I'm with you JD, first time buyer should go with something easy to maintain and easy to drive.
Former ASE certified mechanic here, I do ALL my own work. I wonder if I would go with an FE if I didn't?
Changing the clutch out soon (going to 12"), repaired the sticking trans shifter, replaced the starter, did substantial work on the IRS, did extensive work on the dual carbs, pulled the radiator and and soldered a hole, adjusted the solid lifters. The list goes on, the car was built in '86! I get a kick out of working on them, if you don't, keep it simple and get a newer one!