The 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offers its owner commendable versatility. It is happy cruising effortlessly on the open road, although it easily tackles rough terrain. This one is a gem and presents well following a recent repaint. It has all the luxury features you expect in a vehicle of this caliber and is ready to hit the road to adventure with a new owner behind the wheel. The Jeep is listed here on eBay in Hickory Hills, Illinois. Bidding has passed the reserve to sit at $5,300.

If first impressions count, there’s a lot to like about this Jeep. It received a recent repaint in its original shade of Buff Yellow due to fading, and its presentation is difficult to fault. The paint shines nicely, while the faux woodgrain is in excellent order. Some people won’t find the paint color to their liking, but that is true of any vehicle. However, combining the lighter paint shade and the dark woodgrain make a striking visual impact. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with no significant flaws or defects. There are no visible rust issues in the supplied photos, and the seller doesn’t mention problems in their listing. Its underside received a coating of Eastwood neutralizer, while the frame wears a coat of Eastwood rust-stopping paint. Those measures and using Wurth rubberized paint should stop the dreaded tin worm in its tracks. The original alloy wheels might benefit from a polish, but the remaining trim is in good order. I can’t spot any glass issues, suggesting this Jeep has no cosmetic or structural needs.

Life inside this Jeep won’t be uncomfortable, thanks to the options and standard equipment available to the winning bidder. They receive air conditioning, power windows, leather and cloth seat upholstery, acres of timber, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an upgraded CD stereo. The dash pad has a significant crack that appears beyond repair, leaving the buyer to choose between a replacement or throwing a cover over it to hide the problem. I had no luck locating a new or reproduction pad but came across a couple of good secondhand ones for around $250. Even if the winning bidder follows that path, a cover will remain a worthwhile investment to prevent future UV damage. The front seats wear new covers, while the back seat is free from tears or other issues. The remaining trim, carpet, and headliner look tidy. Almost everything operates as it should, although the driver’s window doesn’t work, and the rear window needs help. The problems may not be serious, and I would start the ball rolling with some basic maintenance and lubrication.

This Jeep emerged during The Malaise Era, meaning its 360ci V8 isn’t the most powerful engine on the planet. It sends 144hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission and the company’s excellent Selec-Trac system. Power assistance for the steering and brakes is in keeping with this classic’s luxury leanings. Although the power and torque figures aren’t startling, both occur low in the V8’s rev range. That means that combined with the automatic transmission, this Jeep should tackle rough terrain with its engine barely ticking over. The seller recently spent a few dollars to ensure the Grand Wagoneer is mechanically healthy. They replaced the front brakes, calipers, shocks, and exhaust. The vehicle runs and drives well, with the seller suggesting it could serve as a daily driver. They hold a video as evidence and will forward it to interested parties.

If you can hear Mother Nature calling, or you plan a cross-country adventure where a spot of off-roading might be part of the agenda, this 1978 Jeep Grand Wagoneer could be the ideal vehicle for the journey. Before dismissing it, there are a couple of facts worth considering. A sparkling new Grand Wagoneer will offer similar equipment levels, even in the most basic form. It will also leave no change from $90,000, which is a considerable investment. Some owners would hesitate to tackle narrow tracks in a new Jeep, fearing that an errant branch would scratch their new toy. That would be less of a concern with our feature car. Then there’s the subject of depreciation. This can be significant in the first three years of any new vehicle’s life, forcing owners to watch a large slice of their investment trickle away beyond their control. The 1988 Grand Wagoneer is the polar opposite, with values climbing significantly over the past year. To me, it seems a no-brainer. Given the choice, I’d bid on this beauty. Will you?