I don't know how feasible this will be in your rural sounding area, but if you have a "Trading Times" magazine in your area, and you can swallow a little "new bike pride", consider picking up some thing used.
Some possibilities may include late model $400.00 dollar bikes (only 150.00 for you) that are gently used and being sold to fund some other oft' not thought through purchase. I must admit I am a cheap skate and have benefited from somone else's "impulse buy" more than once, and have some nice bikes to prove it
I think you had a good idea about asking questions and thinking about this important purchase. Good luck in your decision.
Hope this helps,
ehenz