I'm 6'3" and about 235 and the R3T is the best fit of any of the 6 touring style bikes I've owned. The close second was a '00 Yam RSV I just sold.
I'm at the point that a touring was the direction I wanted to go, but get what makes you happy.
As far as older models go I've read '08 and up had the output shaft(?) improved. But I wouldn't be nervous about earlier if it has 20k plus miles. I'd be nervous with one that was using "only 5000 miles!" As a selling point. In order for internal seals to be lubed and not dry out they have to be ridden, that's true for any bike. Especially in your "dry heat".
As far as prices go be patient and you'll get a good deal. I got lucky and found my '11 R3T in Fort Worth, TX the day I sold my Yam. It had been sitting on the dealer floor for over 2 months, because it has 66k miles. Most people get scared with those miles in a bike, especially at a dealer. They were asking $9k for it, I got it for a lot less... never hurts to haggle.