You won't like this, but the fact is that cheap planes are the most expensive choice for doing this hobby. As you've already seen, they don't hold up and can't handle real world conditions.
You can use the Clearview simulator. It will run fine on older computers. A better option is to buy an older version of Real Flight or FS One. RF 4 or 5 doesn't need much processing power, especially if you turn the eye candy down a bit.
Save your dollars for a couple of months so you can buy something better. The Bixler above isn't a great plane, but it does fly and will hold up. I wouldn't go with anything cheaper than that if you are serious about actually flying. If it takes a month or two to save the money to pay for it, then that's what it takes.