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What price should I ask for?

3K views 32 replies 17 participants last post by  CHeimCO 
#1 ·
Hi All-

I am a newbie to this forum.

Sadly it's time to sell my 1989 Wrangler, which I bought new in 1989. My problem? It's one that has very low miles (47k) and while not perfect, looks pretty good, especially for upstate NY. It's a base model- only options were the hardtop and the back seat; standard 4-cyln.

I have no clue where to start for an asking price- Kelly Blue Book does not go back that far, and most jeeps that old are in much worse shape. I do not know if folks are desirous of something like this or if it's just an old beater.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

~Rob
 

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#2 ·
You should be able to get 4-5k for it. Doesn't appear to be all rusted. It may be worth more, I don't know. Here in Michigan a rusted up yj still seems to go for at least $2500. I'd check craigslist and see what similar vehicles are selling for in your area. Good luck!
 
#3 ·
Here in Florida MSRP for a yj in "great-perfect" condition is worth 9-11k that's probably like low miles and almost factory restoration or condition a "good-great" condition which is what mine was classed at ran for 5-6k odometer reads 143k but I have false miles since a pervious owner never geared it properly. My jeep has some rust and body damage but motor trans and transfer case work perfectly. I would say you can easily ask for 8-10k no problems just depends on the market where you live.
 
#4 ·
That is quite helpful.

The problem with looking for "comps" is, of course, most 1989's have way more miles and are in much worse shape, and most Jeeps that are in pretty good shape with low miles are significantly newer.

Is there any value based on the fact that it is a "vintage" Jeep or merely that it is a Jeep that is in good condition?

Any thought that I should try to consider collectors or aficionados or merely target folks looking for the essence of Jeep?

Thanks.
~Rob
 
#5 ·
Here in nj a nice yj seems to avg 3-5k. With your condition and miles id say the upper end of that. Mine was a 94 stock 4.0 with minmal rust and great shape inside and out with 156k miles and I paid 3200. My old 95 2.5l was the same with a small lift 33s and 56k miles hard top full doors half doors and I paid I think about 5000...
 
#6 ·
I don't think vintage is your angle.

Low miles with minimal customization allows prospective buyer a reliable barely used jeep to put their own touch on. I paid a premium for low miles (and accepted a banged up body). There were pristine jeeps out there with similar upgrades for same price but mileage was literally double. U can fix a body, u can't take away miles.

So I think the right buyer will pay a premium for the low miles. Just keep in mind many prospective buyers will look at your jeep and say they gotta dump 2-3k into it to get the desired look with wheels/tires/lift/accessories. no offense to you, but i think that is a valid negotiating chip for the buyer.

There's my $.02. I would not give it away given the mileage.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Interesting opinions... Here's mine: I would ask 6000 and go down from there. Personally I would pay 5000 happily if passes inspection by my mechanic. What you have going for you besides condition is assurance that it hasn't been fudged with by some wannabe gear head. I like the fact that it's bone stock, bare minimum, 4 banger, hard top, very low miles, and original owner. The only thing I would have different is change the red to white! This is a very rare jeep all you need is the right buyer, market it in the whole north east. If I had the finances to do it I'd be on a plane to New York this weekend. Unfortunately, I won't have the cash until next summer. I'm gonna have a difficult search when the time is right. Thanks for the glimmer of hope that my ideal jeep is out there!
 
#13 ·
NADA book value is $3654 for average retail, and $5510 for high book value. So you should be able to get somewhere in the middle of that which would be around $4500. Your downfall is the 4cyl. It takes a 15% reduction over the 6cyl on the book price. The reason for being above average is the low mileage, and original owner.
 
#14 ·
Hi All-

Great insight- thanks for the replies.

In hindsight I probably should have spend a few bucks more back in 1989 for the 6 cylinder- it came with the hard top and back seat standard (I got the "S" so they were extra- see attached sticker from 1989).

As I am not in a great hurry to sell, I may start out on the high side and see how it goes- after all, I only need one buyer.

Thanks.
 

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#19 ·
Hi All- Great insight- thanks for the replies. In hindsight I probably should have spend a few bucks more back in 1989 for the 6 cylinder- it came with the hard top and back seat standard (I got the "S" so they were extra- see attached sticker from 1989). As I am not in a great hurry to sell, I may start out on the high side and see how it goes- after all, I only need one buyer. Thanks.
Maybe if you spend some time on this forum you will rekindle your love for it and decide to keep it. You obviously loved it for 25 years!
 
#18 ·
It just passed NYS inspection and I drove it to work Thursday- it drives fine and has no impending problems that I am aware of. No reason there would be a problem driving it- but it's a long drive to Kentucky.

Maybe we should chat privately?
 
#21 ·
MRC - as you've noticed, most of us on this forum love our Jeeps and consider them more than just modes of transportation. We realize that they are not practical, cost effective, or a wise investment, and our love for them is something non-jeepers just can't understand. Maybe it's because we just can't explain it. I hope you decide to keep it because I predict you will miss it when it's gone. A traditional car just can't take its place. I have a 90 that I drive on weekends and one or two days a week. It gives me an exhilaration I can't explain to "normal" people. Best of luck whatever you decide to do.
 
#23 ·
nice you hung onto it so long - i too am
original owner of '89

over the years lotsa girl friends - wife
and pets came and went, kids grew up around it
- changed jobs changed houses , thought about
selling it but i too for some reason just
couldn't let it go.

will soon be teaching one of my daughters to drive
a standard using it.

after awhile it becomes part of you.

so hope you make the right decision with no
regrets, you kept it this long for a reason :) ,
from the look of it you should be
able to drive it for another 25years ...
 
#24 ·
Gee, I must be pretty easy to read.

I had this jeep before I met wife, I remember placing my infant kids in car seats in the back with the top off (driving very carefully) and now my son loves to drive it (but I am not comfortable with a high school boy driving it).

I loved to let me dogs ride in the back of the best dog vehicle ever- harness and seat belt of course (roll down the for the dog? Who needs windows?). They all loved it, but as I look back, currently it's my 4th dog riding back there.

You point is well taken. I better stop reading these posts or I will never sell it.
 

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#28 ·
He drives it occasionally.

I see other HS kids driving jeeps. Nothing wrong with it per se- but I suspect you have not seen how he drives. I feel much better seeing him driving something much newer and safer (air bags, anti-lock brakes, etc.).

Yes- I am an over-protective dad.
 
#31 ·
Check around on Craigslist and see what others are going for, adjust price according. Example same as yours but high miles for 3000, put yours at 4000. Whatever price you decide pump it up a couple hundred so you'll have wiggle room. Probably will be a couple tire kickers try to low ball with no shame but anyone who know jeeps will know what it's worth. And winter is coming up so 4x4s will be a little higher priced than they would be in the middle of summer
 
#33 ·
Post us if you decide to sell, or turn down an offer. I am hopefull your jeep ends up at a good home (it already has one). If it's up for sale late next summer, pm me and let me with a price. I am interested.
 
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