Yes, if you can find a shop that sells used bikes (none of mine do, unfortunately), see what you can find there. I like Giant in that they tend to be good bang-for-buck.

With your height and inseam (crotch-to-floor, or jeans? The former is the one we need!), I'd actually suggest considering unisex bikes. (If I'm wrong, someone correct me.) You'll have a wider range to choose from, at the very least. I don't know if women's MTBs and hybrids are made with the same geometry 'tweaks' to that road bikes are, or it's just a designation for a pink and flowery design with a more sloped top tube. (I'm pretty sure that with Giant, it's the latter. So if you like the pink or you need that very sloped top tube, go for that.) See what feels best to you. Sadly, I'm not up on my componentry for mountain/hybrids, so hopefully someone else will chime in with that.

BUT--as far as I know, most manufacturers will offer the same frame with a variety of component levels. The more expensive, the better the components. It makes to upgrade (eventually) to the highest component level that the company offers with that frame. Financially speaking, not so much, but it will probably cost less than a new bike! Provided that the bike is of good quality and fits you well, upgrading wheels and parts as they wear out makes sense.

Sorry to have written a novel. Welcome to TE and enjoy those test rides!