Scott makes decent bikes for not too much.
The best you can do is go to the store and check them out.
You want to make sure you have decent gears.
Tings to check (apart from the suspension) are the handle bars, how well the seat stays in position (you don't want the seat sliding down as you ride) and the wheels. If you can get a longer warranty for $50-60 take it. You never know when something might go wrong (and giving your bike service regularly makes it run smoother than a $1000 bike thats been in the rain too long).
Hope this helps
