It may sound crazy....but watch a lot of youtube videos as well. It is a game you are going to have to live with and I find youtube helps out a ton! There are many guys reviewing games, you get to see how they play and hear the sounds they make.
JP is a great game around your budget. It is easy to understand, has cool features and a ton of fun to mod for a beginner. It is the game that got me started in the hobby....just be prepared for more machines you're GOING to buy!