I too got a fabulous deal on ebay for my Giant Trance. You should not pay more than 50% of retail for a used bike in good+++ condition. Just be sure to ask questions on condition/ how many miles are on the drivetrain, etc. The drivetrain is what takes the most abuse and is expensive to repair.

I did not even test ride it but I compared the spec's with my hardtail. BTW the standover listed for the Trance on the Giant website is a "virtual" number. Actual standover is much greater because of the way the top tube angles down.

For the budget conscious a hard-tail is a good way to go, as long as you have healthy joints, back, etc. If you are over 40 I would recommend a full-sus, however. Be forewarned: if you test ride one, you will want it. If you ride horses it's like the difference between a trotting horse and a gaited one.

Don't limit yourself to wsd. MTB have more wiggle room for adjusting your reach- stem length, bar rise, setback seatpost etc. Get on some test rides if you can.