The YJ-era of the Jeep Wrangler, known for its square headlights and durable inline-six powerplant, has emerged as one of the more popular eras to own and collect. The Islander edition stands out as perhaps the most collectible of this early 90s generation, owing to its limited production numbers and excellent color options. But if you’re looking for a Wrangler that you hardly ever see on the road or even at local car shows, the Renegade edition is the one to own, known for its fender flares, custom front fascia, and Renegade decals on the doors. This one has just over 100,000 miles and a stunning red interior.
The Renegade edition is seriously one of the coolest 4x4s ever made that has remained shockingly below the radar. With the popularity of 1990s vehicles, especially among GenXers and anyone else who can be influenced by pangs of nostalgia, the Wrangler was destined to enjoy a new surge of popularity. The Renegade edition, however, doesn’t seem to get a whole lot of attention from enthusiasts despite looking like a mash-up of a European sports car with box flares and an SUV with a lowering kit. I suppose the notion of a Jeep Wrangler that sits closer to the ground rather than being equipped with a lift kit runs counter to what most Jeep enthusiasts would want, so perhaps the Renegade seemed like an answer to a question nobody asked.
I actually found a near identical Wrangler a few months ago, and was convinced this was the same truck. Different years and different VINs, so it was simply a major coincidence – but it’s still pretty remarkable that two white Jeep Renegades with red interiors are on the road. The seller’s truck may have 105,000 miles but it looks like it has half that; kudos to the previous owner for taking such great care of this Renegade. The automatic transmission is a surprise, but plenty of Wranglers did come with two pedals thanks to its torquey I6; having test driven a Jeep from this era in the late 90s, I found that the enjoyment factor wasn’t significantly higher with a manual.
What’s fascinating to me about the Renegade story is the genesis of its existence. Jeep apparently wanted to cash in on the mini-truck craze at the time, which saw compact and light-duty pickups and SUVs slammed to the ground with all sort of other custom touches added. The Renegade obviously stopped short of becoming a full-on show truck, but you can clearly see how Jeep was hoping to give its bread-and-butter off-roader a much more contemporary appearance. Thankfully, they didn’t mess with the unkillable 4.0L powerplant, and with just over 100,000 miles on the clock, there’s lots of life left in this clean Renegade listed here on eBay.
Ha! Gonna have to get up earlier than that to beat me. Naturally, I think it’s cool, never cared for the fenders, and just looking at it, this is about as opposite as mine as it could get. Dubbed the “Wrongler” due to its unconventional headlights, there was no question, it was the most refined Jeep we had ever seen. The inside of mine pales in comparison here, the automatic wasn’t offered with the 4 cylinder, and this is one classy YJ Jeep. Gonna cost you, it’s already at $12,600, with a paltry 7 bidders, so interest isn’t the most, and special editions of anything usually command more money. This, to me, pushes the limits of what I consider what a Jeep should be, and the front axle gears probably still have the machining marks,,,,meaning, it never encountered any reason to engage it. Mine is a beater, I’ll admit, but far more representative of what a Jeep should look like. I just can’t warm up to the fenders. Looks goony to me.
You’re not going to see many of these. We traded another dealer to get one back in ’92. Looked like this except grey interior. Second year of our Jeep franchise and the first Wrangler we had with air. IIRC it ticked just over $23Gs. That was a breathtaking amount at the time. Very cool and well kept vehicle.
As the owner of multiple Wranglers (can be verified by the local zoning gestapo), probably would tow this unsightly (by design, not maintenance) vehicle, adding to my current woes. Fenders would be shed immediately even if I had to rig lighting to work after dark. Hopefully the interior would be transferable to a manual trans without loss of style. All moot, as my Social Security check has to be put toward pending legal expenses.
For this I gave up years in the military?
The fenders are the elephant in the room. I think Jeep was going through a phase. Most folks didn’t know, or care about the improvements over a CJ, they just wanted a Jeep, so I think Chrysler tried to bridge the gap, making it appear bigger than it was. Maybe an attempt to make it a bit more aerodynamic, but it’s still a box. I was told, converting a YJ to automatic or vice versa, is not recommended. It would be easier to just find a Jeep the way you want it. I happen to like the 5 speed in mine. It shifts effortlessly, probably the nicest shifting transmission I’ve ever had.
This is for sure not the Jeep for you. Not one to hack up.
The Jeep equivalent of a boulevard cruiser?
But whether you like the style of the fenders or not; this one is in simply marvelous condition, darling. Makes my 1993 look as rough as a cob. Which it is. The seller doesn’t mention if they have the soft top frame and canvas. I think that one of the sort of unique features of Jeeps is the ability to shed the doors unzip the “windows” and let mother nature’s caress in.
Agree with the author – the ones to have collectable wise are the Islander as well as the Sahara. The Renegade is cool in its own right, but was a niche group of followers back then, and still is a niche market today.
I have a ‘94 YJ. 2.5/5peed. White paint and hardtop like the subject vehicle, but with blue interior. Small lift and 32×10.50 tires. A lot of improvements were made to YJs as their run progressed. That’s why I have a ‘94. It’s a hoot to drive, and does a good job keeping up with later model, higher dollar rigs on the trail. YJ? Y not J?
The fender extensions on this rig likely wouldn’t make it through one off-road adventure- but they make it “special” to some. To each his own.
I’ve owned numerous Jeeps, and the Renegade was one of my favorites. Mine was lifted, with 35/12.50 tires. This brought the fender flares more into proportion. The AC, Tilt wheel, and automatic wasn’t that hard to live with.
When it came time to sell it, obviously the flares didn’t hurt the value.
SOLD for $14,700.