Need help deciding - used Specialized Epic HT or new Scott Scale 940?

Hi everyone,

I'm having a hard time deciding between two bikes and would really appreciate some advice from people with experience riding XC hardtails.

My options are:

used Specialized Epic HT 2021 (carbon frame, SRAM XX1 AXS, SID fork, around €1,200)
Brand new Scott Scale 940 2025 (carbon frame, SRAM NX/SX, Judy Silver fork, around €1,300)

A bit about me:

I would ride mostly on flat terrain, with a mix of pavement, forest roads, gravel and light XC trails.
I already own a Trek Émonda ALR 4 road bike, so this bike would complement it but in the future potentially replace it
My goal is to build a fast, lightweight XC hardtail that can also work as a kind of gravel alternative with fast 2.1–2.2" tires.

The Epic has much better components (XX1 AXS, SID), but it's already five years old and I'm a bit concerned about buying a used carbon bike.

The Scott is brand new with a warranty, but the stock wheels and components are more basic.

My plan would be to upgrade a bike over time (lighter DT Swiss wheels, maybe rigid carbon fork, etc.).

Which one would you choose?

Some Epic HT photos: