5th wheel quality compared to early 2000’s?

I think the workmanship itself is about the same but some materials are better. For instance, new rigs are better insulated.

I had a 2015 Jayco HT model and it had more issues than I can recall, mostly insignificant things. I traded it for a 2017 Jayco Eagle and so far the only issue I had I was able to find during PDI (a dimmer switch wired wrong). Hopefully this fifth wheel remains as good as it appears. The fit and finish seems to be much better on the new Eagle than on the HT.

New quality sucks generally because demand outstrips supply so it's throw them together today....

I'd keep your old one until the market goes the other way and then buy new. Not now.

I'm keeping my 4 year old unit just because of that scenario.... and I have all the issues worked out now.

I don't own a Jayco, but have friends who have older models - 5 years - and they are happy. I'm not sure quality is unique to just one line of manufacturers. We have a friends with Arctic Fox's - Northwood, and one's unit was purchased 5 years ago and they had a lot of quality issues. Another just purchased their's new a few months ago and they have the same quality issues. We purchased our Bighorn new in 2010 (it's a 2011 model) and have had no issues except for a missing screw on a wall sconce and had to have the pull strings on one day/night shade adjusted. Keeping our older unit for sure!