I would like to start out by saying that I have NOT had any personal experience flying the Nexstar, and from what I have seen and heard it is a decent/great flying trainer. That being said I think for the price you could do better. This is what I would personally do… I would get the ARF version of the Hobbico Avistar for $100. I would get a thunder tiger .46 engine for $80.(this engine will really haul the Avistar around the sky at a good clip) I would get the Futaba 7 channel computer radio for $240.(a radio you can use in planes for years to come as you progress and your flying style changes)
Total price about $420

There are many good trainers out there, and it appears that the Nexstar is one of them. I just thought I would show you an example of what else you could get for a similar price. Of course, if money is an issue you could always get the RTF version of the avistar for $270, and still have a great flying plane that is a ball to fly.