Buying an older Rolex but "new" & Tips on unauthorized dealers?

[watchingyou]

I am a newbie here (my very first post!) so please forgive my rudimentary questions. I am trying to find a good price for a Rolex two tone datejust with jubilee bracelet. The few ADs I've talked to are unwilling to give any discount greater than 8%. My parents who worked in retail (albeit not in watches) said I'm insane to pay the price at an AD and that I should just buy it from a reputable wholesale jeweler. They, in fact, went to a few wholesalers to price Rolexes. So, here are my questions:

1) does anyone have any tips on what to look out for when buying from an unauthorized dealer?

2) one dealer cut prices on older models (around 2003-2005) that are brand new. Do you think this is because the bracelet is the older kind (that stretches out)? Can anyone tell me what year Rolex re-did the jubilee bracelet? Would you consider buying an older (but new) Rolex and if so, what would you look out for?

3) can I get opinions on the rose gold versus yellow gold? I wear more yellow gold and silver jewelry but the rose gold seems to make the watch look more understated (which is definitely more me).

Thanks so much!!!

[KarlFr]

Buy what fits your wrist and what pleases your eye, from the big sellers here on the forum and RG is taking over YG prod numbers as it looks great