In addition to Safari International, there's a
Yahoo group with a lot of info on all Safaris as well as documentation for most models. Also, iRV2 covers Safari owners in the Monaco Owners forum.
The only "known issue" with these coaches are the Velvet Ride suspension. Ride height is a big concern, and there are after market fixes for the problems. Velvet Ride would have been an option in 1999.
As mentioned, they are high initial quality and built well. The CAT engine is pretty much bullet-proof and the transmission likewise. Mine is stainless steel and aircraft aluminum and still in excellent shape after 20 years on the road.
The reason they're similar to Beaver is because Safari Motor coach was founded by a former VP from Beaver. Also, SMC developed their own chassis (the Magnum chassis) and Beavers were built on that. Eventually, SMC bought out Beaver, and then the whole thing was bought by Monaco in 2004. Monaco made a few models for a couple of years until the industry went on it's ear.
Jerry & Jeanne
1996 Safari Sahara 3530 - 'White Tiger'
CAT 3126/Allison 6 speed/Magnum Chassis
2014 Equinox AWD / Blue Ox