I’ve owned a Yak 52 (same engine as Y18T) and can confirm high fuel consumption, high oil consumption, high maintenance costs, but fun to fly. If you enjoy cleaning oil off your aircraft every time you fly it (it covers underneath and wing roots on start up) and worrying about running out of compressed air if you don’t get the start procedure juuust right, then the Yak is for you. An enthusiasts aircraft, as has been said. If you want an easier (and cheaper) aircraft to own and operate, go for the Cessna.
i loved my Yak, but was pleased when it was gone.