I recently upgraded to general, and am having a problem figuring out what radios to avoid, etc. Looking for something that I can use here in an apartment dwelling, with all the antenna restrictions that go with that, as well as something I could make mobile/portable. Ive seen the Alinco SR8T, cheap but have read some harsh comments on it, then the Icom 718, and 7200, Yaesu 450, 857, and 897, Kenwoods 480SAT, and then theres the older models to throw in there. Looking for a decent model for an intro into HF basically, and would prefer to keep the initial investment down, in case its not for me, etc. Used would likely be the most practical route. Any other input, other then saying vote for Obama would be good too,lol.

The KenwoodTS 480 SAT is recommended here.

I had a lead on a local Yaesu 890AT for sale, asking $500, but he contacted me at the last second to say the autotuner was acting up when he fired it up yesterday. He had a non AT model for $50 less, but I saw where he posted it had a cracked display lens. I passed on it as a result. Perhaps I shouldnt have. I figure I'll need a tuner, either built in or external since I wont have an ideal antenna arrangement. I really dont know if I'd miss 6m or not either. RIght now $500-$600 for a used rig would be ideal, plus the power supply and some kind of antenna. If I like HF enough, Ill look at upgrading to a better rig then.

Since I'm an Icom fanboy, I'll suggest the 718 or a used IC-706mk2g. The 718 is HF only and somewhat larger but is not menu-driven like the 706 series. Both can be run mobile/portable with ease. I have the 706mk2g and it's a great "shack in a box" that does 6m 2m and 440mhz. I have used mine as a base, portable and mobile.

As an owner of an Icom 718 i would recomend it. easy to use ,dont have all the bells and whistles that you dont need. guess i was lucky i found one on ebay with the tuner for $500.00 has been trouble free.

I wouldn't be afraid of Alinco in general, but the SR8T hasn't been reviewing very well. I have a FT-450AT, it is 2-1/2 years old so far no problems.
Lots of features and lots of menus but you can just set a mode and frequency and go at it. TS-480 (100W with tuner) is another great rig in that range.

The IC-718 is highly reccomended here here and for good reasons. It is a lower end rig but it is solid & dependable and easy to operate. My starter HF rig was a Yeasu FT-747. Probably even more bare bones simple than the 718 but also built pretty flimsy. Still, with some tinkering now and then it held up for 20 years before I decided to put it in retirement. The 718 is easily a superior product to that old Yaesu and they are going for about the same money I paid for the 747 more than 20 years ago.

Over the past 3 years or so we went through a period where NEW ham radio gear was more affordable than it had ever been before. Prices seem to be creeping up now but they are still very good as compared to the memories of some of us who started out in the '70s and '80s.

Whatever you decide, just BUY something SOON and enjoy your upgrade. Just remember, YOU DID it on your own, and IN SPITE of Obama!