Welcome, Larry. You have come to the rught place for Airstream info.
We are fairly new, but will share our experience with you.
1. We shopped used and found that late model units in great shape went for close to new. We bought a new 2005 in June, 2006. We were able to negociate 22 percent off of sticker because it was new old stock. We also found that there is a big difference between dealers on price. Call around. The '07's are out anf there are still a lot of '06's and a few new '05's on the lots. Check dealer inventory on
www.airstream.com.
2. The options that I would look for is the built-in black tank flush system and the electric heat pump. We also have the audio/video system which is nice, but you can get more bang for your buck aftermarket. If you find the right unit at the right price, don't walk away because it has this option. Their system works well and we are very pleased with it. We have spent 67 nights in our Lucy, and like their system.
3. It is nearly impossible to rent an Airstream. You can rent a travel trailer to try out the RV scene. We looked into it and decided against it after hearing the cost; it is pretty pricey for what you get.
4. There is a used Airstream market. Try the classified here. Also go
www.airstream.com, select the Airstreamer tab and look for classifieds in the lower right hand section of the screen. Also, check out ebay.
5. We have have already done some camping last month in the White Mountains of New Hampshire where it was dropping below freezing at night. We found the Airstream very comfortable and all the systems worked well. If you're talking about serious cold weather stuff like in North Dakota, I don't know.
6. We are not anywhere near Memphis, but if you are planning any travel to or through the Florida Panhandle, we would be glad to share our meager experience with you and show you the systems on Lucy.
7. You have an ample tow vehicle for any size Airstream. You might want to start researching the various hitch systems on the market. Towing a large and heavy trailer requires a load distributing/sway arresting hitch system. You don't want to pinch pennies here. This is a VERY IMPORTANT component of the Airstream experience. A poorly performinf hitch system is the primary cause of Airstreams becoming very expensive yard art.