By old models do you mean the DC-1 line?
Also, would you recommend someone with the budget for a D&D electric guitar to purchase a foreign brand instead? The Yamaha Pacifica, Ibanez GIO series and Squire Strat come to mind.
yeah the dc-1 series. anyway, if I had that budget I would go for a foreign brand with a more standard design(squier strat/tele), since i dont really dig DnD's designs. i saw some squier california strats over on guitar pushers page and i think they look sexy. with a bit of set up and pup replacement, i bet those can play and sound nice too.
anyway, just try all of those out if you can, and pick the one that feels best for you. kaya naman i remedy ng set up sa magaling na luthier yan.
alternatively, you could just save a bit more, and hunt the classifieds for a second hand mim Fender, or a Tokai/Fernandes. Ive seen some go for as low as 14-16k. if you dont mind buying used, to me, this is the best option.