Getting back to the old aircraft bit, I own a 1979 Beech Sundowner 180; rare aerobatic certified model. It used to belong to a government-run training facility (part of a community college). It has over 10,500 hours on the airframe, but was maintained to a very high standard (the original paint still shines on it, always hangared, meticulous and documented maintenance).
It has been a delight to fly, and has been cheap to maintain, certainly cheaper than my previous PA28-140, though it's a bit expensive on fuel.
An old, well maintained aircraft may not be sexy, but they can be fun, safe and reliable. Mine is as unsexy as they get. It is painted in high-visibility yellow, and I call it my "school bus"...
Beech