OP, I don't know much about Newmar cabinets, but IIRC all-wood cabinets in the Monaco coach line of the '04-'08ish era started with the Camelot and on up.
I've seen a lot of great deals on '04 and up Dynasty models that would not only include real wood cabinets, but a great S-Series chassis and four slides. If, like me, you live out west I would try to spring for an Executive, Signature, or HR Navigator with a bigger engine to get over the hills.
Country Coach and Foretravel also offer good custom chassis and nice wood work. If I were in your shoes I would be looking at an Executive, Signature, Navigator, CC Magna or Affinity, or Foretravel Nimbus or Phenix. Mostly because I prefer the chassis and way they were constructed -- steel framed houses, vacuum bonded walls, etc. Though I don't own one, if you can afford it I would focus on a Foretravel.
If your budget requires it, just buy a bit older. You'll not likely get four slides, but you can still get quality. And that's what I would focus on. Buy a good foundation that will last and has been well maintained. There is an issue with bulkhead separation with some older Foretravels so do check with the factory to make sure it's been addressed if you go that route.
Everyone has their biases and most tend to speak up for what they bought -- until they trade it in of course ๐ And beware of anecdotal stories. It seems most everyone has built a dog at one point or another. What you should focus on is how they were, in general, made and ensure to the extent you can that the one you plan to buy was not made on the Friday before a holiday.
That includes sending fluids out to be tested. You can buy kits that will allow you to take a fluid sample and get it tested. What is going on, right down to what metallic particles are in the engine oil, can actually reveal a great deal about what's going on in the engine. I would prefer to take and deal with the sample myself rather than take the word of the person trying to sell me something.
If you feel you have to act quickly to get a too good to be true deal please have the strength to walk away. Chances are you'll be dollars ahead in the long run if you don't let yourself be rushed.
Finally, I personally wouldn't bother too much with Ebay. Consider trying rvonline.com, rvtrader.com, and rvdeals.net
Good luck with your search and I hope this helps in some way.
