My coach now is pretty much a base model, no slide, levelers or power anything. I bought it few years ago knowing it needed some "TLC" to see if we really like having a motorhome or not and we found out we do. Don't get me wrong we like ours but would like to move up a little. You are correct that the unit is only 2 years newer but the amenities are vastly different.
Think of it as moving from a 1998 Chevy s-10 to a 2000 Chevy Duramax 3500 dually crew cab (don't know if they made either those years but its an example). Both are trucks and only 2 years apart but way different none the less.
My main concern is the reputation of the Coachmen, I already know about Tiffin's reputation, and if anyone has any personel experience with either coach.