Ah, Jeff... see this is the old argument: vintage vs. contemporary. I'd never own a watch newer than 1976, and some would never own a watch older than 2000. Likewise, I'd never own a new sports car, IMO it's too much of a "look at me" thing. But I'd bend over backward to scratch up the money for a Sunbeam Tiger with a firebreathing V8. Both are sweet rides, but to me one stirs the ego and the other stirs the soul. Just my opinion...
My opinion of the economy: this is the time to buy if you're smart, agile and looking forward a year and then again 2 years.