If I did that half my neighbors would own my devices in a week because they like transmitting open access points for setup purposes. I just connect them anyway and then just block them from outbound access at the router if I want to restrict them. That way I can be sure. Then I can use my local Homeassistant server to control them from behind the firewall locally if they have that capability.
As long as the head gasket is still good, oil seals are good, and piston rings are good, everything around them can be replaced at home with a Haynes manual, except maybe the transmission and any welding work on the exhaust.
Just did a timing belt replacement in the driveway on mine, good for another ten years now.
Why not both?