Help with first mountain bike purchase

Question
Hi George,
  I'm 35 and used to race motocross so I'm competetive but sort of out of shape.  I know if I could talk to someone knowledgeable I could get a picture of what to buy.  I need a bike to get around town on the streets (some of the time...scottsdale, az) to get me to the trails.  I started looking for mountain bikes on ebay and it's way too confusing.  I want a quality bike that's used, don't care too much what it looks like, at least good front suspension and probably rear also.  I'm 6.2" 190.  I'm looking for that bike everyone says "that was a solid bike and it still compares to the new stuff" maybe 2-5 years old...not real expensive, possibly has some things I will have to upgrade.  I like to work on things (I rebuild engines, transmissions, etc., I'm an engineer so I appreciate quality design, but I'm poor from a divorce).  I would probably be happy with that bike that someone had for a few years and now they are buying the $1200 and up bike and selling there used bike for $200 to $400.  I'm told to get V-brakes and 19.5" frame, if that makes sense.  I'm not going to be doing any extreme downhill and if I do, and the bike is not capable, I'll just have to trade it in.  At that point I'll probably be getting more serious than I can imagine right now.  If I had the money, I think I would be buying a new bike for around $600 if that helps.  Some people are telling me to look at trek and specialized.  I just want a bike that feels smooth and isn't limited by dated design if I want to upgrade.  I don't want to consider the purchase of some component and have the sales guy tell me the bike isn't worth upgrading.  Sorry for the lengthy message, but hopefully, you have a good idea what I like.  Think ex-motocross, just a little older and not too crazy these days.  -Jeff

Answer
Hello,
I got everything you said!
For sure get V-Brakes! I wont get into much detail why but trust me and your friends.......go V-Brakes.
2nd I have a bike in mind, it's a MARIN Novoto. Here is the link. You can get a 2003 model for cheap (I got my 2003 for $700) so they must be down in price. Its called the Urban Series, its a hybrid. VERY fast on road and its a great off road mountain bike aswell. It has great parts and a very good price.
As I mentioned here is the link so you can see. If this is not to your liking let me know and i will research into it some more. But from what you explained to me this is your bike for sure.
As for me im 6' 205 pounds and the bike handles like a Porch!

http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2006/html/bikes/bike_specs/specs_novato_9.htm...

http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2006/html/bikes/bike_series/bikes_ser_urban.h...

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/product_view_full_img.asp?wc=true&image_file=66...

http://www.bikemagic.com/review/reviewproduct/mps/RPN/28967/RER/4/v/2

Let me know what you think!

George