

I searched the group and though it looks like dozens of Marlin models had been compared and contrasted, I couldn't find these two.
I found an almost brand new Marlin 7 Gen 2 on Facebook market for $675. I want to offer lower if I go with it as I think thats asking too much for a bike that old. But then at my local shop, the Marlin 5 Gen 3 is $850, as it is most places in the US.
I'm wondering if I'll notice much difference between the two?
I'm new (again) to Mountain Biking. I haven't ridden since I was probably 20, and I'm now 37. I have a Specialized Jynx I grabbed for $50 and fixed up, but want to upgrade. I won't be doing anything too crazy but we have a few good mountain off road trails where I live and I'd like to work up to them. I ride around in my area on paved road with my kids quite a bit so I'd like something I could use for both. If anyone has other reccomendations, I'm all ears. The people at my bike shop weren't super helpful in pointing me one way or another.
by BirdSpiritual5502