If you are going to buy any Aeroplane it's always wise to have a survey carried out, spending £300-£500 now can save £££££'s in the long run.
This means that on average every penny you save on buying a plane say 30 years old, you will spend on extra maintenance over the next 15 years what you would have spent if you bought a plane say 15 years old.
Does that mean that Aircraft under 15 years old don't break.
I know what you are saying IO540 but a lot of Owners/Groups cant afford the newer end of the market, but a well maintained 30 yr old aircraft may cost a little more to run but should prove just as reliable after all its only a 172. It goes without saying that if you are fortunate enough to be able to own your own Aircraft sooner or later you are going to get a large bill be it a 10 or 30 yrs old.
And no im not having a dig