Upgrade to a DP?

Teleman wrote:
We bought a low mileage 29 foot '88 Coachmen Classic Class A gasser in 2004 that has served us well but the time has come to think about getting another coach. We don't want to spend more than 25k and don't want anything bigger than 32', 30' would be preferable even. I know there isn't much in the way of DPs that fit these criteria but I did see a '97 30' Safari in the local classifieds, since sold, for 24k that looked nice and pretty much what I was hoping to find.

I'm looking for any advice here...brands or models to look for or avoid, or if it's not a practical endeavor at all. We are ready for a better, quieter ride and the gassers I've driven seem to have even less pep than our old Coachmen and are just as loud in the cockpit. I don't want get into a DP only to get killed by unanticipated repair costs either. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

First order of business will be to find a gear head for a private seller, when purchasing that old and being so fearful of immediate and surprising undo repairs. These units are usually kept up with and if he's personally done some mods, so much the better, as it shows his interest in the rig, other than just for using it. You'll need to evaluate the truth of this seller's motive for selling as well, which will tell you a lot about the coach in question.
Lastly, you might want an independent PDI, once the deal is made and being contingent on this inspection. Either that or buy it for a song and way under low retail, so that you'll have some room leftover for the unexpected and eventual repairs.