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.
Square eyes for a Jeep guy. Or girl.
Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera, always nice to see a “Wrongler” now and then, makes me appreciate mine all the more. At a bit of a crossroads with the Jeep, I really like it, easy to drive, the 6 here is more than adequate( the 4 not so much) if I relocate to the UP, der hey, I’d want the Jeep. If I stay here, the Jeep needs to go for a more user friendly highway vehicle. Keep in mind, this is a far cry from mine in so many ways, spot on price wise, but a Jeep is a Jeep, amen.
Great find; great write up as always and a beautiful Jeep! The only “flaw” in my opinion is the automatic transmission but still this is an excellent vehicle. The price is already over $10k and heading to $11k which is not surprising.
This looks like a really nice YJ, I’ve been looking for one to convert to a tank like my ’87 was, and although this one’s beautiful as is, she’d be a lot more formidable a rig with the 350/350 turbo trans/B&M shifter, and lifted a bit with the 33/12.50 Procomps I rolled around on with my long gone rig..I’ve never forgiven myself for selling that jeep, and although I doubled my money on the sale, I’ve pined about it ever since the money changed hands..rarely needed 4wd with that jeep, and man would she sling mud to the sky! If I had engine and tranny waiting, I’d buy this one today..
The YJ and CJs before it were all formidable and competent on/off road vehicles. But the TJ was the first that combined amazing off-road capability with real highway cruising comfort and the ability to keep up with today’s 80 mph freeway traffic. My ‘05 4.0/6 spd with 101k miles may be showing its age and top cruising speeds have dropped a bit, but I still wouldn’t trade if for any other vehicle.