Over this forty-plus-year span, the jeep evolved through seven vehicle generations while managing to maintain that same essence that Willys-Overland Motors had introduced to the market in the 1940s. The final version of these original jeeps is the beloved CJ7. The CJ7 for sale from 1976 to 1986 remains the most popular pre-Wrangler jeep ever made. There was also a CJ8 designation, but that indicated a pickup variant that was never very successful.

Even today, when the Wrangler is king for jeep lovers and off-road enthusiasts have a wide array of hi-tech options, the CJ7 remains extremely popular. For this reason, it’s not uncommon to spot a CJ7 for sale at a dealership, and it won’t be a difficult task for those that have to going looking for one that meets their reasonable budgetary needs.

A big part of the allure for jeep lovers, especially off-road enthusiasts, is that the CJ7 for sale in 1986 was essentially the same as the CJ for sale in the mid-1950s. The line had gone through the bulk of its changes between the mid-1940s and mid-1950s.

For enthusiasts, this means that there are many parts available that they can use with only slight modification. From 1976 on, the parts are practically universal. This makes parts highly available and therefore relative inexpensive. This is great boon since Jeep parts undergo a great deal more wear and tear than most vehicles.

The used car shopper considering a CJ7 for sale needs to consider the choice carefully. Jeeps hold their value very well, so this isn’t your standard used vehicle. As mentioned earlier, jeeps experience a lot of wear and tear. For instance, the all-wheel-drive system in the CJ7 is notoriously prone to breakage.

A CJ7 for sale is not the right choice for the vehicle owner not comfortable doing their own transmission and suspension upkeep and repair. For those that would have to take the jeep to the shop each time it malfunctioned, understand that there will be high long-term costs associated with owning the vehicle.

There are a wide range of CJ7s out there and a price range to match. A buyer can hunt one down that’s in relatively good shape for under $10,000. If it needs work or mileage is very high, prices can be as low as several thousand. On the other hand, a fully restored CJ7 for sale can easily be as much as $50,000. Focus your efforts on the private sellers. The CJ7s at dealerships and auction houses carry a premium that just isn’t worth it unless you’re targeting a renovated jeep.

The jeep lover who isn’t fond of suspension and transmission repairs should turn their attention to the modern models. While a CJ7 in good shape will cost $10,000, the brand new Wrangler only starts at twice that amount. Back up several years, and the prices drop even further. Suddenly the modern Wrangler isn’t too far off the price point of the CJ7.