Izzy:
We researched coaches for two years before buying. Also test drove 15 of them. I realize you cannot wait two years, but be sure to take time on this. We also sold our house and went full time and have no regrets at all.
You are off to a good start. Both the Dutch Star and the Bounder we looked at and liked. You are wise to stick with diesel, despite the increased cost.
May i suggest a compromise, which is the Kountry Star?
First of all let me correct a misconception stated earlier. The 2006 Kountry Star comes in both gasoline and diesel pusher versions. And with the introduction of the Newmar Ventana as the entry level pusher, the newmar Kountry Star has been elevated to mid priced luxury. This process began in 2005 when the KS was completely revised and upgraded. There is some discussion that in the future gas might be eliminated from the KS, with the Scottsdale taking over most gas.
At any rate, the KS diesel is identical to the DS (Dutch Star) diesel, albeit with a slightly smaller and more economical engine, and some standard items on the DS are options on the KS. The KS goes up to 39 feet and a fraction, while the DS goes up to 43 feet. We purchased the KS3910.
You can save money by going the KS route and get basically a Dutch Star. I would highly recommend the Spartan chassis over the Freightliner, as the Spartan comes with independent front suspension (IFS) and the Freightliner does not. I sort of pooh poohed IFS originally when close friends here on the forum suggested it. After taking some test drives, I decided I would not want to be without it. My friends here were on the money. A 38 thousand pound machine needs all the handling help it can get.
Whatever you do, take LOTS of test drives. Let the dealers know you are a SERIOUS buyer and INSIST on numerous test drives.
And if you buy from Newmar, I strongly suggest you have the patience to order from the factory and not buy off the lot. Newmar is one of the few companies that gives a wide latitude to custom orders on coaches in this price range. We were very impatient about waiting for delivery (7 to 9 weeks) but it was worth every minute of the wait when the coach arrived.
Take LOTS of test drives before you buy!!
I also recommend BUT ONLY IF YOU DO YOUR RESEARCH WELL AND TAKE YOUR TIME that you buy as much as you can afford rather than working your way up. You lose a LOT of money working your way up. However if you are in a rush to buy, then ignore this advice.