XJs still highly sought after

[eksjay]

I came across this video playing in the background which is set in a Colorado dealer-only Car auction.

The TFL guy is looking for a daily driver. He already has a beaten up XJ and might be in the market for something else. He test drives a few cars but his heart is set on only one car.

Trouble is, everybody wants it.

https://youtu.be/YBZIz3xpA1E?

[eksjay]

I parked my 95XJ in main street of a rural town recently and a passer by inquired about the model year. They weren't a Jeeper but they did show reverence (could not think of any other word) to the car and asked what it was like to own and drive.

This isn't the first time. I have been stopped many times in other towns, the local supermarket car park, and other places to describe the ownership experience, and places that I have taken it.

When I'm on the highway, I can sense other drivers looking at the car with awe, or envy and despondency (in the overtaking lane)! Given Jeep sold thousands of them, I wonder if some of these people are former XJ owners themselves, bitterly lamenting selling it, only to end up with multiple borefests.

There's only one Jeep.

In 1996, a fellow camper at Dalhousie Springs asked if they could take a look around my stock XJ. It still had a new car smell. Even though they drove an older Isuzu Jackaroo, the Cherokee captured their imagination. Fast forward nearly 30years, and nothing has changed.

[Jimmyb]

Still by far my favorite Jeep model!

[gibrate1]

I was also inquired about the age of my WG by a local 4x4 club member, though in a negative way.

My fav Jeep models are close between a YJ or SJ Grand Wagoneer. XJ is up there though

[awg]

My XJ will go almost anywhere, partly due to its light weight and smallish size

I have been off road in very modern SUV, and although I do like the ABS controlled individual wheel braking, they do not have as much ground clearance, and especially the fancy paint will scare the owner long before me.

I have a winch to fit, and maybe I can finally get my ARB locked D44 built, (if a wild idea comes through)

Anyway, a selectable locker in front and/or rear, there is no way the newer things can out do them

It is not as quiet as a late model Audi though, nor is its suspension as comfortable

[gibrate1]

Audi off road....please. Are you planning to go twin locked? I'm currently considering lockers for my WG.

[eksjay]

I just had an out-of-xj-body experience today. I was driving along a remote stretch of highway in my JKU, minding my own business, when a dark rectangular block veered out of a side road and turned onto the road in front of me.

The perfect shape appeared to be a faded black preupdate XJ Sport that quickly accelerated out of view. I couldn't keep up and risk a fine. I tried.

These things can still be found in the middle of bugger all. I know there are around 3 XJs hidden in my area, but this one just pulled out of a side trail without warning.

It got me thinking. I wonder how they would sell today if the factory retooled back to XJ. The price point would definitely get people back into a real Jeep given the runaway price of Wranglers, and GCs.

[gibrate1]

A retooled XJ won't sell as well in Australia, though like hot cakes elsewhere.

I see more XJ's on the road than WG's in Sydney to be honest. I get more shocked when I see another WG on the road in Sydney than seeing a limited production supercar.