a used bike is probably a good idea for that kind of money, though i saw a review in mountain bike action magazine a couple of months ago for the best bikes under $1000. i think a giant full suspension came out on top and it cost about $850. re: used, if you can swing $950, i happened to come across this the other day:
http://westernspirit.com/used-specialized-bikes.html
a specialized FSR for $950 is pretty good i think. and i’m sure this place takes good care of them.