For what it's worth (and this is just reflection, not real knowledge), I bought the best I could afford at the time (a 2002 TD5 with 98k on the clock and no rust issues) and am lucky enough to have a very good local independent who services it for me and does the tricky stuff (I have replaced all the main nuts and bolts with stainless, replaced the lights, added steps and an a-bar but would in no way call myself competent at anything serious mechanically).
The Landy has cost me £140 a year for service, £150 for a new front UJ, about £400 for a new lift pump and probably about another £200 in odd bits and bobs (necessary ones, rather than toys). I don't do a huge mileage (aboUt 5k a year) and have it serviced every 12 months. I have really enjoyed having it (I had a 1964 2a back in the 80's and fell in love then) and have learnt a huge amount from lurking on here and being in awe if some of the things people manage to do to their machines.