The control is still supported by Heidenhain
As with any 20 year old machine, some stuff is available some isn't
The demise of Bridgeport means not as much is around that could be.
To me the sweet spot for age/value is about 10 years. VMC's are fairly cheap nowadays, so he might consider a newer one.
On the upside, the control is pretty bulletproof[I think it would be a 151 or 2500] and well supported.