RE: is this a good beginner plane?
The Cessna that you are considering is a very nice SECOND plane. Beginners have a tendency to overcorrect control inputs (think of what it looks like when a beginner first tries to ride a bike. The bike is steered all over the place, but as the rider gains experience, the bike travels close and closer to a straight line). Ailerons cause a plane to respond very quickly, making it difficult for a beginner to fly. While some people have learned to fly using a plane that has ailerons, its much easier to begin flying with only elevator and rudder control, then switch to ailerons as you get much better at flying.
If you want a beginner's plane that is capable of ground take-offs, get the HobbyZone SuperCub. If you will only be doing hand launches/belly landings, get the Multiplex EasyStar. These are the two best beginner planes. Other good planes to consider, but not as good as these two, are the: Aerobird Challenger; T-hawk; Sky-fly; Wingo; Slow-V; and SloStick.