I had a look at what's for sale now between $3k-5k as that would be about my limit. And then for something old but must be quirky AF. And I reckon I'd be rocking this Bongo.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/1973-mazda-bongo-manual/SSE-AD-17179567/
#WeirdCarMastodon #Mazda
My first car was a seventies Mazda, if I couldn't find a running Beetle in that price range, I'd love this van to death.