Just to add to this discussion somewhat. All fastbacks are not created equal. 1959 and 1960 models, which are plain model 150's, no A, B or otherwise behind their numbers, are exceeding different from 1961 thru 1963 models. The thing that causes the most grief on the earlier models from a maintenance standpoint is the landing gear structure. The first few of the 1961 A models also have this weak structure, and should you encounter one with cracks, loose fasteners, elongated holes, cracked u-bolts and such, you are in a world of hurt to fix the problems. The reinforcing kits are no longer available, a few of the internal gearbox parts are still available, and the only real cure if there are substantial problems, is a complete landing gear "box" replacement with the parts used in the '61 and later models. This is noted in the Illustrated Parts Catalog for these models. Last time I added up all of the parts needed to replace the gear box structure, it was about $5000, but Cessna has had price increases since then and I suspect that it would take closer to $7K today to obtain the parts. After that, you are looking at close to $3K to $5K of a mechanics time to do the work.
There are a number of other structural changes or reinforcements that were introduced on later aircraft that may or may not have been done to the particular 150 you are looking at.
From a user or operational standpoint, the '59 and '60 models have the center instrument panel and the radios on the far left hand side. This certainly takes some getting used to and is undesirable for many people. Something to consider.
Charles
