I understand wanting to buy used, but I personally would argue against ever buying an acoustic without trying first.
It isn't like an electric where you can swap pickups, or buy a different amp or effects pedal. Within reason - what you see is what you get. There are only a few parts you can change on an acoustic, and there is no guarantee it is worth the time or the money to swap and experiment to change the tone.
You don't have to spend a lot. My friend has a Cort Dreadnaught with a solid top but laminate back and sides and it is a fine playing and sounding instrument. I personally used to own a Cort mini acoustic and it was a great instrument for what it was.
They do a few parlour sized guitars, though they may be over budget new, and I don't know how often they come up s/h. If you expanded your search to include other small body styles such as the OM you would get more choice.
I really like Simon & Patrick / Seagull guitars for mid range budgets personally, but I am a Jumbo/Dreadnaught player so might not like the same things as you are looking for from a small body guitar.
I had my Guild set up recently in Charley Chandlers and was talking to them about Sigma guitars, they look great and apparently play extremely well, its refreshing not to be pushed to the 2k Martins but to be given sound reliable information.
Having said that I have never played one but along with them and the Faith naked series I am now suffering a slight bout of GAS !!
Good luck and enjoy the search.................its all fun after all.
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