Right now is the perfect time to try and buy. Bike shops (at least here in the midwest) are trying to get rid of all of the '09 and older inventory so they have gear on super sale.

If you go to a shop see if maybe you can get a package deal. A lot of shops are willing to throw in some free/cheap gear if you buy everything at once. For example if you buy water bottle cages they will throw in some free bottles for you. Or if you buy a pump/helmet/ect. they may throw in some free tubes, patch kits, etc.

You'd be surprised what you can negotiate, esp. when they are trying to get rid of old inventory to make room for the new.

Good luck on your search and there are many great bikes out there for under $1000. Like everyone has mentioned it really depends on what you are looking for