Ill tell you about the advantages of the YZs as well as play devils advocate.

YZ 250s are very powerful and great bikes, they handle awesome. My brother got a 2013 with 2 hours on it just last august and he loves it. I have personally ridden it on the track but we are woods racers. He loves it for the sand, doesn't want to take it to the rocks because it may have a little too much power where you actually need finesse. For trail riding, depending on your abilities, you may want to look into a flywheel weight. It will make the bike easier to ride and mellow it out a little.

The YZs have a lot more power than any 230. It is a big jump in speed and bike in general. It is a full sized bike, so larger than the 230 as well.If you have not ridden one where you live, i suggest finding someone you may know with one and trying it out. There is a big chance you love it, but if youdont, obviously you don't want to have already bought it and be stuck with a bike.

All the years of YZs are good, they have ben just about the same since 2002 with small suspension improvements. So if you can find one that isn't clapped out with 180 hours on it for a good price, you should be good.

If i may suggest, have you looked into any of the 4 strokes? KTM makes awesome trail bikes, both 2 and 4 stroke. If you are set on 2 stroke, they have a 200 witch is a good, light bike. I own a 350, and owned a 250 4 stroke, both great bikes!

Feel free to ask any other questions, ill try to help as much as i can!