kontextmaschine:

When I got Darwin I had been looking for a Toyota 22R(E) pickup for a while, because I heard they’re reliable, simple to maintain and rugged - historically, the platform of choice for “technical” improvised combat vehicles.

Really was kind of getting up there though. I forgot what 80s vehicles were like - no power steering, power windows, airbags, cup holders, spare space in the cab… also the mechanics that specialized in them are calling it a life, just as after 30+ years the metal-on-metal parts were wearing and loosening.

But it was such bulletproof low maintenance though, is there anything equivalent today? I see lists like “the Corolla only costs $700/yr!” and no, I don’t mean cheap maintenance, I mean low maintenance. You only needed to change the oil regularly, the other fluids, tires, brake pads, and spark plugs occasionally, timing chain and tensioner every 100,000 miles, rebuild the engine head every 200,000, that was it.

The Tacoma? A Jeep? A Subaru? One of those #VanLife Euro commercial chassis? Hold out for electric? Bother looking for an imported Hilux? Look for an extended-cab with options from ‘94, last year for the 22R?