Well, we did it and put down our deposit on a new '12 171! We had seen the 177 before and loved it, but once we got inside the 171 at the dealer on Saturday and looked around we realized that we liked it even better. They were really willing to make a deal on selling it since they have had it sitting on their lot since February, and so we put down our deposit and will be picking it up on the 19th (along with having them do all the work on my TV that I need done).
Looking forward to our first "campout" that first night at home in the driveway (wife's orders so who am I to object), a shakedown weekend at the end of the month, and then she wants to head out for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend! This is going to be so much better than the tent we've been using the past 4 years!
Thanks so much to everyone for all of the previous postings here in the forums that have helped me to learn so much so far, and in advance to everyone that responds to any of my questions that I am sure to have. Pics to follow when we pick it up in a couple weeks!
Pat & Michelle (and Comet the Wonderdog)