The Grand Wagoneer – in keeping with the burst of attention showered upon every lumbering SUV from the ’60s through the ’80s – has had its day in the sun. Clients of mine who house Grand Wagoneers at their vacation homes are astonished when I tell them they could sell the sorry thing for more than they paid. “It’s just my farm rig” – but somehow that faux woody look, its rat pack resume, vast cargo area and sheer durability boosted the Wagoneer into the price stratosphere a few years ago. Excellent examples will set you back mid-five figures, and resto-mods have broken the six-figure barrier. Sellers are wooed by these high prices, but fail to realize the nuances that set the best apart from the rest. Let’s investigate the market using this 1986 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, available here on craigslist for $26,500, located in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Mitchell G found this tip for us – thanks!
The Wagoneer reminds me a bit of a tale we used to tell about working for banks – we knew a guy who had sat at one desk for his whole career in the same building, and managed to work for three banks: his employers kept getting bought out. That’s the Wagoneer: same vehicle – mostly – made by four different companies from 1962 through 1991, then again starting in 2021. Kaiser was the first producer, until it was absorbed by American Motors; then Chrysler swallowed AMC, and finally, Stellantis – a truly global automaker – resurrected the model in 2021. Today’s Grand Wagoneer cost about $85k – and that’s before bells and whistles. Does that make us pine for the simplicity of this AMC 360 cu. in. V8, backed by a three-speed automatic? Perhaps, given that this example costs about 30% of what you’ll pay for a new rig – whose technology will make it obsolete in about ten years! The seller has replaced brake lines and hoses, transmission seals, and fuel lines. No complaints about the underside – looks clean. The odometer reads 82k. The seller states that his Wagoneer has been very reliable.
For 1986, AMC redesigned the Wagoneer’s interior with square gauges, a two-spoke steering wheel, an improved climate control system, short-pile carpeting and new door panels. The seat headrests were now adjustable. This Wagoneer has had its window seals replaced – not an easy job but very effective at eliminating water ingress. The air conditioning and heater work well, and the cargo area is tidy though a few stains mar the carpet.
A repaint from tan to blue has left this Wagoneer looking particularly striking. Thanks to the seller for cleaning up those wheels – adds to the sharp appearance. The faux woodgrain trim doesn’t always survive this well, and all the panels, trim and bumpers look straight. The seller doesn’t mention rust, but this Wagoneer positively broadcasts “I’ve been cared for!” Comparable vehicles have sold close to the seller’s asking price recently; what would you pay for a quality vintage Grand Wagoneer?
I always thought these were really nice. I have a preference for the early Kaiser design, but like them all. Michelle, I loved your bank analogy, you are spot on. Same guy, same office, same desk, 3 different owners.
A nice looking vehicle. How does it do for gas mileage?
I had an ‘89 with the window sticker included. 11 mpg in the city 13 on the highway. Spot on
11 city / 13 highway – owned 4 of these. Enjoyable to drive – don’t be in a hurry (heavy and slow). Keep a spare fuel filter handy – when it clogs, be ready to change it. The prices are out of reach on these for most. My ’91 rocketed up in value – sold it a few years ago for 4 times what I paid for it – crazy! Final Edition ’91s are rare – only 1,562 made.
This is an informative write up that puts this vintage Jeep Cherokee’s lineage in context.
Even the window seals replaced – appears to be a nice, well cared for Jeep.
This is what “buy the nicest example you could afford” looks like. I am not in the know but this looks like a winner for the asking price.
My parents owned three of these between the late 70s and late 80s, I learned to drive in one of them! Great memories! They are super comfortable, especially on the highway.
I. bought a 4 yr old one in 1990, also an 86. same color, same interior. THE most horrible driving car I have ever owned, even if it was just 7 days. I hated it, sold it one week later and bought a mercedes wagon. they look great, love them as a staple on martha’s vineyard, but to me, unsafe at any speed.
Alot of money . For someone who does not have a high paying easy job. Neighbor bought one new–just like this one and he was well off. Got rid of it shortly–gas hog. Check the frame out really good. They are thin and will rut through quick.
Wagoneers of this era are not my thing. The ones I like are the mid to late 60s Jeep versions with the similar body style minus all the pork and smogged-out nonsense. Those were truly nice vehicles and could do some off-roading too. About the only off-roading this and subsequent Wagoneers can do is to park in your driveway. And even if they could, would you want to take all that bloat and blubber over some fire road?
This is a good one. I’ve always liked them and once almost bought a mint green ‘83 model. I found the previous owners name in the glove box and called her for her opinion. When she answered at work she turned and told the office staff, “This guy is asking about my Jeep,” and there was a collective laugh! I didn’t buy it.