Advice needed: Lifter and transmission issues seem to be a mixed bag regardless of miles or maintenance. If I get a 4th gen, can I worry about repairs/upgrades later? Or should I get a cheaper 3rd gen and spend the extra money for the disabler or full delete, thermal bypass, etc.?

Seems to be random bad luck for when these things break down and I want a roomy hauler for family road trips and snowboarding days. Last thing I want is to be stranded miles away from home with family, dogs, and trunk full of our stuff…so basically the title…if there is a method to the madness? do I spend more on newer and hope for longer time before fixing or spend less on older and be ready to upgrade/fix sooner?