Some older SUVs perform better than others in the classic market, and a few have enough positive attributes that they can’t help but attract attention. This 1977 Jeep Cherokee Chief S is a perfect example of that philosophy. Its exterior presentation is hard to fault, and the freshly rebuilt engine and transmission mean it should offer a new owner many years of off-road adventures. It has a few minor needs but nothing that would prevent a new owner from hitting the road immediately. The seller listed it here on Craigslist in Moreno Valley, California. They set their price at $45,000 OBO, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this Jeep.

Examining the supplied photos of this 1977 Jeep Cherokee Chief S 4×4 reveals a vehicle that makes a positive first impression. Its original Tawny Orange paint shines nicely, with no significant flaws or problems. It is a similar story with the panels, while the decals look crisp and clean. There is no evidence of rust, and the seller doesn’t mention problems in their listing. If it has spent its life in California, that is significant because it may not have been exposed to an environment that will promote those sorts of issues. The chrome and wheels sparkle impressively, while there are no issues with the glass. If this Jeep presents as well in person as it does in the photos, it is a guaranteed head-turner.

Delving into this Jeep’s interior reveals one of the few areas worthy of criticism. The Brown upholstery on the door trims, rear trims, and the back seat looks excellent. I wish I could say the same for the front buckets, but both feature splits and tears that detract from an aspect of this classic that is almost perfect. The carpet is spotless, as are the dash, gauge fascia, and wheel. A quick online search revealed replacement front seat covers in the correct material and color, but they retail for $550. Fitting those would make a difference, but facing that cost on a vehicle within this price bracket is disappointing. It isn’t loaded with luxury appointments, but the factory air conditioning and AM/FM radio/cassette player would be welcome on long trips.

Although the interior provides some disappointment, the same can’t be said for the Jeep’s mechanical components. Powering this 4×4 is a 360ci V8 which sends 170hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Considering its curb weight of 4,340 lbs, this Cherokee’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 17.4 seconds and cruise effortlessly at highway speeds is impressive. When the going gets tough, the fact that V8 produces most of its power and torque below 2,000rpm means it should effortlessly tackle almost any harsh terrain Mother Nature can throw at it. The news gets better the closer we examine this classic. It is a one-owner survivor with 80,000 miles on its odometer. The seller recently treated the numbers-matching engine and transmission to a professional rebuild while the tires are new. They don’t provide specific information on how it runs or drives, but the indications are positive.

If it weren’t for the damaged front seat upholstery, this 1979 Jeep Cherokee Chief S would tick all the right boxes for someone looking for a spotless off-roader. However, the damage is beyond repair, meaning the buyer needs to replace the front upholstery or invest in a pair of slipcovers to hide the problem. That raises the question of whether the seller’s price is justified. If you believe NADA or Hagerty, the answer is a resounding “no,” and by a fairly wide margin. However, I prefer to examine recent sales results to determine the truth. The survival rate for these classics hasn’t been great, meaning they don’t hit the market that often. The few that do seem to sell for around the $40,000 mark. Those don’t feature the recent mechanical care lavished on this Jeep, which is a mark in its favor. I think the seller may be overreaching slightly with their price, but if they are genuinely willing to negotiate, someone could drive away in a great off-roader.