I checked my spreadsheet of lower cost guns, and a Marlin XS-7 was also on the list. I was only looking at weight and price, wanting to set up a low cost 243 for a loaner. I agree that 308 will handle most all situations. Short action generally means smaller gun and ammo available everywhere. When I got out of the 270 win business, I went after a 270 wsm, then slid a little farther to a 280 Ackley. That's a nice round with lots of bullet choices (I reload), and I enjoy feeling confident on elk at 500 yards. But by the time the dust settled, I realized a 308 would have done well, but weighed less. If you are only after deer and coyotes, definitely look more at the 243.
Carry weight is very important to me. 6# rifle and a Leupold 2.5-8 used from eBay = 7#. Much better than my 9-1/2# 270 win. The scope quality is much more important to me than the rifle. If your cheap gun groups 2" @ 100, that's a dead deer. But if you can't see the deer in dim light, or the scope is fuzzy, or doesn't hold zero, end of story.
Them are my thoughts. Spreadsheets are boss!