[seek the advice of an expert not internet commenters when it comes to this stuff]
From a safety standpoint, age isn’t your problem - it’s whether the aircraft has been properly maintained.
As to price, they’re cheap because they 1) have meaningful deferred maintenance liabilities (inspections, engines) 2) have high variable operating costs (fuel inefficient) 3) need upgrades (avionics, interiors)
4) maintenance volatility (could be problem free or have a $300k issue tomorrow / no maintenance service plan)
From a safety standpoint, age isn’t your problem - it’s whether the aircraft has been properly maintained.
As to price, they’re cheap because they 1) have meaningful deferred maintenance liabilities (inspections, engines) 2) have high variable operating costs (fuel inefficient) 3) need upgrades (avionics, interiors) 4) maintenance volatility (could be problem free or have a $300k issue tomorrow / no maintenance service plan)