If I had plans to keep one 7-8 years I would not buy something less than I may be satisfied with. That is a long time to keep something just to get you by until you buy newer. And something you may not be completely happy with.
We bought ours (35' 2007 Montana bought new July 2007) because it was what we wanted at the time. Still have it and it has been great. And by googling the year and model it seems to have a very good resale value. Keep thinking we will trade up to something larger, but just have not seen reason to do so yet.