Off to tyre kick a few MTB size small for the boy on Saturday

[Time Waster]

Off to tyre kick a few MTB size small for the boy on Saturday, any advice?

He wants a full suspension but we want to get him a hardtail. The used bike dealer has 50 odd MTBs in stock all used and over half are FS. My various sizes so I'm expecting day 4 or 5 options max on hardtail and his size but might be pleasantly surprised

The guy from his insta seems to have mostly Scott, giant or cube. There's a few others too. We're looking at £500 used possibly up to £600 for something special. Is this a reasonable amount to get something decent to last a 12.5 year old until he grows out of it? He's getting into creating trails and jumps in the woods near us with his mates.

At this stage I've got no options but if anyone has a clue I'd appreciate a heads up so we're not going in blind. Thank you

 

[joeegg]

A branded fork would be a big plus.Marzocchi,Rockshox.Same goes for tyres.Schwalbe,Maxxis,Continental.Angles on more modern mtbs do give a bit more confidence especially on steeper stuff so probably the newer the bike the better.
Just a note about creating jumps and trails.This is pretty much frowned upon unless you have the permission from the landowner.
Are there any Forestry trail centres nearby as they usually provide a variety of trails.

 

[Time Waster]

I think most that I have seen have Rockshox. I know a lot on FB marketplace seem to have Suntours but I thought they were really poor forks.

I think the spot is actually owned by a friend of a friend and there are a lot of other features up there including a hidden death slide through the trees. When not doing it there they are on the tidal part of the estuary making jumps there. They get washed away twice a day anyway!! There has been a lot of kids making trails and jumps in the area for a long time without any issues. Some kids are mental judging by the air and hang time I have seen on social media videos!! I hope he does not get into that!! IF he asks for full face, back protector and other body armour his bike is getting confiscated!!!