What Kerrydel says is quite correct, WITH ONE EXCEPTION - PASS ON THE NEXSTAR. Do a search on the NexStar and see what the majority of people are saying.

I think you will find that the AFS is actually a hinderance in learning how to fly. The majority of people with the Nexstar turn it off. At this point you have paid a premium price for the trainer.

If no one at the club has a used trainer setup for sale, I suggest getting the following:

A 4 channel radio. If the budget allows, get a 6 channel (or more) computer radio. You will not outgrow it in a season. BEFORE you buy anything, see what brand the majority of the people at the field you are flying at are using. I suggest getting that brand. If you have a question/problem, manuals are fine, but a live person who is familiar with your brand of radio is frequently much better.

Get a BALL BEARING 46 engine (Thunder Tiger, Evolution, OS are very good and quite user friendly [they run right out of the box] ) The Ball Beqaring engine is more power than you need for most trainers, BUT, it has more then enough power for your 2nd, 3rd and more planes. You will not need to buy another engine. The bushed bearing engines (OS LA series) are fine for trainers, but rarely have adequate power for your next plane.

Get a FLAT BOTTOM AIRFOIL ARF. There are several out there in the $100 price range that are excellent (Hobbico SuperStar, PT-40, LT-40). They will land slower than a semisymetrical airfoil. The semi symetrical airfoil is advertised as being aerobatic. It is, but the difference in aerobatic abilities will not be that noticeable. As you progress, you can modify the main wing to reduce/remove the dihedrahl. This will increase the aerobatic abilities of the plane. Remember, you are LEARNING how to fly. You want STABLE, and SLOW.

One other thing - most trainers fly pretty much the same.

I know my suggestions will be a little more expensive initially, but overall, you will save money doing it this way.

Hope this is off some help.