This 1989 Jeep Comanche Pioneer is an exceedingly clean example of a vehicle we don’t see much of anymore, in any condition. The Comanche offered the rugged looks and drivetrain of the classic Cherokee with the convenience of a pickup bed, offered in two different lengths. This one appears to have the shorter design, which makes for a more attractive truck overall. The seller notes mileage as being 74,977, which isn’t astoundingly low and makes the clean condition even more impressive. The Comanche is listed here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now of $13,850 and the option to submit a best offer.
That’s lot of scratch for a single cab pickup made in 1989, but Comanches this clean rarely come up for sale. With the return of the Jeep Gladiator to its modern lineup, it has likely sparked renewed interest in this often forgotten design. Speaking from personal experience, I know my 16-year-old nephew is suddenly tracking every Comanche he can find for sale, and I’m pretty confident he didn’t know what they were a few months ago. This example retains its period-correct graphics kit. Bumpers and other black trim appear to retain deep luster.
The interior is gorgeous, kept in exceptionally clean condition for such a light-colored cabin. The classic Jeep three-spoke steering wheel is a design that never goes out of style, and while the rest of the cabin is spartan, it’s lifted right out of the Cherokee so finding parts and switchgear shouldn’t be too hard. No mention is made of the auxiliary gauge on the A-pillar or what it does, but I’m assuming it’s not measuring boost. I never noticed it before, but the color-matched door window cranks are a nice touch in such a utilitarian interior.
And if you thin the interior is clean, the engine bay is even better. Someone has installed an open element air filter, which is an unusual sight in a truck that is otherwise completely stock. The painted valve cover is a nice touch, and the Jeep lettering on the washer fluid bottle is impressively fresh. Overall, there’s little to fault on this example, which could explain the asking price – but I’m honestly not sure if this classic 80s pickup is in a position to command this sort of money at the moment. However, I don’t doubt that someday, buyers will gladly pay the asking price for one of the few surviving examples.
Had an ’87 sport truck, 4 speed. Great truck!
I owned 2 of these in the past. An 86 and and an 87. Great trucks.
Bought a 87 4 x 4 new with 5-speed, bucket seats, sliding rear window and a bunch of other options for 11K. Best small truck I ever owned; that in-line six was a thing of beauty. Much better than the Toyota 4 x 4 Hi Lux that a bought after the Jeep died. This one appears to be two wheel drive, if so it will get stuck on wet grass.
If it wasn’t red I might be interested.
Love Jeeps but hope I never own another.
All charisma, no substance…..
Had a Comanche Eliminator with the 6 cylinder 5 speed transmission. Great truck, looked good, tough as nails, pulled an extended wheel base full sized Chevy van 100 miles on a trailer (done when I was younger and dumber), and never missed a beat. But time has passed these by. The cab was small and spartan by today’s measures, torque was good but overall power and rev range was limited, ride was rough and noise/harshness control was about what you’d expect on a truck originally from the mid-80s. Kids want these today as well as the square body Cherokees for off-roading because of their durability and because the availability of aftermarket parts to upgrade them is abundant. BUT they’re not looking for $14K trucks to cut up and go off-roading with. Can’t see this one selling for anything close to the asking price but it only takes 1 person to want it for it to sell.
Beautiful pickup! I don’t think I ever realized they were available in two bed lengths.
I was told by a family member who worked at the Jeep plant in Toledo when these were being built that the reason the Commanche pickups are so rare these days is that unlike the Cherokee, they didn’t use galvanized steel for the body panels (presumably the ones exclusive to the pickup), so most of them have long since turned to rust.
I remember my wife had a 89′ Cherokee “Limited”. I thought for sure that Jeep would build a Limited Comanche. But the bean counters would probably kill the idea off. Now that would have been a nice truck.
The Eliminator model that I had was their top of the line model. IIRC mine had power windows and door locks and as “fancy” an interior as you could get in one of those trucks along with the upgraded aluminum wheels, stripe package, etc..
It seems like there are more 2WD Comanches now than there were thirty years ago.
Lovely looking Comanche. I remember when they were on the market. I was disappointed when they were discontinued.
Had a new 87” and an 88’ sport truck with a 5 speed. Never had any problems with either. The only thing I see against this one is the price. IMO, It’s about double what I’d pay.
I really wish that they made these again. Bobby & Tommy Archer proved that these were not limited to utility use. Back in the late ’80s they dominated the SCCA Race Truck series. I figured that when Chrysler got a hold of Jeep that they felt this competed too close with the Dakota. Now that the Dakota has grown too big, they should bring this back as their small truck.
We ordered a new one in 86 when they first came out. Fantastic little truck. These cool small basic trucks done exist anymore. Trucks used to be trucks not these fancy car trucks. They are stupid.
Great truck for the right price if you can get it! Definitely not the asking price.
Jeep Comanche pick ups were cool. Last year built Eliminators were the best. FCA would do right if they would build and sell a 2 Door Regular Cab 2 wheel drive Gladiator.. Chevy has their Colorado. Ford brought bak the Ranger and is coming back with the Bronco , so FCA should move quickly to make this model.
You realize that lettering on the washer bottle is simply a stick on badge from the rear of a Jeep stuck to the bottle?
up to TBI on’em @ this point? Must have electronic ign…
Nice (esp that motor) but still an ’80s jeep (quality?).
When buying the classics – think abt what they were when they were built.
U will have that vehicle today…
Toledo built a “GOOD PRODUCT” and it was done by an EXPERIENCED WORK FORCE!!!! God bless all the people that worked at TOLEDO JEEPand ALL the People that work there TODAY!!!!!!!!
No comparables out there. Everyone should stop saying how much it’s worth lol. It’s worth whatever someone is willing to pay and I can say I sold one similar for 12500 a couple of months ago.