Chris,
I just watched a top gear episode (the new guys) and they compared a brand new Dacia Sandero against a £6000 Rolls, Bentley and Mercedes 600SL (obviously old vehicles) and carried out some tests (some of them silly) and the Sandero beat them all in all the tests.
What people don't consider is that, yes the £6000 old luxury car is lovely, until one thing happens (it breaks down, and they will) and the cost to run it, insurance, tyres, servicing but mainly repairs.
So if you are lucky and it does not break down then yes the old Rolls, Bentley etc etc is a nicer car but they are cheap for a reason.
Have a good weekend and I feel sorry for your pal.
Frank