[alf]

I have a 1988 Specialized Rockhopper Comp. Bought it in collegue $500 with Shimano Deore groupo.

I rode that thing down stairs, through dirt, on the street, up and down a bunch of trails in Washington for years, dropped it more than i could count and it is still straight and true. My 11YO son is riding it now and it will no doubt survive his (ab)use. Could be had used for about $100 on CL, Stumpjumper maybe $50 more.

Would not mind getting a used Cannondale or Fisher MTB either. A used top of the line bike could be had for less than a new bottom of the line bike. The former will usually hold up better.