The best option is always to get one of the cars that's popular at your track. That way you can get tips from more advanced drivers and when you happen to break something there is always hope that someone might have the part you broke in their pit box.
If you're looking for low budget cars then the Spec-R R1 looks like it'll be a good car at $290. It just came out though so keep an eye on the thread here to see if you might like it.
Another option would be the Sakura Zero S from 3Racing. There's a thread for that car here too that you should read. It's a nice car for ca. $100.