My wife was hit by a truck that backed out of a driveway right in front of her. As this vehicle weighs over 6000 lbs, it could not stop in time, and has over $7000 in front end damage! The insurance company called it an "old beater", and refuses to pay for repairs. Even if I must sue my insurance company (Progressive), I will get this car repaired! It is the best vehicle I've ever owned, and is GREAT in the snow of Wisconsin's Northwoods.
The only problem I had previously was weak AC. It is a big car, and AC didn't always keep it cool enough. Luckily, it also has a tinted moon-roof!!
This car is boxy, not very economical for city driving, and clumsy, but it is excellent on a snowy road. Not only have I never gotten it stuck, but it is very surefooted on slippery-snowy-slushy highways. On ice, it's terrible (just like all other cars), I caution you, however, that it needs to be in 4WD when it's slippery. In 2WD, it won't go anywhere on slick roads, as 401 engine makes it very front heavy.
It is a plush way to ride down the Interstate, if you can afford to feed its fuel tank. I get 9-12 around city, and 17-22 on trips.
Your Jeep has a 5.9L (360 cid) engine, not a 401. The 401 engine has not been available since the 1970's.
Was curious as to whether you ever reached agreement with your insurance company and/or got your Wagoneer repaired.
As to the value of Grand Wagoneers, there are a couple of dealers in TX with websites selling GW's for what seem like exorbitant prices ($15K-$25K, or 3-4 times the book value for one in good condition). They claim to completely recondition them, but when you look at the work they list as having done, it is typically diddly-squat stuff like new tires, water pump, mufflers, etc, plus detailing. They say they are looking for low-mileage GW's to buy for resale, but wonder what they pay? Since their prices are far over book, do they they pay over book wholesale as well?
Last year for the 401 in the Wagoneer was 1978, almost impossible to find one now though...
If I'm not mistaken, I think the 401 was physically the same (dimension wise, etc) to the 360. If so, the 401 would be a relatively straight forward swap into the GW. Are you sure the engine in your GW was not a replacement engine?
My personal GW is a 1984 with 85,000+ original miles that I paid $500 for. It is a gem and a 'keeper'. I'll never be without one again, despite the less than ideal fuel mileage and needing a few parts replaced now and then. I figure that all the money I saved on a new vehicle of questionable reliability and safety can be wisely invested in a legend that I feel safe in.
Seems like the common thread among these GW reviews is that although their vehicles break down a lot, they love them nonetheless.
As for me, every time I get the urge to buy a GW I just look for one out on the road. Invariably, it will be driven by some old guy. Wearing a hat. Seeing that usually cures the desire to go out and buy one, at least for a while...
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