Sometimes, you see an asking price and recoil slightly. It’s only natural; we all want to find bargains. However, there are select cases where you can’t help but understand why the seller is swinging for the proverbial fences. In the case of this 1988 Jeep Cherokee Limited, the asking price of $18,800 is heady indeed, but this truck also appears to be absolutely immaculate. The Limited was the top banana of the family tree and rarely comes up for sale, especially in this condition. Find the Jeep here on craigslist in the Atlanta metro area.
Whenever there is a particularly expensive trim option, you can almost guarantee the take rate will be lower than the entry- and mid-range models. While these days it seems like every SUV is loaded to the hilt with an excessive amount of comfort and convenience equipment, this wasn’t always the case. In fact, it was downright odd to see a truck getting the gold badge and leather treatment. But perhaps the top brass at Jeep saw how successful the Grand Wagoneer was and decided to give the XJ-platform Cherokee the same treatment. And boy, did it look good.
In fact, one might even argue the Jeep Cherokee Limited was just the right amount of luxury in a true 4×4. Comfortable leather seats, upgraded audio equipment, every power feature available, and the requisite exterior touches did nothing to diminish the truck’s off-road capabilities or scare you away from using it as designed. However, it’s clear the previous caretakers of this Cherokee didn’t abuse it or even come close to using it any way that would tarnish its high-level trim. The leather seats and entire interior are in spectacular condition.
The Jeep’s 94,000 original miles are low for the year but not as low as I was expecting given the condition. Under the hood is the tried-and-true 4.0L inline-six with 173 b.h.p. and 220 lb.-ft. of torque. The seller reports there is no rust, no leaks, and everything except for the cruise control works. This is one of those times when I hope the seller gets his asking price because it appears he has discovered a true diamond in the rough rows of used-up Cherokees. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Jack M. for the find.
Beautiful blend of 4wd capabilities and luxurious interior.
These are great vehicles and I hated to see them end. The perfect size and still with real Jeep characteristics. And that bullet-proof engine. The only thing that killed them was rust.
At one point, I had a Cherokee, all 3 kids had one, three their friends had them, and my best garage buddy and his son had one. We said we needed to do a group shot but never got around to it.
I always said one more we would be a reservation.
Posting deleted by author. TBH, it seemed expensive, but it goes to show you never know, there are so many niches in the market there are always surprises both up and down.
Steve R
Nice Car. 1988 I believe was the year Chrysler, now Stellantis, bought AMC and started producing Jeeps. I had an ’86 Cherokee 2 door with every option. Unfortunately it had a GM 2.8L v-6 that was a real dog. The car had a strange infra-red remote entry system that never worked. Rust finally caused the Jeep’s demise.