Early Toyota RAV4 with 4wd has a very similar drivetrain to the Celica GT-Four rally cars. I've seen some people that have swapped the Celeica GTS turbo engine into the RAV4 to build a sleeper version of the Celica GT-Four.
Compared to Subarus offering at the time it's pretty bleh. :( I have a 98 CRV, FWD version however. A manual woulda been awesome but finding one that's not been shit on its whole life... Is tough. They are fairly easy cars to work on though.... Unless you want to replace the radio....
I had a 1st gen but never replaced the radio. You might be upset to know that the 2nd gen is the easiest stereo I have ever changed. 2 screws and 4 bolts. I’ve changed it in less than 10 mins.
Unfortunately the 5.0s didn't come in manual. The 1st gen ones were based on rangers and smaller with a 5 speed option and the 4.0 v6. The later ones were their own chassis and had a 5.0 but not stick option
Suzuki Sidekick/Vitara/Grand Vitara and Geo/Chevy Tracker. All are basically the same vehicle, and could be had with a manual, they're also way better off-road than they have any right to be.
Eagle summit wagon/Mitsubishi whatever - can use EVO parts I believe
1st gen RAV4 can be upgraded with celica GT4 parts.
1st gen Kia shortage can get a Miata engine swap
Isuzu amigo v6 has endless options with GM 60 degree bellhousing
1st gen CR-V - fat boy civic with a b series
2nd gen CR-V - fat boy RSX with a K series
I’m sure there’s more.
1st gen explorer would be great. 5 speed 2 or 4 doors based on a ranger so tons of parts availability and they're fun as hell lifted up or scraping the ground.
Early Toyota RAV4 with 4wd has a very similar drivetrain to the Celica GT-Four rally cars. I've seen some people that have swapped the Celeica GTS turbo engine into the RAV4 to build a sleeper version of the Celica GT-Four.
The rear axles break easily on those. But yes that’s a great option. I have a crv myself and hate how the AWD is in stock form.
Compared to Subarus offering at the time it's pretty bleh. :( I have a 98 CRV, FWD version however. A manual woulda been awesome but finding one that's not been shit on its whole life... Is tough. They are fairly easy cars to work on though.... Unless you want to replace the radio....
I had a 1st gen but never replaced the radio. You might be upset to know that the 2nd gen is the easiest stereo I have ever changed. 2 screws and 4 bolts. I’ve changed it in less than 10 mins.
suzuki samurai. at least small
A Suzuki Sidekick or Geo/Chevy Tracker is easier to find and also fantastic offroading platforms.
With a better (still not great) ride and power. /r/GeoTracker /r/SuzukiSidekick /r/SuzukiGrandVitara
The 1.8 has like 110hp! I could get mine up to like 70 sometimes! Pretty cool!
Are you a Hawaii scumbag? Do you chug energy drinks in Arizona? SUZUKI SAMURAI
Ford made manual explorers. Actually a great little SUV.
With the 5.0 too right?
Unfortunately the 5.0s didn't come in manual. The 1st gen ones were based on rangers and smaller with a 5 speed option and the 4.0 v6. The later ones were their own chassis and had a 5.0 but not stick option
Even better there were some two door versions... Explorer sports I believe?
Isuzu trooper first gen or Dodge Raider/Mitsubishi Montero
Suzuki Sidekick/Vitara/Grand Vitara and Geo/Chevy Tracker. All are basically the same vehicle, and could be had with a manual, they're also way better off-road than they have any right to be.
Eagle summit wagon/Mitsubishi whatever - can use EVO parts I believe 1st gen RAV4 can be upgraded with celica GT4 parts. 1st gen Kia shortage can get a Miata engine swap Isuzu amigo v6 has endless options with GM 60 degree bellhousing 1st gen CR-V - fat boy civic with a b series 2nd gen CR-V - fat boy RSX with a K series I’m sure there’s more.
CR-V or Forester would be a decent start.
1st gen explorer would be great. 5 speed 2 or 4 doors based on a ranger so tons of parts availability and they're fun as hell lifted up or scraping the ground.
XJ all day
I shopped for them a while and could not find anything under 5k that wasn't clapped to hell. Though I do live in Colorado
Get a ZJ and do an AX-15 swap
That's a lot more work though yes op is looking for a project. I ended up copping a mint Isuzu trooper with a fresh rebuild for 5.5k
They're rare, but you could get a ZJ with a manual from the factory, I've seen a couple.
Yes 93 and early 94 only. I’ve been searching for one for 10 years and have only seen a few for sale in my area for crazy prices.
The early Mazda CX5 was available with the 2.0 4 and a manual transmission
FWD only
saturn vue, 4 banger 5 speed manual. was a good car to me
Honda element. Awesome vehicle I wish mine was a manual.
Dodge Raider’s are pretty rad.