Welcome to Something a Little Different!
As Ive dug deeper into the modification of my Miata- I found myself needing a platform that can provide me some versatility with everyday activities: Mainly- grocery grabbing, school supply hauling, transport for bikes and parts.
So in an effort to find a vehicle that suited my needs, i started a search! I know i wanted something compact- I am already using my one provided space to hide the Miata away, So i needed something i could sneak into the extra nooks around my complex (But i couldn't give up any versatility).
Of course, Ive always had an eye for unique and underdog vehicles- Which led me to sniff out the outcast of the American automotive culture, the Micro-SUV
The History
There has been soft spot in my heart for early generation, small, and economical sports vehicles since i was young. This all started when i first was introduced to the Isuzu Vehi-Cross, a smart and highly capable SUV with polarizing styling. I could honestly say it was one of the Influences that led me to Transportation Design. While it wasn't well received, I feel it was a brave attempt to push boundaries while offering a functional drive-train and chassis.
The likes of other small 2 door SUVs have since been an interest to me- A few examples being the Geo Tracker, Suzuki Samurai, Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota FJ, and some American offerings such the Explorer Sport-Trac / Blazer ZR2 / Wranglers.
There is just something purely "cute" about the scrunched proportions, short wheelbases, and tall height!
One Canidate
Lets not forget a prime contender- Frankly, one of my favorite Micro-SUV selections: the Toyota Rav4
While the 4-door selection is a prime example of a standard and vastly popular economic vehicle choice- The 2-door configuration is just stunningly cool!
The early generation Rav4 in my opinion carries its styling quite well over its age- Large curvacious lines, two-toned graphical indications, short approach / departure angles primed for terrain tackling.
While it was marketed in the US as a capable family tote- In truth a durable chassis and a grippy AWD system made it great for hitting the dirt!
One Just for Me!
I actually set off my search a long time ago for a 2-door Rav4- Just browsing as if i wanted to purchase one, But not until recent events did i take the hunt seriously.
I learned that they have become incredibly hard to find in the US- Looking through enthusiast forums and country wide ads led me on wild goose chases that yielded minimal results.
And then one night when i had been lackadaisically searching local ads- This little red box appeared!
An unburdened by abuse- 1997 Toyota Rav4 2-Door Tin Top
I was in luck to nab one of the more rare "Base Non-Power" configurations- The most basic of basic models. No assists, No electronic interior features, 5-speed manual transmission.
These have become a commodity simply because most of these configurations were shipped to the Asian continents as a bare bones, cheapened, "nothing to go wrong"- get around vehicles; A few made there way to the US, but not many.
The only bummer being that i was not able to find the AWD drive-line configuration... A very rare sight state-side, there are very few to be had as they were mainly configured in an Automatic transmission special edition model-
So i will make way with this more than adequate FWD model with 68,000 miles and immaculate appearance.
Mokocchi?
I chose to name this little red box Mokocchi in an effort to channel one of my favorite anime characters: Tomoko Kuroki
She is a small and awkwardly hap-hazard example of a high-school student that despite her misguided efforts to be popular, only brings herself embarrassment
I think this somehow works out for the quite unpopular and horrible sales reflection the 2-door Rav4 presented during the late 90's- It tried so hard to popularize a market that just didnt have a spark.
Continued
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Originally Posted by Blueiii
