The incorporation of decals and custom graphics as a means of selling vehicles is a tactic that’s almost as old as the industry itself (OK, maybe there wasn’t a Model T with a “Special Edition” sticker on it, but you get my drift.) The shocking thing is how well it works, or at least used to work, when dealers and manufacturers would create the illusion of scarcity to get customers into the showroom. This 1992 Jeep Wrangler Islander edition is one of the more worthy entries into the limited edition space, as the graphics today remain one of the most attractive design ever made. Find this clean Islander edition here on eBay with bids to $8,600 and the reserve unmet.
The YJ-series Wrangler is enjoying some good numbers lately as pretty much every enthusiast vehicle from this time period continues to rise in value. The interior of this example is quite clean, which is even more surprising when you consider that it doesn’t show particularly low mileage with 118,243 on the odometer. The Wrangler didn’t get much in the way of upgrades on the Islander editions aside from those spectacular sunset decals on the lower doors, but that’s OK – the YJ as a package was extremely well executed, especially with a 4.0L inline-six under the hood.
As one of the world’s most durable engines, another big part of the YJ’s appeal is how it combines a few different must-haves for Jeep enthusiasts: dirt-simple construction; one of the most beloved engines ever made; and extremely respectable 4WD capabilities right out of the box. The Islander, however, was marketed slightly differently, not intending to be used on the remote mountain trail but rather parked surfside with some surf boards sticking out of the open convertible top. Given how clean the cosmetics are on this Jeep, I hope it’s not destined for being whacked around an off-road trial.
With a color-matched removable hardtops and steel wheels in surprisingly great shape, there’s very little to fault this Islander edition on in terms of cosmetics. The seller claims he bought it off of long-time owners based in New Mexico and and Denver, which helps to explain its rust-free condition. According to the listing, the hardtop has never been removed and despite this, the front seat upholstery was recently re-done, which was likely due to just some basic wear-and-tear. The only real downside is an aftermarket sunroof installed in the hardtop by a dealer, but thankfully, it doesn’t leak (for now). If you find a nicer one, buy it!
That’s it. I can see the back room of BFs, “Howards been giving us some heat lately, let’s throw another pristine YJ in the mix”,,,Hey,,,I LOVE IT! If for nothing else, it seems to bolster the value of mine. Not that I’m into that, mercy sakes, it’s in Colorado, another surprise. While you’d think Colorado has the most Jeeps, I read NY has the most newer Jeeps. I’d have to think for vintage Jeeps, Colorado is right up there.
Coined the “Wrongler”, the headlights are always the elephant in the room. This here is a sweetheart. Has the standard rust by your feet( caused by wet carpet), but again, mine is much more basic, and this is almost an entirely different vehicle. While I too thought the 6 was bulletproof, apparently, not so. My neighbors SIL has a Wrangler, 6 cylinder, apparently the cam timing gear stripped, a seemingly common problem. Naturally, I’m concerned, as the 4 cylinder uses the same setup, anyone?
I’m at an impasse with mine. Keep or trade? These, and mine for that matter, are not for rock climbing sheer rock strewn slopes, quite the opposite. These shattered the standard stereotype of a Jeep, more of a 4wd car in the shape of a Jeep, and never looked back. If modern gee-gaws are not for you, I all but guarantee, you’ll love this Jeep, like the previous owner did.
Oh, btw, someone suggested insulating my fuel injectors and rail line to cure what’s called “heat soak”, a form of vapor lock. Thanks to whoever said that, it seems to have worked, hot starts are no longer a problem, a dealer recall I think.
Yes, Howard. We installed a lot of heat shields on these and XJs.
Could you guys elaborate on this some more? I have an XJ, but haven’t experienced these issues. Heat soak could be an issue on any vehicle, which is why they should all have vents in the hood to let heat escape after it’s shut off.
I am however currently experiencing (I hope) one other issue they’re notorious for; a cracked exhaust manifold. Hopefully that’s what the ticking is. Fingers crossed.
Probably the New York jeeps never get off the pavement….driven by outdoors wannabes. I bet they are all sparkling clean.
Yeah, lots of jeeps here in Colorado and you see as many with gas cans, jacks, snorkels, Moab stickers and 300 lbs of mud on them as you see clean ones. I’d bet at least as many off road F250’s here as jeeps though.
Man. This is a sweetheart. Neat as a pin. Obviously well cared for. Doesn’t look like it’s been opened up at all. All the right features including wing windows on a lesser seen model. This would be great to have square lights and all.
Retrofitting it with a CJ front clip is easy-peasy. You need trim the corners of the CJ grille, and do some shaping on the bottom of the retro fenders – best to get fiberglass fenders for the conversion – and it’ll go right in.
Anyway it did with my four, which is a little further back in the engine bay. But I’m sure it’s doable, even if you have to work a bit to get the fan in there.
Put CJ-7 fender flares on the rear – the wheel cutouts, under the angled YJ lips, are still round. When done, you have a CJ-7 that’s a fully-competent road machine.
Or use as is.
Like putting socks on a rooster.
I like it however in this condition I think current bid is about its value in this condition, and it still hasn’t cracked the reserve. It’s one to watch and see if the reserve is around $10k or if they have been shopping to much at Collins brothers Jeep in Texas.
This jeep was on CL a few weeks ago for $5k. Nice one, thought about buying it but then remembered what a pain my ’92 was….”like being strapped to a paint shaker”.
It’s not limited to Collins Bros., but places like that can certainly contribute to raising the value of a particular vehicle everywhere. As stated in this write up, YJ’s and similar vehicles are really going up in price. I just saw an original, nice ’93 Sahara with 130k sell for 22. Vehicles that are typically used and abused are especially rare to find in nice condition and therefore those rare gems are going to sell for more than one might expect.
Something is worth what someone is willing to pay, not what KBB or anyone else deems it to be.
No more old Jeeps for me. Lost a good amount when told I needed to get rid of my 1984 Renegade so bought a 1986 and lost money to get rid of it. Glad to see it gone. All I needed on the 1984 was a garage who knew how to use a blow torch and weld the earlier welds correctly so no daylight shined through. Glad to keep this member of my family purchased new from a dealer in 1984. If it sounds bad always get a second opinion from a garage who knows their stuff.
This seller has a 12K reserve on the Jeep. Methinks it’ll sell for 10-11K. From what I see this YJ is as nice as you are probably going to find. Even if it does have the dreaded square headlights that seem to offend Jeep purists so badly. GLWTS.
I’ve always been fascinated by those that are all upset over square headlights. Nevermind that overall it’s the best looking Jeep of all time, along with the CJ7. But, has the 4.0 which makes it superior to the CJ. The important thing is that it’s headlights are square, so Grrrrr. Would round headlights be better? Yep, but I could honestly care less.
Great comments, people are funny. Can I be in the club if my jeep has rectangular headlights? Did I tell you that I have a Harley in my garage?
I have owned 3 Jeeps …round and square headlights and the lights surely didnt effect the performance or fun of driving them and I always thought if the purists didnt like the shape of my headlights….then dont bloody well look. Thats what so great about Jeeps , you can really tailor them to your style and taste. This Jeep Islander up for sale is an exceptional find for sure but the decals and striping are not for everyone , but changes can be made easily to make it your own. I expect someone will love this Jeep just the way it is and thats great because it looks like it has many miles of fun in the sun left. Good luck seller…..and remember ITS A JEEP THING !
I had a 1991 Jeep with 276,000 miles on the engine. It had a 5 speed transmission and I only put 1 clutch in it.