1984 Jeep CJ-7 258/5-speed with hard and bikini tops at a low private-party price

Why we picked it

A private seller in Fort Lauderdale is asking $7,500 for this black 1984 CJ-7 with the 4.2-liter (258) inline-six and a 5-speed manual. The seller says it is in excellent running condition, with a new carburetor, fresh bushings, undercoating and a repaint about two years ago. It has a suspension lift, all-terrain tires, a heavy-duty front bumper with brush guard, and comes with both a full hardtop and a bikini top. The seller notes minor rust spots under the doors.

Recent driver-grade CJ-7 sales have mostly landed between about $10,800 and $13,800, and a hardtop alone adds real value. The listing does not state title status, and fresh undercoating and paint can hide rust, so a close look underneath is the priority.

The value check

The seller is asking $7,500. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $8,500–$18,000, so the middle of the market is about $13,250. That put this car 43% under.

Modified driver-grade CJ-7s sold for $8,500 to $18,000 on Bring a Trailer and Hagerty in August 2026, with most between $10,800 and $13,800. At $7,500 this one is about 43% under the midpoint.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1981 CJ-7 modified, BaT, $10,777 (Aug 2026)
• 1984 CJ-7 modified, BaT, $13,751 (Aug 2026)
• 1986 CJ-7 modified, BaT, $13,500 (Aug 2026)
• 1983 CJ-7 Renegade modified, BaT, $18,000 (Aug 2026)
• 1983 CJ-7 modified, Hagerty, $8,500 (Aug 2026)

What to check

• CJ-7 rust: frame rails at the rear spring hangers and near the steering box, floor pans, the tub under the doors, and the windshield frame base
• Rust under the doors (as the seller notes) usually means the tub's rocker area; check how far it goes
• Recent undercoating can hide frame rot; probe the rails and look at the rear crossmember
• Title status is not stated; confirm a clean title in the seller's name before paying
• Check the 258 for oil leaks and the T-5 or T-176 gearbox for worn synchros
• Mileage is listed as true mileage unknown

Making it drive like new

A CJ-7 with a 258 and a manual responds well to a fuel-injection conversion, a gear-reduction starter and better cooling. Common upgrades are a frame inspection and boxing kit, front disc brake refresh, power steering box replacement, and a modern rear axle if the stock AMC 20 is still fitted. A roll-cage tie-in and three-point belts are worth adding for safety.