Solid Survivor: 1988 Jeep MJ Comanche 4×4 Pickup – SOLD!

Whenever we see a modern “compact” pickup, we long for the days when you could really get a small pickup such as this 1988 Jeep Comanche four-wheel-drive truck originally listed in June 2021 on Craigslist in Martinsburg, West Virginia for $7,500.   Comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 “Excellent” estimate of $6,500 and its #1 “Concours” appraisal of $10,400.  As a second data point, a check of auction results on the Bring A Trailer results summary confirms an average price of only $6,708 for the five Comanches sold on that site in the past two years.

One model year after the debut of the very popular XJ Cherokee, Jeep launched the MJ truck heavily based on that SUV.  Unlike the Cherokee, the Comanche used a conventional body-on-frame design behind the cab and a removable cargo box (Jeep labeled this C-channel-based design “Uniframe”).  However, the cab and front clip retained the unibody construction of the Cherokee.

The Comanche used the XJ Cherokee’s “Quadralink” front suspension, with coil springs and upper/lower control arms on a solid axle, while a Panhard Rod keeps the axle centered under the truck. Modified versions of this same basic suspension system were later used on the 1993-2004 Grand Cherokee, 1997 and newer TJ Wranglers, and 1994 and newer Dodge Ram trucks.  For the rear suspension, the truck used leaf springs that are considerably longer than the Cherokee’s, which give Comanches good load-carrying capacity without creating a hard ride. The standard rear axle was the same Dana 35 unit used in the Cherokee, except that the Comanche mounted the leaf springs underneath the axle, as do most other trucks, and the Cherokee mounted them on top of the axle.

We came across this MotorWeek Review of the Comanche lineup for 1986 on YouTube:

The combination of the extensive pictures and the seller’s detailed description have us believing this is a great example of Jeep’s MJ 4×4 pickup that’s just as capable offroad as its XJ SUV sibling.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“I am selling my 1988 Jeep Comanche. If you are seriously interested in the truck please read the entire description as it will tell you almost anything you may want to know about it. Very solid truck and runs 100% as it should. 4.0L Inline 6 cylinder, 4-speed auto transmission shifts perfectly. The bed is extremely solid with no rust, rockers are in fantastic shape and they are original. Never had any body work anywhere on the truck. The underbody is in great shape. Never been in any accidents. Brand new all-terrain tires with less than 1,000 miles on them. Garage kept. The Interior is in good shape for the year considering it has always been driven regularly. The dashboard is in very good condition, steering wheel is in nice shape and has cover on it, new headliner and head visor upholstery, new radio speakers. Pioneer package and some factory options rear sliding window, tinted windows, center console armrest and more listed on window sticker in pictures. I have all of the factory black rubber trim pieces that came as an option on the truck and they all are in great condition. The oil has always been changed every 3,000 miles and regular maintenance checks have been done to make sure it is in good running order. The pictures clearly show what the truck is. Over the years it has been used to do household jobs and yardwork mainly. as shown in pictures there is one tiny rust spot on the right side of the tailgate. The rest of the body is entirely free of rust. Underneath it is completely original and on the driver’s side floor pan there is a very small rust spot that can be seen clearly in pictures. Other than that, the underbody is absolutely 100% solid. I do not want to part ways with this truck because I love it and it is such a unique and rare vehicle. Asking $7,500. Clean and clear title in hand. Cash only please.

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