Mine isn't wireless, but yeah I got it probably 10 years ago too - still runs like new, never broken down, actually works better in Linux than it does in Windows, and I think it's only on it's 2nd-3rd toner cartridge ever.
Might be worth it if you want network printing. Usb only is fine, but it’s worth paying a little extra to get Ethernet if that’s what you want. Mdns/avahi/bonjour make things easy for sure. Wifi printers always suck, I’d avoid that. I’ve had nothing but good results with my brother b&w on wired Ethernet.
honestly, laser is laser, higher prices are usually stuffs like, integrated scan or bigger paper capacity, mostly added features rather than print quality.
For the plug and play, you probably are still going to have to pick a driver during installation, most of the time, drivers for older model the same class of printer will work
fake ex: PAPERLOVE CFG-3420D will work fif you have a PAPERLOVE CFG-3520D
adding to the brother upvotes - well supported on linux. the hardware and consumables are reasonably priced and decent quality with minimal or no DRM on most lines. very much what HP used to be 30 years ago.
I have not used their B&W for a while, so I cannot personally attest to DRM specifically on their monochrome lines, I am currently using the MFC-L9570CDW and updates are not forced. brother has been pretty slow to roll out draconian DRM, though I have heard of it in some colour lines. most brother monochrome lines (from reports I have heard) do not restrict toner replacements - someone correct me if they have personal experience otherwise.
brother support and sales have been pretty good in my experience. give them a call and ask specific questions. in dealing with them I have always gotten honest, straight answers.
I have a Canon eco tank, works well under Linux, and with off brand ink, it might be cheaper than my Brother B&W laser.
Still, I would still have to point out that I've had my Brother printer for 17 years or so, and it's rock solid. Off-brand toner is easy to come by. I have refilled toner as well, but it's already cheap enough.
My recommendation is check if you have a local ink/toner shop and see what their refill prices are for the toner cartridges. I chose my printers based on being cheap to continually use and the quality is good enough for me.