You may want to consider Martin - the additional investment in a low-end Martin ("road") or ("1") series, over a Seagull may be justified, not only by higher quality, but by the Martin Myth causing it to hold more of its value. If you pay list for one, you'll probably have to pay more than you want to. But the "Road" series models can be found for under $600 US. That's in the US, of course. Anywhere else is a different matter.

Peter.