You can still buy them new, which means you can extend apple-care on them and get replacements from the store.
I would do that; I actually did something similar last month with the (now aged) iPhone 5SE. If you buy Apple Care on it they will support it.. You're not losing anything by having a slightly older CPU realistically.
Since Apple hasn’t really lowered the price of those old models, buying them new isn’t exactly a viable option anymore IMHO.
I’m on the same path as GP, terrified that my MBP 2015 breaks. However, it will be my last mac. I’m fed up with apple’s bs when it comes to their pro laptops.
I would do that; I actually did something similar last month with the (now aged) iPhone 5SE. If you buy Apple Care on it they will support it.. You're not losing anything by having a slightly older CPU realistically.