It seems that many of these suggestions are pre-owned jackets from aero and other more premium brands. That is great and those jackets look very good, but I just prefer the relative ease of being able to buy something new.
Are there not any other entry-level brands that offer great quality at prices that are a bit lower?
I do get it! I was living on a very, very tight budget, until I was about 30, so good quality leathers were completely out of the question.
Unfortunately, you won´t get any of the brands discussed here in new condition (unless, of course, there is a factory sale). I guess, in your shoes, I would search the online-sellers for acceptable "Tier 2" options. Lot´s of mall-jackets around, and not all of them are bad.