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Low-Mile Survivor: 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

I love getting out into the wilderness as much as the next person, but I don’t see why you shouldn’t make such journeys in comfort. That is the experience that is on offer with this 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. It is in superb condition for its age, it comes loaded with comfort and luxury touches, and it has a genuine 57,000 miles showing on its odometer. It seems that I’m not alone in my belief because there have already been forty-one bids submitted since the seller listed this Jeep for sale here on eBay. It is located in Brooklyn, New York, and all of that action has seen the price surge past the reserve to $21,100.

The seller of this Grand Wagoneer is a dealer, and he only recently purchased the vehicle. Before then, the Jeep had been a part of the same family since new. The original owner drove and cared for this classic until his passing in 2004. It then passed into the hands of his son, and it continued to be treated with complete respect until it recently found its way to the seller. He says that the Polar White gem has always been garage-kept, and this claim seems to be supported by its overall condition. The paint continues to hold a healthy shine, with no evidence of any significant problems or flaws. For me, the highlight is the faux-woodgrain that graces the vehicle. This feature can be prone to sun damage and other issues, and if it is marked by any form of accident damage or other unforeseen problems, it can be almost impossible to match. There are no such issues here because it looks to be in as-new condition. The original panels are all remarkably straight for a vehicle of this type and age, while there is no evidence of rust in any of the supplied photos. The trim, chrome, and tinted glass appear flawless, and the owner includes a spare set of factory wheels as a backup for the spotless originals that this Jeep wears.

The engine photos that the seller provides aren’t great, and this is as close as we get to see the numbers-matching 360ci V8 that rests under the hood. The Grand Wagoneer also features a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. That V8 produces a mere 144hp, but the 280 ft/lbs of torque makes it a practical off-roader or tow vehicle. The journey down the ¼ mile should take 19.9 seconds, and while that isn’t fast, it remains respectable for a vehicle of this type that tips the scales at more than 4,500lbs. Once again, the good news keeps on coming when we look at this Jeep’s mechanical history. It seems that its two previous owners were meticulous with their maintenance, and the vehicle has a genuine and documented 57,000 miles on the clock. The seller recently completed service and fluid change, so this classic is immediately ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.

I initially said that there was no reason to get out into the wilds in an uncomfortable vehicle, and this Jeep demonstrates that it is possible to make such journeys in supreme comfort. The buyer will receive air conditioning, power windows (including the rear), power locks, power front seats, intermittent wipers, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio and cassette player. Nothing is missing, there are no aftermarket additions, and everything works as it should. Not only is this interior well equipped, but its condition further reinforces the claims that this Grand Wagoneer has been treated with care and respect. The leather and cloth upholstery shows no evidence of splitting, wear, or physical damage, while the original floormats protect the spotless carpet. There is no wear on the wheel, no problems or issues with the dash or headliner, and even the damage-prone rear cargo area is immaculately clean. This is an interior that would seem to need nothing.

The 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a big and heavy brute, but it is also a well-equipped classic that transports its occupants in supreme comfort. This is an excellent example with known ownership history and low mileage. The bidding has been pretty fierce, and I would expect that trend to continue. If this Jeep follows current market trends, the bidding may surge beyond $40,000 before the hammer falls. However, if someone manages to score it for less, it could represent an excellent buy. It might be worth watching this auction closely if a luxurious off-roader is on your wish list.

Comments

  1. Avatar rustylink

    at one point in the early Aughts these were insanely popular and ones in this condition were bringing $50K plus..

    Like 2
  2. Avatar greg

    Would be better with a Ferrari V12 engine in it!

    Like 3
  3. Avatar Peter R

    auction ended early

    Like 3
  4. Avatar Terrry

    These still showed their early Wagoneer roots, though by the 80s they were overweight, overstuffed and under powered. The Wagoneers to have are the ones made from the mid 60s to 70s.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar CJinSD

    I remember these in 1988. They were remarkably small inside, and the combination of emissions regulations and engine tech made them flaccid. They did achieve ride and handling that Range Rovers only matched once they forgot about going off-road, but so did XJs. XJs also had the same interior space combined with superior fuel efficiency and pace when equipped with the 4.0 liter I6.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Car Nut Tacoma

    Beautiful looking Jeep Grand Wagoneer. I remember when these monsters were on the market. For a 15 yr old boy, these would be considered “monsters” or “beasts”. I don’t mean that in an insulting way. I loved these old SUVs. I would’ve loved to have one of these. At 15 yrs old, though, I was too young to drive a car.

    Like 2
  7. Avatar Malcolm Boyes

    The ongoing appeal of these is totally lost on me..faux wood, underpowered and not very well put together as I remember. I drove one from LA down through Baja.It was OK but it did not feel very solid and it was, frankly, not very luxurious IMHO.Still..these are commanding big $$..something I just cant wrap my head around when there are so many other, better looking and performing options out there.Each to his or her own I gues..

    Like 2
    • Avatar Car Nut Tacoma

      I could do without the faux wood. I’ve never been a fan of faux wood trim. I don’t know about it being poorly built overall, but the faux wood makes the rest of the Grand Wagoneer look tacky.

      Like 0
  8. Avatar Steve Clinton

    “This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available”

    Like 3
  9. Avatar Lt Jay

    Low miles most likely due to being in the shop 90% of the time.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Car Nut Tacoma

      It could be, or it’s actually hasn’t been driven very often throughout its life. Mileage is just a number, what matters is how well cared for the Jeep has been.

      Like 2
  10. Avatar Miminite

    I had a ’87 back when they were much cheaper. I paid ~$2K for it. These things have gotten really crazy value for some yrs now. I like ’em, and like the AMC driveline, but no way I’d pay this and actually take it out to someplace where I really needed the 4×4 on it unless it was unexpected situation. I don’t think mine ever got better than about 12mpg, but it was very comfortable to drive.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Ward William

    And we all know David Tracy from Jalopnik is somewhere drooling over this car right now and calculating how much money he can raise by selling his immediate family into slavery if need be.

    Like 1
  12. Avatar Stevieg

    These Kenosha Kadillacs weren’t bad trucks, certainly no worse than comparable vehicles offered by the competition at the time, but all of these vehicles have become WAY overpriced.
    At least with these the market is self correcting. I too recall when this one would have sold for $50,000+. I’m from Milwaukee, I visit Kenosha frequently, and even though I plan on leaving here in the next 4 years for the southwest, I have a lot of hometown pride. That said, these just aren’t worth that much money to me.

    Like 2
  13. Avatar Car Nut Tacoma

    I agree. I don’t get why anything is priced like that. For a vehicle like that, provided it runs and drives safely under its own power, I’d pay just under $10k, nowhere near the asking price.

    Like 1

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