The thing about old cars is that their resale is low but when you go to buy new parts they are priced like new parts. Let's say a new shock absorber is needed for both a 1994 lancer and a 2005 lancer. 1994's new shock may be for 7000 and 2005's for 9000. But resale of 1994 will be like 3-4 lacs whereas 2005 model will be like 9-10 lacs.
Most people will choose resale value and go for cheap parts but if you can manage genuine/reputed japanese parts then you will spend a small fortune on the car but you will love the car and it will run reliably.
It's all how you manage routine and non-routine maintenance when required. I have a 2005 lancer and I've never worried about resale value. I plan all the maintenance and expenses in advance and keep an inventory of parts at home so whenever I need to do sth I always have the parts handy. The biggest issue in our market for old cars is lack of parts availability readily. Mostly the parts are not available when you need them the most but available every other time.
