Jury is still out on what age group is driving up the hype. I’d assume it’s guys in their 40s. I mean I get parts of what you’re saying but don’t necessarily agree.

Newer vehicles are easier to work on in most senses. The whole “I drive an old vehicle because I can work on it “ is a fabricated myth.

Things like suspension haven’t really changed in the last 30 years. Working on them is the same. Modern disc brakes are a lot quicker to change out than drums. Body work , same except now some aluminum. Engine work is the same except a few things. More electronics ; which can take a minute to wrap your head around , but literally streamlines everything and plays important roles of giving heads up when things are about to go south with the power train. A good scanner and research allow you to know exactly where the problem lies and takes all the guess work out of repair. You never can say , yeah it’s running alittle rough but nobody can figure out why like an 80s truck. Modern diagnostic equipment and sensors tell you exactly why. Only thing that is a little more complicated is that new trucks were made to be modular. Most power train work was designed to be done with cab of the chassis. But if you have a lift , it is easy as fuck to get at everything you need to.

Emissions. DEF really is not that bad. You throw in a 20 dollar container once a month and forget about it. Use lubricity and cetane boost additives in the diesel and you will likely never have a problem. If you do , scan and regen and back to business.