We took our new 2014 Eagle Outback for a shakedown run over the weekend and couldn't be happier. Very quick and easy to setup even in fading light! We will stay mostly at caravan parks and national parks close to main roads so I think it will be just about perfect for our needs.
It was a run out model, standard trim with the only extras being a Fiamma awning, bed end flys and club lounge bed convertor. We picked it up for just under $26k on road, with 12 months rego. I think this is pretty good when you consider the resale value. We looked at a few second hand ones but I couldn't justify the price people wanted and they wouldn't budge.
When we picked it up we also bought a front shade awning for the Fiamma, a Happy Wanderer TV aerial (we used an old LCD TV we had at home) and annexe floor matting ($65 at Road Tech Marine).
The only complaint so far comes from my 10y.o. daughter who complained the bed (converted dining area) was too hard. I told her we would get her an 'egg shell' cover for her to use next time.
Given that we live in FNQ we considered aircon and that may still be on the cards but we'll see how we go.
I'm not sure how much the other options you listed cost but you might want to think about whether or not you really need them. Or whether you can add them yourself in the future. In any case, below is my 2 cents worth.
Is the ESC really going to be worth it? We don't have it and I found the camper sat really well on the road behind our Jeep Cherokee, easily cruising at 110kmh and occasionally a bit more when overtaking. I imagine ESC will create almost as much discussion as leaf vs independent suspension.
I think an external BBQ would be handy but the dealer told me you can fit a Weber Baby Q (about $300) in the front boot. I've not checked this but that is what we'll do. Also, i am sure an external BBQ will take up space somewhere inside when packed up reducing internal storage.
You might also want to consider a Fiamma rather than a bag awning. I found the Fiamma to be really easy to use and could be wound in or out in just a minute or so. Ours doesn't come with the full wall kit but we have found there is enough space for all of us inside if the weather is bad.
Good luck with the purchase and I hope you are as happy as we are. After the weekend, we are already talking about our next trip, to Mission Beach or maybe the dinosaur trail at Winton or maybe the Undarra lava tubes or maybe Big Crystal Creek or maybe...... you get the picture, no shortage of places to go in beautiful tropical North Queensland.
