If you really wanted "the equivalent of a Glock that is durable, not finicky about ammo, and a no-brainer to maintain" you should go with an AK
Maybe a Saiga in 223/5.56 or any decent AK47/74.
Otherwise, your top AR choice for around $1k is the Colt6920. Look around the Walmarts in your area and see if any of them have it. I believe they were about $1097 when I last saw them. They are hard to find but they will pop up every once in a while (unicorns as I call them lol).
Other good choices are BCM, Daniel Defense, Spikes, and PSA. Even the Sig M400 is still a good choice in your price range. Good luck hunting for one and let us know what you decide.