might say that sucks some of the fun out of it, and that’s understandable. But having driven Jeeps old and new, I can tell you that the off-road ability is what keeps you coming back for more, and the automatic transmission doesn’t limit the fun factor.

The Islander kit was mostly an appearance package, with the aforementioned graphics on the lower doors, special paint options, color-matched fender flares, floor carpeting and an optional 20 gallon fuel tank. This Islander presents very well, and also retains its standard center console with cupholders. This Islander Edition Jeep isn’t particularly low mileage, but the condition does make it look far newer than it is. It wears 88,602 miles, which isn’t very much for a Jeep with an I6.

Ah, yes – the motor that will not die. The 4.2L inline-six is one of the more robust and reliable engines ever built, with many enthusiasts claiming to do unholy things to them to prove they are, in fact, indestructible. Fortunately for the next owner, this Islander looks like it was loved and possibly never even taken off-road. Bidding is just over $3,000 with over four days left on the auction.

Comments

  1. HoA Howard A Member

    Sigh, the vehicles that pop up here when your pockets are turned inside out. This has got to be the best deal to come through here in a while. If it stays low, that is. I spent time out east, and the friends I stayed with, had a 2005 Wrangler, last year for the 4.2, and a 6 speed. I’ve had several Jeeps, and I can say, without question, that was the nicest Jeep I ever drove. I suppose I could have done without the 6 speed, but it was fun, and there definitely is a “Jeep thing” going on with the owners of other Jeeps. They all wave and smile, and once I took it to the grocery store, came out, and 2 more Jeeps were parked next to me. I suspect this will go to at least 10g’s or more, as I’ve priced them, and they are out of my league. Certainly can’t go wrong here, I’d love to have it.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jeff Staff

      Howard, I briefly toyed with looking for this exact model as a project – always loved the Islander editions – and could not believe how much I’d have to pay for a decent one (not nice, decent). No longer available as cheap projects, it seems.

      Like 0
    • Avatar Adam Hudson

      2006 was the last year of 4.0. 4.2’s last year was 1990. The dealership that has it is advertising it for $9,900, so I’d say it could be bought for less than $10K.

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  2. Avatar Joe M

    If I remember correctly, this should have come standard with some cool looking aluminum wheels, wonder where they went?

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  3. Avatar Richie Rich

    This one has both the four cylinder and six cylinder engines listed in various parts of the ad. I’ve asked the dealer for clarification. I’ve had the 4 cyl and it went over 200k miles with just a timing chain, and I’ve had the opposite result with a six that overheated and warped the cylinder head for no apparent reason. Maybe it is the Friday assembly syndrome?

    Like 0
    • HoA Howard A Member

      Hi RR, quite possible on the 6. That was the last thing made in Kenosha, the 4.2 six. I used to haul them in a container ( they went overseas somewhere) I heard toward the end, disgruntled workers did a shoddy job on assembly, so who knows. They cranked them out like toasters.

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    • Avatar Tirefriar

      4cylinder and a manual is the way to on the Wrangler. Less weight upfront while still providing enough power and proper control by rowing your own gears…wait, did I just read that “automatic transmission doesn’t limit the fun factor”?!?! WTF?!?!

      Like 0
      • Avatar Dave Wright

        I always liked the little 4 cylinder but it seemed it was strangled by the smog equipment, I bet it would be a performer with a few mods. I am putting a late model fuel injected 4.0 in my 75 Scout to replace the original AMC 258…..I have high hopes for power, longevity and economy.

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  4. Avatar z28th1s

    This is a nice one, but I have never been a fan of the rectangular headlight Jeep Wranglers. Jeeps don’t look right without round headlights!

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    • Avatar CapNemo

      I agree. I’ve heard them referred to as Wronglers.

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      • Avatar CapNemo

        Not to down the Jeep however, I had a white Islander with the 6 cylinder and manual trans and liked it very much. But Wrongler is funny!

        Like 0
    • HoA Howard A Member

      Hi z, that’s different, as I prefer the square head lights. I think they went back to the round as sort of a tribute to the original.

      Like 0
  5. Avatar Bill

    I’ve had a few 4 cyl jeeps with the 5 speed. The 6 actually is a better choice as it gets better fuel economy. (doesn’t work as hard to push that “aerodynamic” body along the highway. Id personally love an automatic. Changing gears on a sprtscar is fun, but… this isn’t THAT kind of car. I love the Islander package. Cool!

    Like 0
  6. Avatar YJ For Life

    The YJ is the real Jeep fellas. And I’ve dropped the mic.

    Like 0

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