Aug 30, 2024  •  For Sale  •  19 Comments

Rust-Free Survivor: 1994 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

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It is common for owners to modify or update off-roaders and 4x4s with larger wheels and tires to improve the ability to venture into the wilderness. However, this 1994 Jeep Wrangler Sahara has avoided that fate. It is an unmolested survivor in exceptional condition for its age, featuring the most desirable mechanical combination offered by Jeep during that model year. The photos and listing suggest that the only thing this classic needs is a new home.

The seller confirms they are this Jeep’s third owner. It has spent its life in a dry climate and largely sheltered from UV exposure. That makes its rust-free status unsurprising, while its Light Driftwood Satin Glow Metallic paint is original and in exceptional condition. There is no evidence of patchiness or inconsistency, and if there are imperfections, they don’t show in the supplied images. The seller admits the existing soft-top was added by the previous owner in 1999. It is in great condition for its age, as is the glass. The biggest surprise for me is that this Jeep retains its original wheels because these often make way for larger ones to improve off-road ability. The lights all work as they should, including the bumper-mounted fog lights which were part of the Sahara package. Speaking of the bumper, it is missing its end caps. However, I had little trouble locating a kit online that would address that shortcoming for under $50.

The theme of impressive presentation continues when we focus on this Jeep’s interior. It features the Green cloth seatcovers that formed part of the Sahara options package, and the condition is generally good. The driver’s seat base is stretched and wrinkled with no evidence of developing rips or wear. The dash, pad, and original mat look excellent, and the painted surfaces are spotless. The seller doesn’t include the Brown floor mats visible in the photos but will throw in a set of Black ones if the buyer wants them. They admit that the storage pocket is missing from the driver’s seat, but as with the bumper ends, finding a replacement via one of the usual online auction sites won’t present many challenges. The only addition is the aftermarket radio/cassette player.

Powering this Jeep is a 4.0-liter six that sends 180hp and 220 ft/lbs of torque to the road via an NP 231 transfer case and a five-speed manual transmission. The six produces its maximum torque at around 4,000rpm, which doesn’t sound ideal for a vehicle of this type. However, the delivery is linear, meaning the Wrangler shouldn’t spring any nasty surprises in loose or slippery conditions. The news for potential buyers appears to be nothing but positive. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for the claimed odometer reading of 110,000 genuine miles. However, its known ownership history means documentation might exist. The Wrangler is in excellent mechanical health, with no fluid leaks or other problems. It runs and drives perfectly, ready to take its new owner on wilderness adventures.

It seems inevitable that almost any off-roader with three decades of service under its belt will have its share of bumps and bruises, but this 1994 Jeep Wrangler Sahara has avoided those issues. It presents exceptionally well and has received fifteen bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Aurora, Colorado. The action has pushed the price to $6,700, which I suspect is well below the reserve. It should comfortably surpass $15,000, although a higher figure is possible. If it sells for less it could be one of the bargains of 2024. Do you agree?

Comments

  1. Todd J. Todd J.Member
    Aug 30, 2024 at 5:49pm

    I am sorely tempted to bid. Is there something about this I should be wary of?

    Like 0
    • Nevadahalfrack NevadahalfrackMember
      Aug 30, 2024 at 6:11pm

      Ask Howard.

      Like 4
      • RMac
        Aug 31, 2024 at 6:42pm

        You beat me to that line Nevada. Howard needs to chime in and let Todd know what he thinks. Meant in a good way as he owns one.

        Like 1
    • Jim in FL
      Aug 31, 2024 at 3:49am

      Factor in a few grand to add ac if you need it. It’s pretty easy to add though, I put it on my ‘94. The unit hangs below the dash. Other than that it looks pretty solid. Good luck!

      Like 2
    • Eric B
      Sep 1, 2024 at 12:02am

      I had a 94 Sahara in green. I loved it, you’ll love it. The 4.0 is torquey and reliable. This is peak era Jeep.

      Like 0
  2. Rw
    Aug 30, 2024 at 8:23pm

    XJ wheels

    Like 1
  3. Rw
    Aug 30, 2024 at 8:27pm

    Throttle body spacer does absolutely nothing ,no air fuel mixture going on..

    Like 1
  4. Howard A Howard A.Member
    Aug 31, 2024 at 3:46am

    ( clearing throat), And here we go, to Todd:, absotively, posilutely go for it. You won’t find any better, and this is that golden time, just after summer, but just before winter, when folks begin to think about a 4×4. Oddly, at no other time, so don’t dawdle.
    This is a nice one, why doesn’t mine look this nice? I’ll tell you why, it was half the cost. Dubbed the “Wrongler” because of it’s headlights, I like mine because it’s unique and conveys the look of the 90s. Quite frankly, I think the round ones look outdated. Scotty sent me a couple ads, from Hemmings, no less, renowned for overpriced vehicles, a really nice YJ sold for $4,400. Bringing up “Wranger” on Marketplace, yields no shortage of Jeeps. Pages and pages, and with appeal dwindling for older vehicles, the market is flooded with Jeeps. This is about what I would consider a Jeep like this to go for. It may look nice, but hassles await, and should be a consideration before buying one. The 6 is by far, the preferred motor, although, neighbors SIL with a newer one, 6 cylinder had a timing gear strip, anyone ever hear of that? I’m concerned because my 4 cylinder has the same setup as the 6. I sorely miss mine not being an automatic( not available until ’95 with the 4 cyl.) and while it is a bit hill shy, it gets good mileage for a Jeep, maybe 20 downwind. Most here that know me, know I’m a pretty regular guy, that bleeds R,W, &B, but I can say, of all the vehicles I had, or had access to, the Jeep is my favorite. I should have bought one 30 years ago, but finding a clean Jeep in the Badger is like looking for common sense today, they don’t exist.

    Like 9
    • Cooter CooterMember
      Aug 31, 2024 at 6:59am

      Nice Jeep Howard, those are my favorite years!

      Like 3
    • Rw
      Aug 31, 2024 at 12:31pm

      Me and the wife have a 91&94 YJs also 01 XJ 60th anniversary,all 4.0 automatic,all over 300k,I could go on but,less typing to say “what Howard said”

      Like 3
  5. Cooter CooterMember
    Aug 31, 2024 at 6:57am

    I have a 2016 Rubicon with hard rock crawler upgrade. I’ve never had it offroad! Clean, clean, clean. Thinking of selling it in the near future as it just sits in the garage and collects dust.

    Like 4
    • Eric B
      Aug 31, 2024 at 11:59pm

      That’s a Fiat.

      Like 0
  6. Andy G
    Aug 31, 2024 at 5:34pm

    I’ve had a CJ, a YJ, and a JK. JK was by far the nicest but I had problems with a well maintained vehicle under 80k miles so from now on I’m anti-Chrysler years out of principle. The biggest issue I can’t forgive was the CEL which was low compression in cylinders 2 and 6. Required a whole new head and had to go aftermarket because of the backlog on OEM. Pentastar, Hmmph.
    All that being said I love Jeeps and will own another one. TJ or older

    Like 0
    • Nelson C
      Aug 31, 2024 at 7:21pm

      Pentastar has been a good motor, by and large. Some applications have had problems and I’m sorry to hear you had one.

      Like 0
  7. Nelson C
    Aug 31, 2024 at 7:18pm

    This one is really sweet. Pretty much perfect just the way it is. I remember taking one in trade on a new ’93 (?) 2-door Cherokee. People would buy these Saharas and store them away like Corvettes. IMO there was nothing “wrong” with the rectangular headlights, as people are concluding today.

    Like 0
  8. CarbobMember
    Aug 31, 2024 at 7:32pm

    This is a very nice YJ. Whoever ends up with this will be a happy Jeeper. You will be looking a long time for a Jeep from the mid 90’s in such great condition i.e. no rust and clean as a whistle. Plus it is stock and unmolested with low mileage. Mine is pushing 190k. And as Adam pointed out; it has the 4.0 six and manual transmission That is the way to go with these. My 1993 sure is a lot rougher than this. I’ve had it for about eight years now and I was hard pressed to find one here in the corrosion prone mid Atlantic with the same drivetrain as the featured Jeep and only sorta rusty with a semi roached top and interior. I must have looked at least a dozen Jeeps before I pulled the trigger on mine. Fortunately mine was really cheap for me to buy especially compared to what this’ll go for. But I quickly spent a considerable amount of money and time getting it to the condition I wanted. Buy the Jeep. You won’t regret it.

    Like 0
  9. chrlsful
    Sep 1, 2024 at 10:25am

    4 me CJ-8 is only one (altho the Jeepster on today hasa different kinda appeal) to have/buy. With an alu break I could bend upa World Cab or Alaska Postal. A neighbor can make the barn dor back. Even if no WC still the one to have.

    Like 0
  10. 2001LexusRX300
    Sep 1, 2024 at 5:28pm

    I’m in the market for one of these but this is a cream puff. I would feel so bad taking it off road. I need one slightly more beat up and cheaper.

    Like 0
  11. PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember
    Sep 2, 2024 at 8:47pm

    Ended at $10,200.
    Reserve Not Met,

    Like 0

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