[hiccup]

Those comments you quoted aren't very accurate.  Production was '01-'08, and there were very few made in '07 & '08 (recession).  The 480CE is not a common rail engine, it has mechanical fuel injection but an electronically controlled injection pump governor.  The 450C & 480CE are the same engine except for that one difference (which does little to nothing for smoke in my experience, and absolutely nothing for noise).  The QSC is a different animal with fully electronic common rail fuel injection.  I would pay a premium for the QSCs.  I would avoid 3208 at 435hp, although it's not as if each and every one dies an early death.  Some in 2008 had pods--I would put these last on my list (ok, off my list), but even the pods have their fans.

The 3800 was available from the start with all kinds of different options from the factory--seats vs livewells as an example.  However, it appears that around 2005 the 'default' or most common arrangement shifted.  Pre ~2005 the 3800 were overwhelmingly filled with seats--an aft facing seat on the starboard side, aft facing seat on the port side, and a forward-facing fold down seat along the transom.  Post ~2005 it seems the more common layout was much more fishing oriented with a livewell/bait prep on the port side in lieu of the aft facing seat, and a fishbox/livewell along the transom in place of the fold down seat.  The aft facing seat on the starboard side seemed to stick around although you'll see some with a freezer here.

Keep in mind that earlier years could be outfitted with livewells etc and later models could have all seating, but what I outline above is what you're likely to find.  So, if you want mostly seating, you're more likely to find what you want in an earlier model (and vice-versa).  The ~2006 later also appear to be predominately Plan B cabin layouts (no portlight windows, different cabin arrangement).