We’ve recently seen a few promising 1980s Jeeps cross our desks at Barn Finds, and this 1984 CJ-7 looks like a gem. It presents nicely, and life in a dry climate has left it rust-free. It has a few minor shortcomings, but the seller’s decision to list this turnkey classic with No Reserve must make it tempting.
Jeep launched the CJ-7 in 1976, with vehicles remaining on showroom floors until 1986. It shared most of its design cues with the CJ-5, although the 10″ longer wheelbase provided buyers with more interior space. Our feature Jeep rolled off the line in 1984 and has spent its life in dry Arizona. That state’s climate is ideal for steel preservation, making this CJ-7’s rust-free status unsurprising. However, the harsh UV rays took a heavy toll on its Sebring Red paint, prompting the seller to perform a recent cosmetic refresh. The result justified the effort and expense because the vehicle presents superbly. The paint holds an impressive shine, and the lack of flaws and defects suggests it hasn’t seen any off-road action since the work ended. It is worth noting that the seller started from a sound foundation with the cosmetic refresh, because not only is the Jeep rust-free, but its panels were as straight as an arrow. The contrasting White hardtop is in good order, as is the glass. The trim appears to be in as-new condition, while the alloy wheels and larger tires should enhance its off-road ability.
Lifting the hood reveals a 258ci six that generated 112hp and 210 ft/lbs of torque when this Jeep was shiny and new. The first owner teamed the six with a five-speed manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and power-assisted steering and brakes. Outright performance wasn’t the aim of the exercise with the CJ-7, because its engine will run out of breath with the needle hovering at 85mph. However, with the six’s torque peaking below 2,000rpm, the CJ-7 will be an accomplished performer when the going becomes rough or slippery. The seller admits that while the odometer shows 156,000 miles, the vehicle’s true mileage is unknown. They assure potential buyers that it is in excellent mechanical health and that they wouldn’t hesitate to drive it anywhere.
If any aspect of this Jeep disappoints me, the interior receives that dubious honor. The condition of the seats, door trims, and dash pad suggest the seller may have performed a retrim. The Tan vinyl surfaces are excellent, with no visible wear or physical damage. However, there are enough visible flaws and defects that the winning bidder may decide to refresh a few things. The painted surfaces sport a selection of chips and scratches, while the floor paint has worn through to bare metal. There is a gaping hole where the factory radio should be, some gauges feature cloudy lenses, and the compressor for the factory air conditioning isn’t currently connected. None of the shortcomings are deal-breakers, but they mean that the interior presentation falls well short of the exterior. They may not be the end of the world, because addressing them in a home workshop would be an ideal and productive way to occupy the upcoming winter months. That way, the Jeep could really sparkle as it ventures forth when favorable weather returns.
Some classics create barely a ripple when they hit the market, while others generate significant interest. This 1984 Jeep CJ-7 falls into the second category, attracting thirty-one bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Phoenix, Arizona. That action hasn’t pushed the price to an outrageous level, with the current high bid at $12,600. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time this classic has been offered for sale. I located a previous auction on another site where the bidding stalled at $11,000. The seller will be happy it has surpassed that figure, and with No Reserve in play, it is guaranteed to find a new home. What would you pay for this Jeep and, more importantly, are you willing to join the bidding war on this classic?
👀 No frills I6 Jeep.
#Howard
1st, no Jeep post would be complete without a word from the peanut gallery. She’s a beaut, and about the nicest, most refined CJ as you will get. What’s nice about this particular post, I had long thought of painting my hardtop white, for several reasons. 1st, its cooler, 2nd, every freakin’ red Jeep has a black top. Yep officer, it was a red and black Jeep, why there he goes now,,hey, it could happen. I like the white top.
Now for price, I know, but just listen. The bottom has fallen on Jeep Wranglers, why? There are just too darn many of them. With diminished interest, there is a glut of older Wranglers and not enough buyers. Don’t think so? A quick search on FB brings up pages. A good friend, who knows I’m into these things, sent me an ad from Hemmings of a 1990 red Wrangler, like mine, but much nicer. Hemmings, mind you, it sold for $4400. A guy down the block has a black one, again, much nicer than mine, been at $5000 for about 2 years, nobody wants it. Moral? Don’t be intimidated by this alleged pricing, I just don’t believe it, and neither should you. This is a very nice Jeep, notwithstanding, but at the end of the day, it’s still an old CJ, and you may just test its limits in normal driving. From 1973 to 1981, I read AMC paid out over $9 million in rollover lawsuits. Be careful with these, a new Rubicon it ain’t.
Not being a “Jeep” person (though I sort of like them) I was curious are there model years to buy/and not to buy? A friend recently fixed the frame on his Jeep but until I talked to him I had no idea the frames rust through behind the front wheels in the bend of the frame, when that happens it wouldn’t pass State Inspection in Va. he repaired his (we are both retired steel workers). Not that I need another vehicle but a fun toy like a Jeep is hard to pass by, especially when you can get one for $5K.
Hi Mike, anything older than 2006 would be the ones to buy. Not sure if you do FB Marketplace, but punching in 500 mile radius from me, and $5,000 max, brings up a slew, INCLUDING the one from Hemmings. It can be overwhelming, there are so many. Choose wisely, any remnants of mud anywhere, I’d leave alone. :)
Howard, I wish I could find a decent CJ or YJ (or TJ) for $5k or less. I sold my 1979 CJ5 back in 1999 for $5500. I agree that the CJ’s have sort of peaked in price, but it’s still difficult to find a decent one for $5-6k. I found a really nice TJ for $4500 locally, but when I went to look at it, it had a rust hole in the frame under the driver side door that I literally could stick my hand in. Oddly, it had zero visible rust anywhere else. I dodged a bullet with that one because I was ready to buy it. I even had my wife on board. I don’t think I’d buy another CJ5 for road use, though. I bet that’s where the majority of the lawsuits came from. I think they ceased production on the CJ5 in 82, so that coincides with your lawsuit dates.
Howard maybe incorrect but pretty sure was the CJ 5 with the pretty useless rollbar that was the reason for the numbers you threw out there. Back when I was younger, worked for the Railroad no need for the name but we used a rough and tough CJ 5 to pull up new and take in old linewire with a modified front winch. That inline 6 would run most of the day and get that little 4X4 into some tough areas and back out again. I can respect a basic jeep, it was quite the utility vehicle.
CJ-5’s had the roll over issue.
A wise man once said… “This has Howard written all over it”
Good Night To All
Flint
Thanks Flint, but one is enough. :)
If I was shopping for a Jeep this is the one I’d buy.
Well, as an owner of a 1993 YJ, I will add my two cents worth. I think Howard is correct about the current market for Jeep Wranglers. There is no shortage of them for sale. I’ve been thinking about selling mine because it has been parked at my second home for the last few years and frankly just sits too much. Especially in the winter. Mine is nowhere near as nice as this one. When I check out the internet I find a bunch of Wranglers for sale with quite a range in asking prices. Rust free condition is the best selling point for them. Also six cylinder and manual transmission. Mine is not in bad shape and is a good runner with the desirable drive train. But I would be lying if I claimed it was rust free. Many if not most Wranglers are in some degree of rustiness especially in the Mid Atlantic. Even TJ’s, which seem to be the most sought after Wrangler for people who want to actually drive them on and off road; are potentially rusty and the few that aren’t are the ones that get good money. The rest of the Jeeps are getting pretty average money , at least from knowledgeable buyers. I think CJ7 Jeeps are a good bit more expensive to purchase given equal condition for the YJ&TJ’s. They are older and there isn’t as many of them in decent condition compared to the later models. In any event; lots of people like Jeep Wranglers and don’t want the new ones for a variety of reasons not the least of which is the ridiculous prices. So if and when I put mine on the market I am pretty sure it will sell but only if it is priced right. And I hope that the seller of the featured Jeep sells happy. GLWTS.
Worthy jeep for sure. As Adam stated, Arizona preserves metals well. Jeeps can have bare metal floorboards. Almost rust free from the smallest to largest fasteners (there are exceptions).
Sold with a high bid of $14,600, spread out over 32 bids.
Steve R