Toyota stopped selling manual RAV4s decades ago, but this one still exists. Rare five-speed, AWD setup includes locking center diff and rear limited-slip differential. Freshly repainted in purple and heading to auction with no reserve. There was a time when buying a compact SUV didn’t mean settling for a CVT, a turbocharged three-cylinder, and enough driver-assistance warnings to fill a novel. Back in the late 1990s, Toyota’s original RAV4 offered something that’s effectively disappeared from the modern market: a small, lightweight crossover with a manual transmission and genuine off-road hardware. If that sounds appealing, this 1997 Toyota RAV4 currently headed to auction could be worth a look. Finished in Purple Storm Metallic and showing 173,000 miles, this first-generation RAV4 listed on BaT represents a formula Toyota abandoned long ago. While today’s RAV4 has grown into one of America’s best-selling family crossovers, the original was considerably smaller, lighter, and arguably more adventurous. Better yet, this example sends power to all four wheels through a five-speed manual transaxle. That alone makes it a unicorn in 2026. The Hardware A Modern RAV4 Doesn’t Get The 2.0-liter 3S-FE four-cylinder produced a modest 120 hp (89 kW) and 125 lb-ft (169 Nm) when new, but outright speed was never the point. What makes this RAV4 interesting is its drivetrain. In addition to all-wheel drive, it features a locking center differential and a limited-slip rear differential. That’s the kind of thing you’ll never see on a modern RAV4. It’s more akin to what we get on the 4Runner or Land Cruiser these days. Talk about going backward. The seller says the SUV was repainted ahead of the sale and notes that the black exterior cladding shows some fading. There’s also a ding in the hood. Otherwise, the little Toyota appears remarkably intact for a vehicle approaching its 30th birthday. That theme continues in the cabin. Read: Porsche’s Secret Workshop Brought This Manual Cayenne V8 Back To Life Gray cloth seats feature colorful patterned inserts that extend to the door panels, while equipment includes dual sunroofs (yes, really), cruise control, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, and an aftermarket stereo. The odometer currently shows 173,000 miles, with approximately 1,000 added by the current owner. A Clean Carfax With One Caveat The Carfax report shows no accidents or damage and lists service history records from previous ownership. The vehicle is being offered with a clean New York title, although it’s worth noting that it is identified as a duplicate title. That all said, you can’t get this kind of crossover at any new car dealership today, so that alone makes this worth some attention. Credit: Bring A Trailer