There's a lot of innovation now happening in the experimental/amateur-built category. Super-capable avionics, GPS everywhere, electronic ignitions and advanced engine intelligence/management. And for reasonable cost (relative to a new Cirrus and even a new Cessna). If you're willing to do the building yourself or trust another builder, you can get a very capable, modern airplane for under $100K that puts the certificated 1970s Cessna to shame in every measurable dimension.
I think what you are stating should be a top comment and shows what the certification and paperwork overhead do in terms of “purchasing costs”.
I doubt these planes are less safe (but I admittedly don’t have the numbers ready) - but they are a fraction of “certified planes”
