Originally Posted by DramaLlama

I've been educating myself on mtbs and scouring CL/FB/OfferUp for a good deal. Looking for a hardtail and trying to keep it under $300 and get a decent bike for my money - definitely a challenge - something that will last and that I can advance with.

The problem is I'm likely going to have to drive out of state to pick it up as there's not much for that price here (Las Vegas) and I'd like to make the 'right' decision or at least a well-informed one.

So far I've narrowed it down to the following, all seem to be well looked after:
Local:
Early 90s Trek 8000 (Answer Manitou Bulge FS shocks) - $320
2012 Cannondale Trail 6 26er (upgraded hydraulic brakes and Ti front skewer) - $300 - this seems to be priced a little high, but it's the only newer bike I've find in my price range.
'99 Specialized Hardrock FS - $50

Out of town:
'93 Trek 8000 (2 hr round trip - $100!!!
'95 GT Zaskar LE (3 hr round trip) - $225

I'm still looking, and it would be nice to have a newer 27.5 or 29er but in my price range I'd rather have a solid 20 year old bike with great components.

Thanks in advance and let me know if I should be looking out for anything else!