With 58,000 miles showing on its odometer, the bulletproof mechanical components should allow this 1986 Jeep CJ-7 Renegade to offer its new owner years of reliable service. However, that may not be its greatest attribute, because life in favorable climates means that it remains rock-solid, with no rust or other issues. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting the Jeep listed here on Craigslist in North Dallas, Texas. The seller set their price at $30,000 for this final-year classic.
Jeep produced the CJ-7 between 1976 and 1986, and this Renegade rolled off the line in the final year. Ordered by its first owner in Olympic White, the seller claims that it retains 90% of its original paint. Unsurprisingly for a vehicle of this type and age, there are cosmetic imperfections. The paint is chipped in several lower locations, with the bare steel developing surface corrosion. Because they were unwilling to compromise the vehicle’s survivor credentials, the seller treated the corrosion to prevent deterioration, but didn’t apply fresh paint. Whether it remains that way will depend on the buyer’s focus on originality. However, the panels are straight, and having split its life between Texas and California, the Jeep is rust-free. The top and glass are in good condition, and the Renegade rolls on its original White steel wheels.
The Jeep’s interior represents motoring at almost its most basic. Rubber mats protect the painted floors, and the new owner won’t receive air conditioning or a radio. However, the seatcovers are in good condition, with the back seat appearing to have rarely seen occupants. The paint is pretty tidy, as is the pad. It might not be luxurious, but the interior is undeniably practical. The seller provides no engine bay shots, but confirms that the first owner teamed a 258ci six-cylinder engine with a four-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The six might only produce a factory-quoted 112hp and 210 ft/lbs of torque, but its strength rests in its low-end delivery, allowing the CJ-7 to crawl across harsh terrain with the motor barely ticking over. The seller confirms that the transmission received a specialist rebuild around 2019, and that the four-wheel drive system works as it should. The tires are old, and the seller recommends replacing them. Otherwise, potential buyers should consider this classic a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well. The seller doesn’t mention evidence verifying their mileage claim, but the presentation makes the figure plausible.
The Jeep CJ-7 proved a successful model, selling in impressive numbers worldwide. However, all things must end, with the last examples rolling off the line in 1986. This final-year CJ-7 Renegade is a wonderful survivor, and lifting its appearance would be easy and inexpensive. The seller’s price is near the market’s top end and might be slightly optimistic given the existing paint flaws. However, the mileage claim could offset this if it is verifiable. If you’ve ever owned a CJ-7, did you enjoy it enough to consider buying another? If so, could this one be a contender?
If you’re into off-roading, or maybe a light duty plow candidate 💁♂️
I had an ’83, same Nutmeg and White with the 258 six and 4 spd. Just tons of fun. The motor was great, 4 spd good enough. The only real weak spot I found was the AMC rear end. I think that was sourced from the AMC Hornet? Otherwise a very reliable vehicle. The hardtop and steel doors were so toasty in Winter but removed easily.
You folks still doing this? Kidding, friends may have wondered, “Where’s Howard”?, enemies(?) couldn’t care less, but been through a bit of a rough patch, it was, and if I don’t come back for a Jeep post, may as well dig the hole. Speaking of, old fart health issues aside, I secured my burial spot at a remote mountain cemetery. It’s an awesome place, ( see photo) those wooden crosses are unmarked gunslingers that didn’t make it. Yep, me, and Doc Holiday, Jesse James, we’ll see about that, but let me tell you friends, anyone that’s been through that knows, it’s the lowest I’ve ever felt, lower than kelp roots, and overpriced rust buckets was the last thing I wanted to talk about. I asked the cemetery director, if I could be buried in my Jeep,,,she said, an odd request, but no. I’ve found, memories, like the model kits and semi trucks, only make things worse, about how much I miss those times.
“Renegade”,,,wow, there’s a wild moniker, the ultimate bad boy,, this is a nice one, best of the CJs, but all Jeeps are nice.
I disagree with Stan, to use this as a plow vehicle is downright wrong, get your rusty Bronco for that. This is something you shine up and be proud of what you are driving. They are just plain fun to drive. Off road? meh, it’s not that much fun. Cheers all.
Glad to have you back, Howard. We’ve missed ya.
Good to see you back in action, Bro! We need you here to keep things going and don’t plan on any final moments for anyone.
Could be a new subcategory for Jesse and Josh to pursue. Cemetery finds!
I like it. I’m sure it would almost double the readership.
Tombstone finds?
Haha, I know where that cemetery is. Nice views for eternity.
Poncha Springs, Colorado.
Glad to have you back Howard…..been missing you!
There he is 🤝 telling the truth, good or bad.
Howard. First off, I’m sorry for what you’ve been going through. Please hang in there. Second, thats an amazing spot. And third, its good to see you back. You were missed…….
Now…….
What on earth vehicle are we even talking about here???
Oh yeah ***SMH**** very nice clean Jeep. Stans right, but Howards right too. This would be great off road, or a light plow vehicle. But at this point, its so well preserved, I’d just enjoy in the summertime. It would never see road salt.
-Dave
So long! 🙋🏻♂️
I had an ’85 back in my college days (late ’80s – early ’90s). It had the 2.5l four cylinder. It would climb a wall, but on the highway…70mph downhill with a tailwind. It was a good vehicle for the time in my life that I had it. As for owning another one, not for a daily driver. Those days are long gone!
Wow steep price, but it is about as nice a CJ as you’ll find. Up here they all either have fiberglass tubs, or chrome plating over rust areas. Or rusted bodies.
For 30 large I would want new tires, and those rust spots fixed and painted.
20k max.
I sure wouldn’t kick that off my driveway. If I was looking for a Jeep this is where I would stop. And I’d better close this page lest I do something I might regret.
I’m not a big fan of the 258 six but that’s just me; there is NOTHING wrong with the 258, or the 232 for that matter. I’ve got a few friends who run 258s in various modes, including farm equipment. Good engines…
This is a nice find and writeup and I like this Jeep alot, and as Howard stated, I like all Jeeps. Welcome back, was getting a bit concerned about you!
I purchased a 2016 Hard Rock edition which they only built for 2 years. It was designed for extreme off-roading with a Dana 44 front axle, Tru-lok electronic locking front and rear differentials, electronic front sway bar disconnect, a 4:1 low-range gear ratio, heavy duty rock rails, performance suspension, steel front and rear wench-capable bumpers and a 285 HP Penastar V6. And guess what?? It has just eclipsed 13,000 miles and has never been off the road!!
Great looking JK mall crawler! ;)
Funny, I had to look that one up! Nothing fake about it, it’s exactly as the company built it, no LED light bars or fake winches. Ready to go when needed. I just like taking care of my stuff!
That is the nicest Jeep i have ever seen. The color and the rims work great together along with the tinted windows all in a class by itself.
No ducks I hope.
This is a really nice CJ-7. $30k seems just a bit high, but as Old greybeard points out, find a nicer one cheaper. And as Howard pointed out, find a 4 wheel rust bucket for plowing, you won’t feel as bad as the holes appear (or get bigger).
I visited Tombstone AZ in 1980 one of the tombstones on Boothill was Here lies Lester Moore four slugs from a 44 no Les no more.I will remember that forever.Still have a picture of it somewhere.
nope.
The 8 (nxt gen) with 258 i6 and 5 spd is the 1 to have.
I like that WB as to: short nuff to wheel, longer for utility.
I think the price is due to the nostalgia factor (40 y/o,
good condition cosmetically) and we’re still in the purchase
demographics another 5 or 8 yrs. Some ol fart might buy it
(more disposable income). But it is getting to the end. Better grab now
I had an 82, 258,5 spd. Cj7. Tried to keep up with my boy rock crawling, went auto, 360, lifted, locked. It would climb til the yellow streak up my back matched the carburation problems. Wish I hadn’t ruined it. Have a 57 3 B now, but getting too old to swing my leg over the door opening!! Ahwell.