Was thinking about simply buying this as opposed to a new Rockhopper. What do you guys think?

2005 SPECIALIZED Hardrock Sport Disc

Frame Construction TIG-welded
Frame Tubing Material A1 Premium Aluminum
Fork Brand & Model RST Gila Plus, 100mm
Fork Material Aluminum/magnesium, single crown

Component Group Mountain Mix
Brakeset Tektro IO disc brakes, Shimano Altus levers
Shift Levers Shimano Altus
Front Derailleur Shimano Acera, bottom-pull/clamp-on 31.8mm
Rear Derailleur Shimano Acera
Crankset TruVativ X-Flow, 22/32/42 teeth
Pedals ShimanoToe Clips
Bottom Bracket TruVativ, 113mm spindle
BB Shell Width 68mm English
Rear Cogs 8-speed, 11 - 32 teeth
Chain Shimano CN-IG31, 1/2 x 3/32"
Seatpost Aluminum micro-adjust, 30.9mm diameter
Saddle Specialized BG Sport ATB
Handlebar Aluminum

Handlebar Stem Specialized Mobius
Headset 1 1/8" threadless sealed cartridge

Wheels
Hubs Joytech QR
Rims Alex DH-20, 36-hole
Tires 26 x 2.20" Specialized Enduro Sport
Spoke Brand Stainless steel, 14ga. (2.0mm) straight gauge
Spoke Nipples Brass nipples

Nope.

If it were XT level componentry, I'd say it's probably okay. You can get Acera, Deore level crap to perform really, really well initially...but what sets upper level componentry apart (besides that "extra" precision feel) IMO is the fact that it works well for a long time. Lower level stuff works well...but only for a short time.

Then it starts skippin', poppin...Humpin', funkin', jumpin',
jig around, shakin' ya rump,
and when the dude a chump pump points a finger like a stump
tell him step off, I'm doin' the Hump.

I own that exact bike, was recently debating selling it and after giving it a shot found that I can't get what it's worth. If taken care of the bike is pretty strong. Strength at this level comes with weight and low end componentry, but I can say I threw mine at EVERYTHING it came to and am still riding it. For a dedicated trail bike it's not worth it, I've set mine up now with slicks and it's singlespeed and it's fun, but never was the best option for off-road. Spend a bit more, get components you can rely on for a long time (mine is SS because the entire drivetrain wore out peice by peice over 2 summers of aggressive riding.)

Also I was asking $250 in singlespeed form but otherwise flawless, with mostly new components in the drivetrain and wasn't finding any market willing to pay that.

I think that's a fair price, but not a steal, for that bike in my market assuming it's in good shape.

But the question, as chelboed so elegantly and poetically stated, is whether this is the the right bike for what you want to ride.