Jeep Grand Wagoneer

[MattP]

I have a chance at a JGW, and was wondering if anyone had any experience, warnings or suggestions.

It's a 1989 for about 2500, so I was just curious about how reliable, safe etc. they were in general.

 

[SteveL]

Depends on which engine, and how well it was
taken care of, I helped a friend out with his,
the leaking water pump killed the crank position
sensor, so it'd die at every light, swapped the
sensor first, then found the pump leak, when we
had the pump out, I looked at the inside of the
block, looked like freshly cast iron, no rust
what-so-ever, My buddy is a little anal when it
comes to maintenance...

SteveL

 

[jessebogan]

They are an antique design, first produced in about 64. I think they are kinda cool, and I think they are the last real Kaiser Jeep product. They have become "collectable". There is someone that advertises in Hemmings that sells them for Big Bucks. They were built by companies that had little money, and a lot of the upgrades were added on. Assuming it runs and drives OK, passes smog if necessary, and isn't too rusty, it sounds like a decent deal.

 

[Banjo]

I love the old GWs I'd love to get one. either blue or red, with the woodgrain. they're like the car that time forgot.
Of course having an 80 CJ5 as a daily, I'm kinda partial to Jeeps.
By the 90s they were loaded down with electronics, so as they age they get problematic, but overall they were a fairly robust beast.
Electrical gremlins and rust are the biggest issues.
Wagonmasters is the company that specializes in them. They advertize excellent condition originals for $30k, and restored examples for a tad more.
I think thats nuts, but it's a sign.

 

[Silverghost]

Is an 89 the original classic body style or was that when they were redesigned? I had a couple of Jeep Cherokees of the old body style. The engine of choice imo is the 360. Some were available with 401's. Many came with 304's. The engine cubic inches is cast in the sides of the engine block. Visually all the engines from the 290 to the 401 are the same. Best bet is to check the sides of the block. Watch for rot in the fenders, especially if there are the factory fender flares. AMC had a reputation for using low quality interior components. All in all, decent vehicles. I don't quite get why there is the surge in prices for them though.....

 

[AngliaGT]

Those things are kind of cool in a way.
Let's see....antiquated design,pushrod engine,
a lille bit crude - sound like a perfect tow vehicle
for a British car.

- Doug

 

[MattP]

Yep, it's the old design, that's what has us interested. If we do snatch it up, I've found some great places online that offer a third seat, and kits specific to some of the general shortcomings. I'll probably call on it this week. Thanks for the heads up about what to look out for.

 

[MattP]

Eww. Thanks for the warnings. I looked and the thing looked fine for a minute or two. Then I checked under a few things, and I think the poor critter has lived a very rough life. I've got a 100 yr old house and a 30 yr old MG that need too many ministrations to take on a challenge that big.

 

[philman]

you could probably get an '89 range rover in better shape for $2500.

 

[MattP]

I'll have to look into that. I'd really like an old slabside one with the ptos and all, but I know it would just be to make people think I actually need it.

 

[philman]

Nothing wrong with the grand wagoneers, I had a '79. It went on many scout trips, trips for the christmas tree from the forestry service land, soccer trips, through ice and snow. It was fairly reliable and easy to work on. Full time 4wd with a locking transfer case (one thing rangies don't come with). I just like my rangie better. better sight lines, just as easy to work on. Either one is a great vehicle.