I only played a bit of rune factory (I think 4) and it seemed like it was a ton of story and very controlled with the farming aspect. It could be I didnt play enough though

Yeah kinda, or the incentive to have a car you keep amping up with new gear and parts rather than it being cheaper and easier to just buy a new car.

Like forza horizon 1, the upgrades felt expensive and meaningful and new cars were so expensive. Could be nostalgia goggles though

Hmmm I’ll habe to look into it. I seriously doubt it, though.

I miss the carpg elements from the first horizon game.