The older cars are remembered in a better light than they real were in. Tune up every three thousand miles, rattling noises, rusting out, fuel sucking, unsafe and unreliable for the most part. We forget that the new vehicles while more complicated can go for 100,000 miles before a tune up. Tires that go 60,000 miles because the tolerances of the front end are that tight and dependable. We have to give credit to the better materials we have to use including lubricants and technology.
I found one of the best ways to keep your costs down in the repair shop is to find a shop that wants to earn your business. Interview the mechanic and owner before you need a repair. When you bring in your car for repair and they present you with an estimate don't be afraid to ask the questions you need to so you understand what they are doing for the price quote. Don't tell them it is to expensive until then and then ask them if there are options to make it less expensive. I know as a plumber that if people approach a repair this way I fell then it is not just a person trying to get a better price than the job deserved. It keeps both of the people from getting defensive the customer doesn't feel ripped off and the mechanic is not feeling like you called him a crook. I have had the pleasure of an auto mechanic for 15 years and I make sure he knows he is appreciated and he does the same.
BTW I am not down on older cars we have a 64 GTO, 65 Ford Pick up and a 72 VW Convertible we love to play with they do not go to the shop because they are from a time where you could work on them.
Art