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This 1990 Jeep Wrangler Has More Power Than the New Rubicon 392, Costs Half the Money

1990 Jeep Wrangler 16 photos
Photo: Garage Kept Motors
1990 Jeep Wrangler1990 Jeep Wrangler1990 Jeep Wrangler1990 Jeep Wrangler1990 Jeep Wrangler1990 Jeep Wrangler1990 Jeep Wrangler1990 Jeep Wrangler1990 Jeep Wrangler1990 Jeep Wrangler1990 Jeep Wrangler1990 Jeep Wrangler1990 Jeep Wrangler1990 Jeep Wrangler1990 Jeep Wrangler
Some say the YJ generation Jeep Wrangler is not as good-looking as its CJ predecessors or successors. But headlamp shape aside, no one can deny its off-road prowess because it feels right at home on arduous tracks.
Mind you, it needs some modifications to handle better off the lit path, and a new set of tires would be a welcomed addition. New bumpers, tubular side steps, a winch, extra lights, and perhaps a snorkel are also needed, as is a lift kit.

Fortunately, the Jeep Wrangler YJ pictured above tocks most of these boxes. It has been fully restored, a process that took three years, and it comes with additional goodies, such as the new transfer case, Dana 44 front axle that was moved forward, new radiators, a roll bar, a new top, and others.

Curious about what lies under this Wrangler's hood? It is an LS motor. The 6.0-liter V8 is assisted by a supercharger and paired with a rebuilt transmission. The output is rated at 600 horsepower, which makes it 130 horsepower punchier than the modern-day Rubicon 392. The 2024 V8-powered Jeep Wrangler, which uses a 6.4-liter engine and an eight-speed auto 'box, starts at $90,590 and is only available as a four-door.

1990 Jeep Wrangler
Photo: Garage Kept Motors
The pictured YJ convertible, however, is way more affordable than that. The Garage Kept Motors ad, which can be accessed here, reveals that the asking price is $44,900. The vehicle has 6,143 miles (9,886 km) under its belt, a red finish, fat tires wrapped around the wheels, and a black and gray interior. More importantly, the underbody looks very good, so all it needs is gasoline in the tank and a new owner to drive it the right way.

Some may argue that for around $45,000, they could buy a brand-new 4x4. And they wouldn't be wrong, as the offer is vast. However, they should also keep in mind that this classic Jeep has a jaw-dropping amount of power available at the push of the right pedal and that it is also ready to tackle some arduous tracks, as it has plenty of upgrades. Additional features can be added to further improve its off-roading credentials and turn it into a veritable beast – not that it isn't one.

Now, roughly $45k could get you a new V6-powered Jeep Wrangler or a four-pot Ford Bronco. You could also choose between numerous pickups if that's your thing. But if you had that much money and were searching for a good 4x4, would you spend it all on the 1990 Jeep Wrangler pictured above, or would you get something more modern and save yourself the hassle of owning a classic ride that can constantly break down? Drop a line below and let us know.
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About the author: Cristian Gnaticov
Cristian Gnaticov profile photo

After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s.
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