Not sure what your flying experience is, if its nihl, then even a 3 channel might be suggested, Super Cub tho a RTF Ready To Fly is a strong plane takes loads of abuse and is very steady in the air, one of the top ones for a newcomer...

Also not sure whats expensive in your budget, as Super Cub is even $159 shipped, are some great trainers in the material you mentioning but may run abit depending what you have in your current gear if any at all...

My favored airleron trainer todate is the Parkzone Trojan, handles very predictable, excellent manuvers but flys well at low and medium speed, a winner for me...unfortunately its a foamie, tho rather tuff, flys beautifully, PNP or RTF versions..<>..
http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc-planes-p...trojan-rtf.htm

Are Slo-Sticks also make nice openers and sure others will add to the list...BEST ..<>..