There's just something to said for an older vehicle though.
1. They don't make as good a quality now.
2. Older usually is easier to work on. Like you said.
3. Simple, no-frills point a-b transportation. Less bells & whistles to break or go wrong.
I make regular trips to/from Indy/Bloomington. My old Dodge burns 1/4 tank round-trip on average. I don't drive older rides because I have to. Its a choice! I just prefer older stuff.
this is why Im buying a jeep TJ rubicon instead of a newer JK rubicon. I put 139k miles on my old one and put it to the test off road many times, NEVER had 1 issue with it. It was a tank. My buddys new wrangler rubicon, 28k miles, 2 steering box, front axle pinion gears, 2 clutch, various engine problems. He was easier on it than I was on my wrangler. Knock on wood