Highlights
- One of less than 500 Sahara Plus Limited Edition models made worldwide
- Imported from Japan in 2023 with rust-free chassis and bodywork
- Rare 4spd automatic transmission with high/low ratio selector
- Factory-fitted air conditioning which was not available on UK models
- Paintwork recently ceramic coated with 3-year guarantee
- New front calipers, discs and pads and other repairs in 2025
- MOT to March 2026
The Appeal
Just 500 Sahara Plus Jeep TJs were made available worldwide, which makes this Japanese-market example a treat for enthusiasts. The elevated specification builds on the rugged and reliable qualities for which these models, particularly in 4L straight form as here, are renowned.
This example led a low-mileage, cossetted life on Japan’s salt-free roads before arriving here with the seller in 2023. Finished in black with chrome accents to the grille and wheels, it is a very good example that presents particularly well after a Stage 1 ceramic coat treatment in May.
The enthusiast vendor has added to the extensive service and maintenance records during his time with the car. Alongside new front brake callipers, discs and pads, he has fitted a new battery and acquired an OBD meter that measures speed and monitors engine data.
With an MOT to March 2026 that contains no structural or mechanical advisories, this is a very tidy and attractively presented high specification off-road rarity.
The vendor says:
“Jeeps are a blast to own and so much fun I cannot tell you – heads always turn towards this vehicle when driving through town centres and it sounds awesome too .. I truly didn’t wish to sell this vehicle, but now with some of my children (we have four teenagers) returning home, we needed again a large 4x4 SUV, so we purchased a Land Rover Discovery 5. Whomever purchases this Jeep will be owning a piece of American automotive history that is the awesome Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4.0 PLUS – Limited Edition, the very last of the TJ models. Enjoy your summer, you can even take the roof off..!!”
History and Paperwork
- First registered in 2005 in Japan
- Imported to the UK in early 2023
- One registered UK keepers
- Current keeper since 23rd March 2023, shortly after it arrived
- Imported from Japan with all duties paid and UK registration completed we are told
- Mileage 109,000 km (67,000 miles) when purchased
- Now showing 117,320 km (73,000 miles)
- Comprehensive Japanese service history file included
- Documentation is naturally in Japanese
- English language 2005 Jeep Wrangler Sahara owner's manual included
- Recent work summarised below
- Stage-1 machine polish and ceramic coating in May 2025 with a 3-year guarantee
- Second key set purchased by the current owner included with the vehicle
- MOT valid to 5th March 2026 with advisories for tyres to note
Recent Work completed with ex-VAT prices advised by seller:
- Front Callipers, Brake Fluid flush (£185+)
- Front Brake Discs and Pads fitted (£190+)
- Xtremeauto Wrangler Deep Tray Rubber Floor Mats fitted, Black set of 4 (£16+)
- Autool X50 plus Multi-Function Car OBD meter fitted (£50)
- Headlight H4-3Pin 12volt bulbs fitted (£20+)
- NEW Battery installed (£85+)
- Total costs including labour: £700 inc VAT approx
The vendor says:
“This Jeep Wrangler Sahara Plus is one of last of the true remaining Sahara PLUS limited-edition examples on UK roads today. Only 500 supplied vehicles from Chrysler Jeep were loaded up with every conceivable optional extra as part of the run out of the last remaining Jeep Wrangler TJ’s before being completely replaced with a completely NEW Jeep Wrangler being released in 2006.
“These TJs’ models are becoming very rare indeed and certainly not in this condition, low mileage, and no rust – these vehicles' chassis are known to have rust issues when UK supplied due to the salt on our roads. This is why this limited-edition vehicle was researched for a good 3 months until the right model specification became available to market in Japan and was then subsequently shipped over and imported to the UK in 2023.”
The Condition
- Black paintwork in very good order with only minor marks to note due to age
- Small edge chips to some panels when viewed up close but not unsightly
- Vendor advises body has no rust issues thanks to its Japanese market origin
- Chrome factory wheels, radiator cover, front grille, wing mirrors and Sahara Plus badging all in good condition
- Factory black rear tinted windows and upgraded clear side/front indicator lenses
- Curt towing rear bar fitted (4,000 lbs capacity) with removable tow ball hitch and unused locking pin
- Recently ceramic coated with professional detailing inside and out
- Grey two-tone fabric interior appears in smart condition for its age
- Fitted with privacy glass and side steps
- Upgraded Bluetooth radio with MP5, USB and rear view camera capability
- Inside Automatic Dimming Compass/Temperature larger rear view mirror, rare factory option which features map reading lights, compass navigation display, outside temperature display
- Luxury carpet floor mats with Chrome Sahara Plus badging plus Xtremeauto rubber floor mats
- Autool X50 plus Multi-Function OBD meter providing engine data and MPH speed display
- Air conditioning blow cold we are told
- Advisories for tyres to note on current MOT
- No structural advisories on current MOT
Summary of specification:
- Chrome wheels factory originals
- Chrome radiator cover/ front grill
- Chrome wing mirrors
- Chrome Wrangler Sahara Plus logos on sides of vehicle
- Chrome metal stripes continuing all around the jeep
- Jeep Wrangler wind deflectors on the doors
- Factory black rear tinted windows
- Spare wheel lockable rear cover with chrome and black colour matched cover details
- Upgraded clear side and front indicator lenses (ie: not orange as standard vehicle)
- Curt towing rear bar fitted – 4,000lbs gross trailer weight (expensive option)
- Brand new unused in packaging Curt tow ball removable hitch with locking pin
- Larger rear view mirror
- Mirrors features map reading lights, compass navigation display, outside temperature display
- Four luxury carpet floor mats with chrome sahara plus badging details
- Full cruise controls on steering wheel
- Air conditioning which was not an option for UK supplied vehicles
- Leather jeep seat head rest covers x2
- Upgraded bluetooth radio with MP5 and USB
- Rear-view camera option also fitted
- Unit included small infrared remote control unit
- Grey two-tone fabric material interior – only available on the Sahara models
- Jeep padded silver windscreen cover/protector to keep vehicle cool in direct sun
The vendor adds:
“Very recently purchased a NEW set of bonnet hinge locks in solid black metal finish with aim of replacing the factory rubber OEM ones as they do go soft over time and cause the bonnet/hood to move a little at motorway speed with strong winds. I have not fitted these yet, as the NEW owner might wish to keep vehicle 100% stock OEM .. these are very straight forward DIY fitting and will be included in the sale of vehicle along with the CURT tow ball and hitch locking pin.”
The Mechanics
- 3,950cc straight six petrol engine
- Automatic 3-speed transmission with high and low ratio manual gear selector
- UK market Saharas only had manual gearboxes
- The vendor states the vehicle drives well, considering its 20-year age
- Engine reported to perform well with smooth gear changes
- Manual high-low gear selector for off-road use functions correctly
- New front brake callipers, discs and pads recently fitted
- Brake fluid system recently flushed
- New battery installed
- No mechanical advisories on current MOT
The vendor says:
“The car drives flawlessly and very well indeed, considering it is 20 years old, the low mileage adding to this no doubt. The engine roars while driving off and the gears change smoothly and as they should. The manual-operated High-Low gear selector for Off-Road use works as it should, no problems at all – used last winter when we had a short snow spell – nice to have all 4xwheels turning.
“As the car has had most of its life spent in Japan on salt-free roads the underside and indeed the entire Jeep has no rust – small surface light rust can be visible on steel rear bumpers but these can easily be treated/sprayed should the new owner wish to have the car showroom fresh. I wished to keep the car honest and open to new buyers so didn’t touch up the vehicle. I would consider this Jeep to be in original superb condition and has not ever been molested or had jacked up suspension with silly add on’s bolted onto vehicle – a true original and would consider a jewel in the crown for someone to either enjoy driving or put away as an investment.”
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