1987 Jeep Wrangler Sport from North America - Comments

Clutch had to be replaced at 104,000 miles, very costly $900.

4 Wheel Drive Vacuum motors doesn't work.

Steering Wheel is very loose.

Key is very hard to turn/ get to work.

Left blinker does not shut off automatically.

High beams don't work.

Horn wiring is loose.

Needed new intake gasket.

Power Steering pump went.

Jeep is hard to start.

Choke does not work.

Heater core leaks.

Fuel Odor in car.

This car has been nothing but trouble for me. The only time I actually enjoy it is with the top off. I have put over $2500 into this car in the last year and a half. I hate it during the winter, but for some reason during the summer, I just love it.

You have to keep in mind that you are not buying a new car. In time, things start to wear out. There aren't many 87 vehicles, Jeeps especially, that are "showroom" quality. Just be patient, spend a few bucks, give it some TLC and you'll have a great Jeep. I am also a fellow 87 Wrangler owner who purchased a used Jeep with problems. And I have to keep in mind that it is used.

I have had a 1987 Jeep Wrangler for a few months about 10,000 miles towing a closed trailer with two Motorcycles and am about to cross into Mexico towards Beunos Aires (RETRACING IN REVERSE THE route of Che in his Motorcycle Diaries). In other words I have put a great deal of stress on a Jeep that was a low mileage off road vehicle that has suddenly had to run with the big dogs every day at the posted speed and towing a significant load.

The only recurrent problem that I have "fixed" by absolute removal of the fuel injection module and computer was what you discover as a long term owner - the computer control. Here I remaining state-side I would not do this - but having done so I have lost a bit on fuel economy and gained a great deal in that now I have the sort of simple machine that I believe I can repair whereas not so with the computer - okay - when it is 1987 and my remarks are restricted to this year - it was the first year of the computer - what the mechanics call "OB-One" - an argument could me made if you have the bucks for a new Jeep that the new computer will be just fine - but even there you might want to think about how much complexity you want to cross Columbia with - as well as how new a Jeep?

I also own an 87 wrangler... to me, its great. I especially love it for the four wheel drive. We get some pretty bad winters in Pa and we seem to be the only ones on the road during winter strorms, me and my wrangler and my brother and his cherokee. We are jeep fanatics. We've haven't had any bad luck with our jeeps (knock on wood!)

I have recently purchased a 87 Wrangler that had a wiring fire. Can anyone tell me where to get a complete wiring harness for it? animals4less@yahoo.com Would greatly appreciate it.

I also have an 87 Wrangler. Purchased it used with 87,000 miles, it has been a blast. Two small problems, had to replace serpentine belt and the fan clutch. Other than that it has been trouble free. I would not hesitate to get into it and drive anywhere, it has been very dependable. I think if you keep up on your maintenance, you should have many miles of fun trouble free years ahead.

Hi, I am looking at a 1987 Jeep with 180,000+ miles on it for about $2,000. It has a hard top, is automatic, and appears to be well cared for and in good condition. I am wondering what kind of experiences you guys have had, and if you would recommend purchasing the vehicle. Keep in mind that I am a poor college student with an income of <$200 a month? What would you do?

Thanks! :)

If your income is <$200 pcm you can't afford to run any kind of a car.