Rare 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited with 33k Miles
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For February 25, 2022, our used car find is this one-year-only 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited with just 33k miles. It’s offered on Craigslist by a private seller in the Phoenix area for (an estimated) $25,000 or best offer.
Here’s what makes this one special.
Introduction
After the success of its legendary compact SUV, the XJ-generation Cherokee, Jeep brought a more upscale version to market in 1993. Dubbed the Grand Cherokee (and known internally as the ZJ chassis), it shared much of its rugged underpinnings with its off-road-ready sibling, including four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, solid axles front and rear, and available limited-slip differentials.
But where the XJ was a bare-bones utilitarian rig, the ZJ Grand Cherokee offered luxury and refinement — not only inside the cabin, which was roomier and packed with creature comforts (such as power windows and door locks, leather upholstery, and heated seats), but also underneath, where coils took the place of the XJ’s agricultural leaf springs and delivered a far more comfortable ride.
The Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited is the ultimate ZJ ever made — and also one of the rarest. For its final model year (1998), Jeep engineers decided to send the ZJ off with a bang. They fitted the biggest engine they could find (from a Ram pickup), a massive 5.9-liter V8 making 245 horsepower and a whopping 345 lb-ft of torque. That may not sound like a ton these days, but that kind of output was basically unheard of back then. It helped the ZJ hustle to 60 mph in just under 7 seconds, which was quicker than any other SUV at the time.
Jeep didn’t stop there. They included beefy Dana 44 limited-slip differentials, full-time four-wheel drive, and a sport-tuned exhaust, which isn’t shy about letting the outside world know about the massive unit wedged between the front fenders. They also loaded the interior with basically every option and upgraded seats with extra soft leather. Subtle changes on the outside, including hood vents, a mesh grille, unique 16-inch wheels, and a chrome exhaust tip, hint at the beast within — without overdoing it, as is the case with most performance SUVs today.
The Listing
If there’s a better example of the Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited out there, we haven’t seen it. This example boasts just 33k miles, a like-new appearance inside and out, and one of the best colors (of the three available): Bright Platinum.
In the words of the seller…
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited
Rare find.
Pictures are worth a thousand words. Super clean. All original. No accidents.
Runs and drives like a champ!
Still smells new.
Submit an offer. Serious buyers/inquiries only, please.
A recent 55k mile Jeep 5.9 Limited sold on bringatrailer.com for $25k.
I won’t respond to “what’s the lowest you’ll take”, or low ball offers.
If the ad is up, the Jeep is still available. If a deal is done and a new owner takes delivery, I will remove the ad immediately.
If you know someone that’s been looking for a 5.9 Limited that’s this clean, please let them know.
Contact me for more images and videos.
Thank you!
As for the price, the seller doesn’t specify, but we think the hint about a recent comparable sale on Bring a Trailer means that it’s going to take at least $25,000 to bring this one home. Considering the relatively rarity of this model (only about 15,000 were sold), as well as its significance as one of the first tuner SUVs ever made, that’s probably not too much to ask for a near perfect example.
We’d sure like to see it in our garage.
Here’s a link to the Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited listing on Craigslist.
Details and Specs
- 33,142 miles
- 5.9-liter V8 engine
- 245 hp @ 4,000 rpm
- 345 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
- four-speed automatic transmission
- four-wheel drive (4WD)
- Bright Platinum exterior
- black leather interior
- for sale by owner
- est. $25,000 (or best offer)
- Gilbert, Arizona
Photos
