No Reserve: 1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

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Escaping the hustle and bustle of suburban life and roughing it in the wilderness can prove irresistible to some. Communing with Mother Nature and experiencing everything she offers is an excellent way to clear the head and reduce stress. However, why should the journey there and back be an uncomfortable experience? It need not be if you become the next owner of this 1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. It presents beautifully, while its interior is loaded with luxury appointments. The seller’s decision to list it with No Reserve could make it irresistible to some. The seller has listed the Jeep here on eBay in Spokane, Washington. Bidding has raced to $10,600, and with No Reserve in play, that new home is only days away.

Chrysler assumed control of AMC in 1987, with the Jeep brand falling under its umbrella. It maintained a “business as usual” approach with the Grand Wagoneer, as the vehicle sold in respectable numbers and generated excellent revenue. One of the most significant changes occurred in 1989, with the company switching to “electrocoat” primer to reduce the rust issues common on earlier vehicles. That makes this Jeep’s rust-free status unsurprising. The seller confirms it received a repaint in its original Deep Burgundy shade in the early 2000s, and it still presents exceptionally well. The paint retains an impressive depth of color and shine with no significant issues or problems. The surprise packet is the faux woodgrain. This has never been touched and hasn’t suffered from the typical deterioration problems that often plague this feature. The trim is in good order for its age, and the roof rack is a practical factory option. I can’t spot any glass defects, and the alloy wheels are wrapped in new narrow whitewalls.

Another change that Chrysler resisted when it took control of Jeep was to upgrade the engine powering the Grand Wagoneer. The company had more modern alternatives. However, with the knowledge that a replacement would hit showroom floors in a few years, it decided that reengineering for a powerplant change was unnecessary. Therefore, lifting this Jeep’s hood reveals the AMC 360ci V8, producing 144hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque. Power feeds to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission, with power steering and brakes standard equipment. Although the engine’s output figures are modest, the Grand Wagoneer will cruise comfortably at freeway speed. However, with maximum torque occurring at 1,500 rpm, the Jeep can access harsh terrain with its V8 barely ticking over. The seller indicates that this Grand Wagoneer is in excellent mechanical health. The engine feels strong, and the transmission shifts smoothly. It has no identified mechanical faults and can be considered a turnkey proposition.

There were undoubtedly more accomplished off-roaders available to buyers in 1989, but few offered the creature comforts found inside this Grand Wagoneer. Occupants can sink back into seats trimmed in supple leather and cloth while air conditioning, power windows, power locks, six-way power seats, a power rear window, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel combine to make life on the road pretty pleasant. This interior features an upgraded CD stereo, but I can’t spot any other additions. It is in excellent condition, with no significant wear or signs of abuse. The headliner might be sagging in a couple of spots, although this also might be an illusion created by the supplied images. The rear dome light cover is missing, but those are the only faults. The seller confirms that everything inside this classic works as it should.

Some classics hit the market and are largely ignored; others strike a chord with potential buyers. This 1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer falls comfortably into the second category. Five people have submitted an impressive twenty-seven bids at the time of writing, with time remaining for the figures to climb significantly. Its overall condition should see it hit $20,000 before the hammer falls, although I wouldn’t rule out a higher closing price. It will definitely head to a new home in a few days, and it will be fascinating to gauge whether we have readers who would consider pursuing it further. So, over to you.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. DonziDon72

    I have owned several of these through the years. I used to buy and sell them in the early 2000’s. They are really solid and well built and very cool. Way underpowered for the size of them but that is an easy fix. Hard to believe that these have shot up in value like they have. I used to buy them for $1500 to $3000 and flip them for double. Should have kept a few lol

    Like 5
  2. Aussie Dave Aussie DaveMember

    Beautiful car, ditch the “woodie” Change crome to anodised gold, anodised gold wheels, and then it would be perfect.

    Like 0
    • angliagt angliagtMember

      ….and then wear a White belt & shoes,& plaid pants?

      Like 3
    • Peter Pasqualini

      Wow… Smh

      Like 0
    • Mark E. Switzer

      You don’t see these Grand Wagoneers everyday ! They were perfect for camping or exploring the Backcountry out West . As I recall the first ones were the ’66 models , but they werent as plush with all of the luxury options as the later years. This featured 1989 Wagoneer will go FAST even at a high bid ! Happy Motoring

      Like 0
  3. Fubard

    Watch this go north of 30K

    Like 0
  4. DDGWFan

    Something is amiss here – the woodgrain is missing from the tailgate. Rear wiper is gone – likely not working. Wrong wheel hubs – those belong to an earlier year/model WG. Marshal fog lights missing (very expensive to replace). Paint looks pretty fresh – lots of lipstick on this one (and miles). I owned several of these rigs – two concours quality GWs. Parts are scarce – including the cargo cover – and pricey. This looks like an average driver at best – don’t be fooled by shiny paint.

    Like 1
  5. UDTFROG

    I had an 1984 in which I placed a Chevy 427? and complete drive trai , What a beautiful stump puller it was. ret. after 43 years os a frogman . could no longer afford aviation fuel…Regretted ever since,..

    Like 0
  6. Kenneth Minnich

    Had several of these turds over the years. Nothing but headaches.

    Like 0
  7. Chris Cornetto

    I worked with a guy that shipped these to Europe. I would go over them arrange pickups and make sure they weren’t rust buckets. They only wanted 76s and back. I bought a rather nice 70 that had wandered east from Texas and broke its engine. He bought it. I picked it up and when he found out it had a Buick 350 in it, he didn’t want it. I still have it. Fuelishness is a gimme on these. I prefer the older ones over the newer. I used a dark green one like this as a beater when we were exporting them. The plastic tanks were a great upgrade. I used to hunt the newer ones and grab them for the older unit as they often had rust holes leaks and so on. Amazing how these have skyrocketed in value but I understand as these have a classic look and can be quite enjoyable to drive but love to visit gas stations.

    Like 0

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