I'd ask if you want an actual rifle, or a pistol-caliber carbine? I know a lot of people like the Hi-Point carbines...but, if I was looking for a rifle, they would not be a first choice.
For a rifle, I'd decide if I wanted semi-auto, or not. If yes, I'd be looking at SKS's. They can still be found for less than $250 easy, less than $200 with some digging.
If not semi-auto, then it would be bolt action, or not. If yes for bolt...the Nagants (in any form) for less than $100 are a bargain. The Yugo M48 Mausers (usually less than $200) are also a great rifle for a cheap price. If you want a rifle in a more common caliber than 7.62x54R or 8x57 (such as .223, .308 or .30-06), look at a Savage or Stevens bolt action. For around $300, you can get a great rifle in almost any caliber you want.
Don't want any of those above? A used lever-action .30-30 can often be found for less than $300; new isn't much more, usually. The Remington pump-action 76 series (760, 7600) can often be found, with optics, for less than $400 used, and come in .308, .30-06, and other calibers.
And, personally, if I was looking at a pistol-caliber carbine...before I'd get a hi-point, I'd look for a lever-action .357 or .44 carbine.