All three of my Pono instruments were bought used. I wouldn't exactly say they hold their pricing value for resale as, in my observation, almost no ukulele does until one gets well into the 4 digit $USD zone. Even then only a (small?) subset will (see
https://ukulelefriend.com, including "previously sold" -unlikely to find Ponos there but there are definitely Ko'olau). But Ponos do hold their value in a way that's tricky describe briefly. Base prices have increased for the deluxe or pro models. Not sure if it's at a rate higher than baseline models (which is how I judge uke makers, plus I am generally not big on "bling"). In any case, resale value is no longer a high priority when I am buying ukes.
One Pono was purchased on the marketplace forum here, one at a local long-standing reputable bricks & mortar shop, and one via Reverb. I could trace all three to previous owners/shops, which was cool/fun.
One of them was this
https://vimeo.com/66360182, which 8 years ago listed for MSRP$1,099 /actual$769. I luckily bought used for it for within your stated price range, 2.5 years ago. It plays well/easily, is robustly built "like a guitar"... as opposed to lightly, like especially Kiwayas, which this shop also carries along w Kamakas, Kremonas hanging on the same shop wall (all brands I'd totally consider or own).
The Ponos I've picked up & played at the in-person shop were all well made, worth their cost IMO, especially the baseline, non-deluxe, non-pro models. But this is not just due to Pono at the manufacturing level. This shop would very unlikely ever sell an instruments that is inferior.
My understanding is instruments received at this shop that are too far off, in need of much more work than the set up that comes w each instrument purchase, get sent back to the manufacturer. They also carry 12-14 other brands consistently, including one not previously mentioned that starts with "K" (I was told they send ~1/3 of those ukes back... where who knows how many of those make it back to other online outlets).
Someone mentioned that Ponos have thicker neck profiles. Keep in mind there's also width. Ideally, I would want to pick up any decent uke & play it decently. There's something to be said for sticking w one instrument to have consistency as one gets more proficient. Ideally, I'd consistently practice, lol.
Bottom line, whatever you choose, seriously consider getting one that includes a professional set up (HMS currently ~3 week turnaround time IME, Mim's which right now gets filled to capacity shortly after when she resets at every Friday 9am Eastern time... lots of other indie shops worth checking like Gryphon/Palo Alto, Dusty Strings/Seattle). Humidifier = a must if uke lives in/near the Rockies.
Let us know what you end up getting! Uke shopping! Even vicariously, is fun!