There are a few off-road vehicle platforms in the automotive world that trade on unyielding toughness and can trace their DNA back to the early days of four-wheel-drive all-terrain vehicles, but the Jeep is the original. It’s as simple as that. Conceived as a light military vehicle for traversing battlefields quickly and effectively, Jeep has become synonymous with function-over-form 4x4 vehicles. The Wrangler is the modern-day model that spiritually continues the lineage of the original Willys MB and Jeep CJ as a body-on-frame truck that’s ready for anything.

The ‘JK’ generation was introduced in 2006 and brought the classic recipe into the 21st century in both traditional two-door and ‘Unlimited’ four-door body styles. The deluxe ‘Sahara’ trim level adds full carpeting, cruise control, an upgraded stereo system with a subwoofer in the boot, air conditioning, privacy glass and colour-matched wheel arch extensions.

This example uses the Europe-only VM Motori 2.8 turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual gearbox and low-range gears, providing 177bhp but, more importantly, 302lb/ft of torque nice and low down in the rev range. It’s the least thirsty engine yet also has more torque than the petrol V6, making it a deceptively good choice for daily drivers and mudpluggers alike.

The interior is original and in superb condition for a 16-year-old off-roader. After a gentle little climb upwards, you will notice the cabin has been enhanced by thick rubber Jeep floor mats, substantial grab handles at each window and hose-down neoprene seat covers all-round – adding to the feeling of utility. Removing the floor mats reveals carpeting that looks all but new, which the seller reports is the also true of the original seat upholstery beneath the seat covers. Meanwhile, factory privacy glass means that nobody can see you changing out of your own neoprene cover after a day at the beach.

The Sahara trim level comes with a lot of extra equipment, so, short of the off-road focused Rubicon, occupants enjoy the most luxurious Wrangler experience available at the time with air conditioning, cruise control and a high-power audio system with a subwoofer in the boot and an Aux socket on the dash.

 Overall the feeling is of an adventure vehicle with all the harshness of something so purposeful taken out or covered over.

The exterior sets an excellent first impression by dint of its condition and its metallic green paintwork which bursts into life when the sunlight hits it. The ‘face’ of the Wrangler has been given extra aggression with an aftermarket grille, but if the bidder doesn’t fancy the furious Pokémon look then it’s worth knowing that the original, colour-matched front fascia is included with the car, clipping and fastening into place in only a couple of minutes. 

Either way, forward vision is aided by upgraded headlights and bumper-mounted LED fog lights with ringed DRLs that double as indicators. The five factory alloy wheels (originally silver) have been powdercoated into a brooding Anthracite hue, adding presence and coordinating nicely with the graphite-grey bumpers at the same time. Said bumpers are in excellent condition with the exception of the passenger-side front corner, which has a surface-level scuff along it.

Like all Wrangler JKs, the roof is removable in three pieces. Removing the front two pieces gives a Coupé de Ville configuration, each unclipping in only a moment and easily stowed in the boot. The rest of the hardtop is a much more involved affair to remove and most owners don’t, but it can be done (this one is partially held in place by the interior dog guard). From front to rear, the roof is in unblemished condition and feels rock solid. Holding the hardtop in place is a factory integrated rollcage with safety-conscious padding all over it, giving a rugged but not too raw feeling inside.

This Wrangler has been looked after well throughout its life and has received a fair amount of recent maintenance, with new brakes in 2021 and a full service of the whole running gear this past June. With only 42,000 miles covered in 16 years, wear and tear has been at a minimum and the whole car wants for very little, if anything. The Jeep was serviced at main dealers for the first decade of its life and at specialist garages thereafter, with the stamps to prove it in the back of the ‘Operating Information’ book supplied with the car when new.

The most recent MOT certificate made a point about the car’s ball joints requiring attention; a replacement set was bought, but a specialist garage’s own verdict was that the ones already fitted were not in urgent need of replacement after all. As such, the replacement joints are included with the car un-fitted.

The Wrangler started up without hesitation and idled without issue on photoshoot day. The seller reports that it drives very well with no faults – comparing it favourably against the Land Rover 110s they’ve had previously.

With something like a Wrangler, which can be used as family transport but was built as an all-terrain truck, it pays to know what you’re getting into. Thankfully there is enough evidence to suggest that the successive owners of this example have indeed known the right things to do with it. It has been maintained well and features several of the upgrades you will commonly find on these vehicles such as the seat covers and LED headlights, suggesting a history of enthusiast ownership. All in all, this is a very complete Jeep that is ready and waiting for your next adventure.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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