Even the MicroSoft Flight Simulator (full scale) can be useful. The Cessna 182 flies a lot like a trainer. Fly from tower view.

Most trainers fly close enough to the same that you can use the simulator's GP PT-40 or the Kadet LT-40 or any other .40 size trainer (whatever it has, doesn't matter), and consider it the same as that Nextar.

REalizim of the sims is really not bad. For example i downloaded a Tiger Moth aircraft profile for the Microsoft Flight Sim 97... and it reacted at full throtle exactly as my GeeBee tiger moth (kit, .25-.40 size) reacted at 3/4 throttle.