I have had mine for 4 years and the alternator went once. That is the only time it has failed me apart from when I left it for 4 weeks sitting in the deep snow this winter and the battery went flat. Needed a bit of jump start but took it out for an hour and it has never looked back.

I think they are very reliable but mine is my second car so not a disaster if it did want a rest and some tlc.

As for fuel consumption, I do tend to play with the revs when out so not very economical but still get around 35 mpg which is the same as my dependable diesel Mondeo estate.

It is the rust that is the problem and the rarity (and consequently price) of the parts. But I am not aware of any car that you get the same amount of fun, or bang for the bucks. And so much more interesting than a lot of other cars out there.
And they are all older than you....