I adore the 64. My first rimfire (and still a fav) almost 30 years ago now. Still keeps on chugging. They can be finicky, and have to be kept clean to cycle. A fantastic little rifle in production for over 50 years, and still being made today. Proudly Canadian, and pedigree spanning 3 manufacturers (Cooey, Lakefield, and Savage) with minor changes since day one.
That said(typed) I can't imagine buying a new one. One of the perks of the lowly 64 was they were affordable, robust, and accurate gems. In shops now, the Marlin 795 can be purchased for less than a 64, and that would be the direction I'd lean in. Get a good deal on a used model 64, and they are certainly little pleasers, but not enough merit to opt for one over a Marlin in today's market.