I was just like you - wanted a 3rd gen all my life, but was sitting around waiting forever for the "perfect" one to show up. Eventually said screw it, picked up the cleanest one in my price range and started building! Bought my truck a few months ago with ~280k and it's strong as ever, recently gonna go for a lift, widen the stance, new wheels/brakes and aftermarket bumpers, all hopefully before fall/winter. Next year I'm gonna tackle an E-Locker. These cars can truly be bulletproof if they've been cared for, never say it's too late!
When it comes to these cars, your best options now are either wait a few more years until imports open up, then baby it around town every other Sunday, or you can buy one now and enjoy it till the end. Or both!