Highlights

High spec 4.0-litre Auto Wrangler
ULEZ compliant
New soft-top and removable hard top
Recent extensive detailing
Fresh MOT completed

The Appeal

When it made its debut at the 1996 Detroit Motor Show, the new “TJ” JEEP Wrangler was a huge hit with fans of the marque.

Replacing the previous “YJ” generation, the new model was a return to a much more traditional form for the utility JEEP and was just what fans of the marque were asking for. The Wrangler was, after all, the US equivalent of the classic Land Rover, and by adding square headlamps and other Eighties accoutrements, JEEP had managed to lose some of the utility model’s “properness” and heritage along the way.

But with the TJ, it was a case of right first-time. It got the round headlights and seven-slot grille that typified the original Willys JEEP and had stayed with the model right up until the YJ’s debut in 1986. It was traditional enough to cut the mustard not only as a leisure vehicle but also as a working one, with notable volume customers being the US Military and Postal Service, the latter of which ordered right-hand-drive models as it meant the postie could alight kerbside.

We have the mailman to thank for the UK Wranglers, for without the US Mail volume the business case may not have been there to justify RHD production. There was demand from Japan and South Africa as well as the UK, but without the US Mail the volumes might never have been enough to justify the engineering cost. You learn something new every day…

The one offered for sale here is a 2006 Renegade ‘Sahara’ edition, one of the final edition TJs, which benefits from the last-of-the-line facelift. It saw improved trim, ride and handling as well as some new colours and bold special editions, the Sahara being the more off-road oriented of them.

TJ Wranglers are already becoming collectable. Later JK versions were still brilliant off-road, but were more advanced mechanically whereas the TJ still features the old AMC-derived 4.0-litre straight six – an engine that’s tough as anything and easy to maintain. To JEEP enthusiasts, the TJ will always be the Wrangler’s high watermark.

This one’s a cracker – in the best colour scheme

The History and Paperwork

UK V5C
Fresh MOT completed
RHD Import to the UK in 2017 – originally supplied to Japan
Partial service history
ULEZ compliant
Japanese service book and original owners manual
Two sets of keys
Original shipping documents and export certificate

The Interior

Hard-wearing two-tone grey cloth upholstery in good order
Matching two-tone black and grey dash, also in excellent condition
Hard plastic wipe clean door trims and manual windows – full off-road utility specification!
Pioneer aftermarket USB stereo
Air conditioning
Twin power outlets including separate USB charging port
Rock-and-roll foldaway rear seat
Internal roll cage

The Exterior

Smart solid black paint – recently fully detailed
New soft-top roof
Factory option detachable hard top
Plastic wheel arches recently repainted
Chrome modular wheels with chunky Bridgestone Dueller A/T tyres
Very solid underneath with only minor surface corrosion to chassis

The Mechanics

4.0-litre AMC-derived straight six
Automatic transmission
Drives very well according to the vendor – no known or declared issues
Will be supplied with new MOT

SUMMARY

This is a great example of the best of the Wranglers – true the spirit of the Willys Jeep but at the same time modern enough to use as everyday transport, with good performance, ABS, airbags and other features that the original could only dream of.

As an example of a cult modern classic, it’s a brilliant choice, with the added advantage of being a soft-top in the summer and a hardtop for those winter months. Plus, it’s exempt from the London ULEZ and similar emissions schemes, unlike most diesel SUVs of its era.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]