No Reserve: 1987 Jeep Comanche Chief

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Buyers seeking an affordable Pickup or tow vehicle are spoiled for choice. One of the more interesting options is this 1987 Jeep Comanche Chief. It isn’t perfect, but it is an honest, solid classic that can carry a respectable load. It will achieve this while returning decent fuel consumption figures on the open road. Its next journey could be to a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in West Babylon, New York. Bidding has scorched its way to $5,700 in a No Reserve auction.

Jeep introduced the Comanche for the 1986 model year. A short production run saw the last examples roll off showroom floors in 1992. Its demise was caused by several factors, and finding a good one today can be challenging. This one looks like a gem, with its original owner ordering it in Olympic White. It isn’t the most dazzling shade on the planet, but it is easy to touch up when the vehicle suffers the inevitable bumps and scratches that are an integral part of functioning as a workhorse. There are a few such imperfections around this classic, but none are bad enough to be deal-breakers. Repairs would be straightforward, but preservation is viable if the new owner is buying on a tight budget. Rust is not an issue. The bed has a spray-on liner for protection, while the floors wear a heavy layer of undercoat. The stripes and graphics exhibit deterioration, but they are presentable. The trim and glass are in good order, and there is no physical damage to the 15″ alloy wheels.

The Comanche’s interior is trimmed in Burgundy vinyl, with the new owner receiving air conditioning, cruise control, bucket seats, a console, and aftermarket additions, like a radio/cassette player and a column-mounted tach. The upholstered surfaces look generally tidy, although there is a split on the driver’s seat. Locating a replacement cover may be difficult, but a set of slipcovers would hide the problem. The headliner is pretty sad, but those appear to be the only significant issues. It will never be mistaken for a luxury model, but this interior is unquestionably practical for anyone considering it as a potential workhorse or affordable shop truck.

Buyers could choose from three engines to power their new Comanche, with the original owner selecting the 2.5-liter four producing 121hp and 141 ft/lbs of torque. The remaining drivetrain components include a five-speed manual transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. Jeep offered a four-wheel-drive version of the Comanche, but this is the rear-wheel-drive variant. It is fitted with the factory tow pack, and that is only the start of the positive news. It has clocked 12,000 miles since the engine received a complete rebuild. The seller recently fitted new plug wires, a new distributor, a crank sensor, a radiator, hoses, a water pump, a starter, and other components. They supply this YouTube video of the Comanche in action. The engine sounds sweet, and the walkaround section confirms this classic is rock-solid. They say they would drive it anywhere. That could allow the winning bidder to fly in and build a relationship as they head home behind the wheel of this classic.

This 1987 Jeep Comanche isn’t perfect, and there are Pickups out there that can tow or carry greater loads than this one. However, this Jeep combines a reasonable bed size with excellent fuel consumption figures, making it an ideal candidate for an affordable shop truck. It has attracted nineteen bids, but the auction end is rapidly approaching. Therefore, acting fast would be wise, or this Jeep might slip through your fingers.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Smokey Smokerson

    I’ve always loved these, but with the straight 6.

    Like 6
    • Corbin

      I had an ’88 4×4 with the 4.0(not H.O.) when i was a young private stationed at Ft. Carson (’96) and I really loved that Comanche. 4.0 had good power and great power in 4lo. 5th gear on I25 it couldn’t hold 75mph to save anyone’s life!! I had to hover around 70 and run between 4th and 5th unless I was going down hill. Lol

      Brings back great memories.

      Like 3
  2. Nelson C

    Sold a few of these when we got the Jeep brand in 1991. All 2wd and only one 4.0. Back when guys didn’t “need” 4wd. Loved those old guys who made do bc they never knew otherwise. 4wd was expensive then. My Dad got his first 4wd around 2000 to do his paper route. That old s-10 Blazer was like a new toy for him. Wasn’t w/o 4wd after that.

    Like 4
  3. Dennis Bailey

    Listing ended.

    Like 1
  4. Smokey Smokerson

    I never needed a 4wd until I bought an old retired dairy farm complete with a hill to get down to the barn and pole shed. Having to constantly pull a trailer “up top” with the skid steer to hook up to the 2wd was a pain in the winter. Even more of a pain when I would think the driveway was clear enough to drive the 2wd down and think I was going to make it back up.

    Like 0
    • Nelson C

      Exactly what 4wd is for. Those early ones weren’t highway haulers but instead purpose built vehicles. True to the Off-Road designation.

      Like 0

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