That is a lot to respond to....I will hit some of the questions.

The bike is incredibly nimble and fun and well suited to riding on the mountains.....your husband and his GoldWing may have trouble keeping up with you!

For reliability and trustworthyness...buy as new of a model as you can afford.  The 2004 and later models have some nice changes to the electrical controls.....a passing light and emergency flashers.  You should try and find a bike that was stored indoors and has little corrosion.

The only problem areas for reliability are the vacuum petcock, the head plug (oil leak), and the cam chain tensioner.  The petcock issue is solved by installing a genuine Yamaha Raptor petcock, the head plug leak is repaired by installing a Verslagen head plug that you can buy here, and the cam chain issue is also solved by installing a modified tensioner from Verslagen.

When you go ride a bike, it should not have any loud banging or rattling....but the cam/rockers do make a bit of noise.  The bike should also accelerate smoothly...if it surges or accelerates unevenly with partial throttle, you will need to have the carb re-jetted, and that is a common issue as the stock jetting is pretty lean to satisfy the EPA.

Any bike much older than 5-8 year should have tires replaced if they are the original tires.

And don't be in a hurry to buy one....shop around and find a good one.  There are plenty of good ones out there.....and also a lot that have been abused.

What is Highway Speed?  Around here the traffic tends to go 70 and over.  The Savage will do that - but if you make a habit at traveling at those speeds or higher....you most likely will want to do something about the gearing.  A 140/90 rear tire helps, and changing the front pulley to a Kawasaki pulley also helps. This does throw your speedometer out of whack however - but does lower the engine rpm when cruising.

Dave

Welcome PurpleRider25. Here is my 2 cents worth. If you want to cruise on the highway all day at 80 mph, get something else. If you are going to cruise at 65 mph or so you will be glad you have the Savage when you reach the twisties or even the long sweepers.

The bike is very light which is great for lower speeds and even for the twisties, but because it is so light you really feel the cars or big trucks on the highway. The faster you go the more you feel the vibration but it is really not unacceptable.

I try to keep my S40 at 65 on the highway but somehow or other I often end up going much faster. It can cruise at 75 but you are pushing it a bit, greatly reducing your mpg and increasing oil consumption.

I'll stop here and let the experts tell you more. As far as I am concerned I like the bike, it is a very good all around bike.

Hi.  Thanks for the comments. I appreciate them.  I am going to take my time and get a good bike for me.  I hope to test one this weekend.  
I am finicky and want a bike in good shape and with the accessories I would like on it.

As far as high speeds, just around 70 mph or so on the highway. I am a conservative rider, but hubby is a more aggressive rider.  So he leaves me in the dirt sometimes. Lol.

The hubby like the Vstar 650 for me; but been there, done that.  So don't think I want another one.     I want something easy to handle.  

Any tips on a handlebar riser?   I have a shoulder issues still and don't like to "reach" for the bars.   My arms are a bit on the short side.  

Thanks again!

Welcome!
I went from a Rebel to an S40 and I LOVED IT!
a bit more room, 20 mph higher top speed, a firmer suspension, enough extra weight to make it feel stable in corners but still light and nimble
Basically it was like a slightly bigger, more powerful Rebel
As Springman said, 65 is the best cruising speed, but the bike doesn't shake at 70, it hums, and it'll surprise your husband on those mountain twisties (unless he's the YouTube Legend Yellow Wolf, that guy DRAGS KNEES on a Goldwing)

If he's Really concerned about you keeping up, he will let you lead.

I've ridden about 30000 miles on mine and have had no issues other than a battery dying outside a dealership. I believe my cheap version Air Hawk seat pad helps a bit. Your riding will be limited by the small fuel tank 100 miles safe, 120 miles you're stretching things, 130 miles plus, pray. As others have pointed out your oil consumption will increase if you do long distances at 70 mph plus. The 140/90 rear tyre idea is good. The Kawasaki pulley idea needs machining skills or the expense of a machinist. The raptor mod is DIY and inexpensive. If the bike has the original IRC rear tyre get rid of it. I found an instant improvement in stability once I did this and there are threads on this forum dealing with rider experiences with different brands. If you do buy, get some riding in before doing modifications. Will dealerships allow a thirty mile test ride?

Hello. Thanks everyone for the responses.   I am still interested in getting the Savage, but just want to know if there is any special fuel you need to use?  Most fuel around here has Ethanol, is that okay?  Do you need to add anything to gas?   Hubby still not too keen on this bike, he seems to think that the bike won't be enough to keep up and has other misguided assumptions about the one cylinder engine.  So am I working on him.  We went to look at and I test rode the Vstar 650 and a Vulcan, but just did not feel comfortable on the bike.  I know I used to ride the Vstar, but now don't feel comfortable on them.  I feel better suited with the Savage at this point in my life and won't want another bigger bike later down the road. Since I am looking at used bikes,  how do you find out if the recommended changes were done; the petcock, rejet of carbs and the plug? If the current owner doesn't know?    Is the plug still available?    

Thank you.