I am not an expert on cars before the 80s, I do not know how reliable they were in the 50s, 60s, 70s, you would have to focus on more specific generalizations, import or domestic, truck or car, platform this or platform that, for specific context. I do not see many cars from the 70s on the road. Some 80s, primarily 90s and up. Generally speaking.
I sometimes get into discussions with people, that feel older cars are not trustworthy, etc.. again, unless car has known problems or something along those lines, I would wholly disagree.
As to what was being discussed here, I took it as the question, would pandemic-era workforce make a car worse. My answer would be, that.. if it does, you are looking at the wrong company. Might be a better case about parts, although I believe quantity, not quality, may be affected. So many parts are made and nary a chip is needed.
This has evolved into the work ethos of the workforce, I assume we are talking about the American workforce.. yes, hiring signs are absolutely everywhere, even moreso than a few months ago, I do not know why this is, but the generalizations about this is why kind of statements don't exactly hold water when examined closely.
It sounds as if OP has decided against a new car. How about Certified Pre-Owned.. and are prices still disproportionate to value? Many questions.
