In the fall of 2013, my fiancé and I were in the market for a new daily driver. Well, when I say new, I mean well used but new to us. Our decrepit and battered Ford Focus wagon had blown its timing belt and we knew with our crazy schedules that we couldn’t make ends meet with just one reliable vehicle. I also knew that our budget was slim at best and that we both wanted to own something with a bit of character and style. So on a rainy afternoon, I took a drive out to southwest Littleton to look at a 1989 Jeep Wagoneer Limited. Within 1 hour we were in love with the di-noc wood paneled box. Cash changed hands and that evening, we added the Wagoneer to our fleet.
The XJ version of the Wagoneer became part of the Jeep lineup in 1984 with the introduction of the new downsized Cherokee XJ platform. The full-size SJ Wagoneer would continue on as the top of the line Grand Wagoneer from that point forward.
XJ Wagoneer’s were marketed as upscale, top of the line versions of the standard Cherokee and therefore came with every available option at the time.
Ours came equipped with leather power seats, power mirrors, power windows and locks, A/C, digital dash clock, fog lights, fake wood trim on the dash and doors and of course di-noc wood paneling all over the body. Surprisingly, every single power option with the exception of the driver’s side power window, still works perfectly on ours.
Early Wagoneers had the standard Cherokee headlight and grill setup. Starting with the 1987 MY, Wagoneers received their signature quad-headlight front ends which moved the signal lights inside of the unique front grill.
1987 also marked the first year of the legendary Jeep 4.0 liter inline six being stuffed under XJ hoods. replacing the 2.8L GM v-6. In its initial incarnation, the 242 cubic inch motor would produce 177HP and 224 lb-ft of torque. 1991 and later versions, dubbed the HO for “High Output,” of the 4.0 would see a power increase to 190hp and 225 lb-ft of torque thanks to a slightly redesigned cylinder head. The HO version of this motor would continue in the Jeep lineup virtually unchanged until 2006.
The 4.0 inline six in our Wagoneer is original and carries all of the quirks of the original Renault influenced design, including the well-known RENIX (Renault/Bendix) engine management system as well as a very difficult closed loop pressurized cooling system. While many folks in the Jeep world cannot stand either of these items, we have yet have any issues with the RENIX system or the cooling.
Our Wagoneer is an original Colorado vehicle and had been owned by the second owners since 1991. Aside from some faded paint and peeling clear coat, the body and interior are pretty well preserved. There is not a spot of rust anywhere. The Asin-Warner AW-4 4 speed automatic shifts perfectly and the inline six still pulls very strong with tons of low end torque even with nearly 170,000 miles.
Our Wagoneer also has the advanced for the times NP242 Selec-Trac transfer case. This transfer case allows for either full-time 4wheel drive on dry surfaces, or part time 4-wheel drive in snow or mud. The transfer case also has a 4-low option for low speed crawling. This technology seems archaic now but in 1989, it was a pretty unique feature.
For the last 2 years, the Wagoneer has served as a reliable albeit gas guzzling daily driver. However, on the weekends, the Jeep was ready for play, spending plenty of time shuttling us to various far flung mountain bike trail heads across the southwest.
As a road trip and camping vehicle, the Wagoneer is truly in it’s element. It’s a comfortable and competent highway cruiser. And when the going get’s dusty, muddy, rocky or snowy, it turns into a competent off roader.
Most recently, Robyn and I completed a 1,600 mile camping/off-roading/mountain biking road trip through Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico.
On desert back roads, the Wagoneer really feels at home. In 4-low it will crawl up and over obstacles you wouldn’t imagine a bone stock old suburbanite grocery-getter would be capable of handling.
Although the Jeep has never let us down, it does have almost 170,000 miles on it and I have had to do my fair share of work to keep it driveable. Early in the vehicle’s life with us, I had to replace the valve cover gasket which was pouring oil and the entire cooling system which was leaking profusely. I’ve also replaced almost the entire brake system and the starter motor. Most recently, the power steering pump has started squealing like a stuck pig and leaking from the return line. That and the 26 year old suspension will be getting replaced later this summer.
Overall our Jeep Wagoneer has been one of our favorite vehicles. Though it is in no way pristine, we have had multiple people leave notes on the windshield asking us to contact them if we should decide to sell. Maybe we would someday, but for now, we intend to enjoy it awhile longer.
Recently, the Jeep has gone into a semi-retirement as Robyn and I have purchased a low mileage Subaru Outback to take over responsibilities as a daily driver. Going forward, we hope to use the Wagoneer for our regular trips to the southwestern deserts as well as for exploring Colorado’s endless mining roads. We hope to keep the old Wagoneer in the family for years to come.
Great story. The Wagoneer versions of these were unusual even when new.
Looking at the one shot of the cabin, I’m reminded that somewhere on CC I read that the seats were sourced from, or designed by, Renault. They look a lot like the seats in the ’83 Alliance my family had. That car was unreliable and slow, but holy frijoles were the seats great.
They were the same seats as in the Alliance/R9/R11. And yes, they were comfy.
Absolutely wonderful. Having owned two Cherokee’s (and a Grand Wagoneer) I can certainly understand the love. Should I be able to justify an SUV again, another Cherokee would be my first choice.
Probably one of the most beautiful SUVs ever made. Great to see one still in good shape.
Great story. I am still disappointed that I missed the boat on these.
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/vacation-ccs-a-short-tale-of-two-jeeps-one-old-one-new/
Looks like you two have a great touring & camping program going as well. Good Times!
I preferred the looks of the early XJ Wagoneer’s unique alloy wheels to the ones available on the Cherokee, so I had them swap them on the Cherokee we bought in 1985.
Agree on that. If you squint REAL hard, they sorta look like a modernized slot mag.
It’s been years since I saw a Wagoneer here in the Northeast. Good to see you enjoying this one. I once drove a Grand Cherokee with that engine and found it smooth and powerful.
Word of caution about your Outback: If it’s a 1997-2010 model with the 2.5 engine, expect head gasket troubles around 100,000 miles. Jerseyfred mentioned in his COAL series about a regimen involving regular cooling system flushing and a conditioner treatment that prevents the head gaskets from disintegrating. IIRC he followed the regimen and had no trouble. Our dealer, otoh, never told us and was all too happy to take our $$ to replace them.
I think you bought well. I have a similar vehicle (4runner), appreciate it, and intend to keep it. It satisfies my need for going into pastures and towing trailers to keep my little faux farm going. Where I envy you is the youth to take a trip of 1600 miles, mountain bike, and camp. Those days are memories now but I would not trade them. Hope you are able to continue that sort of life for a long time. I expect that engine will still be in the shape you need for those trips for a long time.
I remember the XJ Wagoneer. At the time, I found it more attractive than the XJ Cherokee, with its two story grille. I was disappointed that the XJ Wagoneer was discontinued while the Cherokee continued on.
In the market of today it might have ended the other way around.
I had a 1989 XJ Laredo that I finally gave up in 2012 because of rust. It had 325,000 miles on the 4.0 straight six. Loved that Jeep, not to big, not to small (except when all three kids were in car seats at the same time. Once the kids got bigger they all fit just fine). Best vehicle I have ever owned and I would buy another if I ever move back out of the rust belt.
Great choice of vehicle! These have about as much character as you can find in a vehicle and it’s tasteful throughout. Most Jeeps have a timeless quality about them, and the XJ Wagoneer is no exception. I’ve always loved the di-noc wood siding and quad headlights to differ it from the regular Cherokee! Cherish this car.
The interior is so much nicer than regular Cherokees.
I appreciate the unique grille and quad lamps on these; it gives the vehicle a different character. And they take to dinoc really well! Plus, with the more aggressive tires and the later alloys on yours, it strikes a nice balance between rugged and classy. Much like its big brother Grand Wagoneer did.
With the 4.0, you should be set for a long time. Hopefully this XJ will be with you for years to come!
You found a great rig, man. The 4.0 has been known to crack 300K if its maintained. Yours looks pristine and it sounds like you take good care of it so it’ll serve you well for years to come. As an added bonus, these things are like cockroaches in terms of longevity and sheer numbers. So between that, and the fact that they have a dedicated following and plenty of aftermarket support, you’ll be able to keep Jeepin’ as long as you still love your truck.
One thing Ill point out: dual range 4×4 wasn’t such a ‘unique’ feature back in this XJ’s day. It was the rule, awd setups were very much the exception. Nowadays the current Cherokee is one of the very few CUVs to have a dual range 4wd setup (although its still based on fwd car architecture) so it does have a taste of what this XJ is. You wouldn’t dare try to follow your truck in most car based CUVs. Unless its a rental and you paid for the extra insurance….HAHA!
I think you misread him. The unusual part is that this had a full time AWD mode as well as the standard part time hi-lo. I wasn’t aware such a thing even existed.
Ah yeah, youre right. My fault. Although, fulltime 4wd was ‘the thing’ in the ’70s, it fizzled to the point that people were converting them to p/t. Then they saw a resurgence. Now, f/t AWD is the standard.
I love the XJ Cherokee. It is a no nonsense vehicle. Durable and simple to work on. I would love to get my hands on one.
That said, I have never liked the front end of the XJ Wagoneer due to the stacked dual headlights on it. It makes it look a bit bizarre. I don’t see why the front end treatment was needed on the Wagoneer when the single headlight on each side setup on the regular XJ Cherokee was good enough
“I love the XJ Cherokee. It is a no nonsense vehicle. Durable and simple to work on. I would love to get my hands on one.”
I owned one (2000 Sport) and the XJ has to be one of the most beloved vehicles of the past 30 years.
They made huge numbers over its near 20 year production life and pretty much every owner loved theirs. I loved mine.
Wow! How twilight zone; I saw one of these (quad headlights and all) walking back from lunch just a couple of hours ago. There was one in my neighborhood a few years back too. It would seem they all were dark blue with a tan interior. These were really well equipped for the day. I think these, along with the bigger Wagoneer, Grand Waggoneer were the first true “luxury” SUVs made in America.
I was “blessed” to have owned 2 different Cherokees (1996 and 2001, both Sport trim level and both with 2-wheel drive, 4.0 six, and automatic transmission). They were great for our purposes at the time – durable, reliable, and inexpensive to maintain. Yes, the ride wasn’t the greatest and the rear seat was cramped and uncomfortable but the things were maneuverable in tight spaces and proved themselves rugged on Houston’s increasingly crappy streets.
Both my children learned to drive in the 2001. When I offered to let my son take is mother’s new 2009 MINI out for the evening he said he’d rather take the Jeep.
When I sold each of the two (private-to-private) I got my asking price – in one day on the 2001 and within one hour for the 1996!
Stacked headlight Wagoneer is the ultimate Cherokee.
Love it! I remember always double checking the Cherokees as a little kid to see whether or not they were these Wagoneers; I was always a fan of the Di-Noc!
My personal choice would be a classic Grand Wagoneer, but like the 90% of original owners from New Canaan and South Orange, I would hesitate to drive it off road, it seems so stately (though maybe it could handle it)…the smaller XJ Wagoneers seem more built for action.
Great vehicle! A neighbor continues to (unknowingly) taunt me with a late Cherokee Classic. You remind me again that I made a mistake in ditching my 94 Club Wagon when, as a fully depreciated but well maintained older vehicle, I donated it instead of getting the diff replaced. It was worth precisely zero when gas was $4/gallon, but it would have made a great occasional trip or hauling car.
I will be the lone dissenting voice on that grille. It always looked like the AMC designers cribbed from the 66 Ambassador, a look that I never thought came off all that well. I prefer almost everything on your Waggy to the comparable part of the Cherokee, with the exception of that front end. But even with the homely face, it’s still a winner.
Great story — and terrific photos too. It’s amazing how we share years upon years of living with a vehicle and often never take pictures of it. Your pictures really tell a good story by themselves.
Great to hear how well things have worked out for you and the Jeep. Really liked the story and want to visit the SW even more after this reminder. Some cool photos there, thanks.
Take care of it, and it will take care of you! I just hit 195K on my 88, and going strong.
Awesome writeup and photos! I’m very jealous of your mountain biking and offroading adventures, I yearn to head out West for similar outdoors recreation, and so does my ’96 4Runner.
Like you, I enjoy getting away and enjoying the great outdoors. My 4Runner has been instrumental in getting me and my gear to where I want to go. Remote trail heads tucked away on snowed in forest access trails in NY, carrying a canoe down to Brown County here in Indiana, taking my significant other and our dogs out onto the beach in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, hauling a motorcycle out from NY to Indiana. It’s popular (and probably not incorrect) to claim that the majority of people don’t use their rough and ready SUVs as intended, but boy do I ever appreciate having my 4Runner. I have the luxury of driving a fairly new Civic as a commuter so the 4Runner’s fuel economy, which by the way isn’t terrible at 20 mpg, doesn’t bother me.
Great write up. Your Jeep should be good for years to come. Dad had a used 85 with a “rebuilt” 2.8 that ran poorly and failed after about a year. But Paul had good luck with that engine in his. The 4.0 has a reputation for great durability. I wouldn’t mind owning a good example of this.
I used to like these when I was a kid. Until I rode in the back seat of one. I think that’s the main reason this segment never really took off until the Explorer. The Explorer was much more spacious and comfortable yet still good enough off road to meet most people’s expectations.
I’ll echo what others have said as well, nice write up! Even if it’s too small for me it’s still an appealing little SUV, one with real off-road cred.
Awesome, I haven’t seen the Wagoneer version in a long time. The closest thing I’ve seen is the unusual Cherokee Briarwood. The other day I saw a Cherokee Freedom for the first time too.
Great Article, I picked up a barn find 86 wagoneer last year with 66,000 miles! It is not ready for the road yet but it will be in the next few weeks. Loved the story, these are getting very hard to find in good condition, I am torn between keeping it in storage as a collector or using it for weekend adventures like you guys…
Hey David, Your Wagoneer looks awesome! Any chance you’re looking to sell it?
Cheers,
Henry
Hey, I just bought an xj wagoneer. I had a 2000 xj sport that I drove from Oregon to panama a few years ago. I loved it but I think this xj is even better. Yours looks awesome and glad to see the pics from what looks like moab or someplace around there. I’m looking for numbers concerning how many of these were made. Have you been able to determine that? If so I’d love to know.
My current daily driver in my fleet is a 93′ Cherokee Country. It has lots of rust being an original WI truck, but it’s a Unicorn. She has the “High Output” straight six, and the AX-15 five speed manual ! Well over 200,000 miles, but I love this Jeep and will get another.
Enclosed are pics of the day I brought her home, then some tasteful paint applied to the stock wheels ( the clearcoat is wearing off of the alloys, so I rattle canned it), and some wheels and tires that I scored from a scrapper that came from a Grand Cherokee.
( I wish that rust hole was still that small ! ! ! )
Sorry, the pictures are out of sequence.
Stock configuration.
From an afternoon of play. After winter, it’s going to be thouroughly pressure washed and new metal welded into the floorpan. The flap hanging down in this picture is actually the carpet insulation because the floors are rotted out between the rockers and “frame” rails ( yes, I know it’s a unibody vehicle.)
After that, the original suspension will be replaced, and I’m toying with a mild 3″ lift so I can mount the bigger tires again. I just put the stockers back on ( they had a set of brand new Blizzak’s on them) because of snow in Central WI, and the larger tires would rub on bumps and tight turns , although I think the bump-rub is mostly due to the worn out suspension.
I’ve wanted one of these since they came out in 84′ and I finally get one !
Good to see these on the road, I recently picked up a 1987 RENIX Wagoneer xj myself. Quite different in the respects of vacuum systems but it’s a nice driver
This is my 1987jeep wagoneer 137,000 .miles got and A-904 transmission in it with 71,000 I need a grille anyone can help me?
31 inch tires are comin off puttin stock 205’s on
Hi, I’m in dire need of some easy help. Having issue of brake switch, its not the issue. It’s the wiring for the switch. Is there possible way to take a pic of the switch area, more so the wires that connect to it. There should be 4 wires. Got 2 weeks to fix for my daughter’s ride for college. We’re located in S.C.