Pristine Sahara: 1995 Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler has changed deeply over the years, changing from a vehicle you only used if you had to into a vehicle that is well represnented amongst daily commuter traffic (usually, with lots of plastic ducks on the dashboard). This transformation has been good for Jeep from a revenue standpoint, but it has significantly altered what a Wrangler is to drivers under a certain age; it’s just another SUV in a sea of SUVs. But era like the YJ trucks and the special edition Sahara and Islander models remind us how unique these rigs once where, which is why survivors like this 1995 Wrangler listed here on eBay will always draw a crowd.

The seller is quick to point out that this Sahara edition is made all the more unique due to its generous options list, which includes an automatic transmission, a 20 gallon fuel tank, and ABS brakes. The West Coast truck has survived in excellent condition despite being driven, as it now shows nearly 132,000 miles on the clock. The devil is in the details when it comes to a Sahara edition, as you need to find one with the original decals intact, the spare tire cover, and the corresponding hardtop. All of those features are in outstanding condition here, along with the Sahara-specific interior.

I’ve mentioned before that I have a 1989 Isuzu Trooper RS, which was a short wheelbase model that Isuzu sold roughly 800 of in ’89. It also has an automatic, a beefy Aisin unit that is known to be quite robust. The Wrangler and my Isuzu share the traits of being short wheelbase 4x4s with automatic transmissions, and I can tell you it’s a terrific combination. I drove a 2000 Wrangler when it was new and recall the manual transmission didn’t add much joy over the automatic option; simply being in an old-school Wrangler was all the fun I needed, and other than the entertainment three pedals can provide, it didn’t greatly change the experience of driving a loud, slow, and poor-handling truck. As you can see with this Sahara, the interior looks absolutely beautiful.

With the venerable 4.0L inline-six under the hood, the miles mean very little for this Wrangler. Packing 180 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque, the Wrangler is more than capable of keeping up with traffic, but if all you’re doing is commuting, it misses the point (greatly) of this era of Jeep. I’ve realized time and again the joy of an old SUV or 4×4 is pairing it with a lifestyle where its attributes can shine, so find yourself an over-sand permit or an off-road trail park to truly enjoy a simple, purposeful rig like this with a beefy naturally-aspirated powerplant and not an electronic nanny in sight. Bidding sits at $8,100 with no reserve, and will certainly clear $10,000 with ease.