I'd also add you should definitely just remove the intake manifold bracket that's squarely in the way if it's not gone already. Does make the job a good bit easier

Yeah, that part is great, seriously, I believe it.

Everything drivetrain is rock solid, given.

But my newest vehicle is from 1997.

I'm looking at a 2005 land cruiser tomorrow to add to the fleet.

I work in tech and make good money, it's not a matter of affordability, however I struggle to rationalize why I would spend new car prices for something with arguably far shorter lifespan than my current vehicles.

People going into debt to buy newer cars that don't last more than 10 years is shitty, that's all.

If you baby an EV battery I believe it'll make 15 years tops before serious compromises, and there is no sub thousand dollar junkyard engine or rebuild solution for battery packs is the point. I don't doubt the motors and other components will last longer without issue.

I love it, driving my toy car is one of life's greatest pleasures, even just going out for a cup of coffee.

That said, I also love working from home, in a university town I can bike everywhere, or take my one wheel down to the grocery for essentials etc.

Idk why this seems so hard to understand to some of the fuckcars community, but liken it to vegetarianism (which as it happens my community is heavily vegetarian)

In the same way I strive not to eat trash low tier meat, and instead only consume quality, well cared for products.... I will happily push redesigns of communities for more pedestrian and pev centric ideals, but it does not need to be black and white such that it would sacrifice cruising the foothills and mountain roads I love so dearly.

The difference is it costs a fraction to rebuild an engine or replace with a lower mileage unit than it does getting a new or refurbished battery pack.

I'm ready for EVs too but the lack of DIY maintenance makes it not make sense.