Good morning. I was in your exact position a month or 2 ago and ended up buying a Titan Rogue Dash brand new (about R16k) and within my budget. I am also a new rider and it was pretty difficult trying to make sense of all the information out there.
There was the temptation to buy something flashier second-hand like a dual suspension or even an older hard tail. You can get a good deal second hand, but you cut your risk to zero by buying new. Also, I wanted to start with a hardtail and learn to enjoy it to its full potential. I can always go full suspension later on.
I read a bunch of threads on this forum and on the internet and trimmed it down to three bikes, the Titan Rogue Dash, the Marvel Prime at Cycle Lab and the Trek Marlin 7 Gen 2. I rode all three and the Titan felt most comfortable. It also has the 5 year warranty.
Also, try to avoid finance. Rates are going up, and rather go a few 1000 cheaper. You need cash for kit as well.
