As an instructor at our field, here are my thoughts on what to get next.

I wouldn't think about the Nexstar. Yes, it has some nice features but if you are going to fly with an instructor he is more than likely going to tell you to take two of them off (the AFS and the speed brakes are gone for any student of mine). IMHO why pay more for a plane that has features you aren't going to use.

Yes, the Nexstar has a warranty but most of the Tower Trainers also have a replacement policy too. So any of the Tower trainers are ok.

The last 3 students I have instructed used the Hobbico SuperStar packages. Plane, motor, and radio for approx. $280. I think this is a great deal. This is an RTF and you can have the plane ready to fly in less than an hour. It takes longer to charge the batteries than it does to assemble the plane. This plane has been a good one for my students who have had one.

IMHO most any of the trainer packages out there will do fine. As I said above I would avoid the Nexstar if you have an instructor and save the money.

Hope this helps some.

Ken