Nicest One Left? 1988 Jeep Cherokee Wagoneer – Sold?

April 20, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this Wagoneer “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

If you’ve been priced out of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer market, you’re not alone; many enthusiasts stood idly by as the Martha’s Vineyard crowd boosted prices into the proverbial sunset. You can find cheap projects, but they’re far from cheap to restore – so maybe it’s time to consider the up-and-comer in the form of this 1988 Jeep Cherokee Wagoneer listed in March 2021 on Craigslist in Beverly, Massachusetts with extensive records and an asking price of $18,000. Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool shows us that a “Concours” example is valued at $22,600, and an “Excellent” model is worth $15,000 – and, a few minutes of additional research shows us this particular truck sold on Bring A Trailer for $9,250 in 2018.

The Jeep Cherokee Wagoneer was heavily marketed when new as a vehicle without any peers – no competitor could match the abundance of luxury found within. That may not have been pure hyperbole at the time, as the luxury four wheel drive market hadn’t exploded to the point it’s at today. It’s always fascinating to look back at vehicle models that were pioneers, and wonder if the manufacturers were just throwing ideas at the wall, or did Jeep really see a future for leather-laden SUVs? Regardless, the XJ-chassis Cherokee was treated to the Grand Wagoneer treatment but obviously in more subdued fashion, known simply as the “Wagoneer.” Leather-trimmed power seats, wood paneling, a unique front fascia, and alloy wheels were all standard features, and finding one today with all of those features intact is a challenge.

That’s probably why the seller of this example is asking nearly $20,000 for his, realizing that very few XJ Wagoneers show up for sale, and when they do, many of them are sporting heavily faded wood paneling and torn-up leather seats. Still, with the collector car market now being put on blast across the internet daily, it’s not hard to see when a seller is trying to realize a massive profit. The Cherokee in question hasn’t seen much use since it was purchased out of Florida and relocated to the snow belt, and it still retains its Florida title, indicating it was likely never registered in the Commonwealth. The condition is hard to fault, but I wouldn’t call it a Concours example – I’d agree with Hagerty’s “Excellent” rating on this one, and perhaps slightly less given the mileage isn’t exactly low. If you want a real needle in the haystack, try and find the elusive final-year Cherokee Briarwood – then tell me where it is!

Here’s a vintage commercial from 1988 featuring the XJ-based Jeep Cherokee Wagoneer:

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Rare, 1988 Jeep Cherokee Wagoneer, was a one owner since new.
Purchased originally 6/11/1988 in Georgia. Owner moved to Florida 1998. Vehicle has always been garaged. All documents available, copy of original GA. Title, current Fla. Title etc.
All original rust free body. No accidents. Pearl White with factory faux wood grain.
Auto trans., 4.0 6 cyl. Four Wheel Drive
Current owner purchased 04/10/2018 to display with personal Car Collection. Driven 135 miles since purchase.
Loaded, AC, PW,PS, etc.
Viewing by appointment please.“

Do you have a Jeep Cherokee Wagoneer story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!