Roamer and Ron
I would be interested to hear what you consider to be a 'good buy' of a used 'high-end' Class A coach, under $30K (the original poster's upper$$$ limit) - assuming it is in good, roadworthy condition. IMO anything in that price range will be significantly older, likely to have more issues - purely due to age - and less likely to have features more commonly found in newer 'lower-end' units. At this budget, I would be looking for 'value pricing'.
I have looked at quite a few 'older' higher-end units, which are frequently sans pop-outs. Interiors are often shabby, odorous and unfashionable. Surfaces are often well-worn and / or covered in material less superior to today's materials. Also flamability becomes an issue in older coaches which may not be subject to fire and toxicity regulations. Mileage may also be an issue and prior mainenance very questionable, especially if the coach has had several owners. An older but well put together rig may be heavier with consequential MPG. 'Higher-end', is in no way any guaranty or indicative of the unit's integrity any more than it is relative to a 'low-end' unit. That's kind of like saying autos which were built in the 80s are superior and more reliable than those built a decade or so later. And if they are not, you get better service from the dealership because they cost more in the first place. Try taking that argument to Camping World for a service if the original manufacturer is no longer in business or is 2000 odd miles away. Sure you may get good customer service if roll up at the gates of the 'High-end' coach manufacturer's facility but in the real world how many of us can look forward to that support?
My limited advise to the original poster is buy what you like, within your budget, as long as all the components in the MH are in working order or you are prepared to fix or replace. Most coaches use similar equipment throughout and everything is fixable one way or another. Those 'non-generic' items sometimes peculiar to older 'Higher-end' units may be more difficult and expensive to replace to OEM, with frustrated owners searching junk and salvage yards.
I would tend to get the newest unit my $30K would get simply because later units have tended to follow in the chronological steps of 'high-end' units, due to (a) Industry standards change and (b) public demand. 'High- end' or 'low-end' - if you like it and it suits your needs, take the plunge and enjoy. That kind of price range you are probably looking between perhaps '95 and '99 year models - with the older year coach being the 'higher-end'. For resale purposes - though it ain't much either way, the newer coach is, perhaps, going to give slightly more bang for the buck but DPs usually command a few more $$$. e.g. on my local Craigslist you will find a '95, 34' Allegro DP (not necessarily 'high-end' but a DP nonetheless) or a '98, 34' Fleetwood Bounder Gasser, for basically the same price. Most anything 'higher-end' will likely be older than the '95.
BT
The really high shine just doesn't look natural in a well finished motor coach.
