Since your new you dont know what to expect.
But in general, the more money spent, the better the detailing, accuracy and fit engineering. This is what is referred to, these days as, "shake and bake" modelling.
There are exceptions of course, and there seems to be a finite limit. I mean, there seems to be point beyond which no amount of money can create the 'ultimate kit.' The big dollar Trumpeter kits are an example. Spend $120 on one and you STILL get a box full of overscale rivets and inaccuracies (although, in fairness, the level of detail is high).
The hinge point seems to be around $50. Up to that amount, the kits are pretty darned good. Beyond that there is no guarantee it will be.
Now, when it comes to dirt cheap models, there is a reason for that. They are usually basic, crude and require a lot of work to get a detailed result. But they have their place, too
1. If you are not fussy and only want a dust collecting sample of a particular subject, they'll do.
2. If you are a masochist and just like frustrating challenges, they'll do.
3. If you want to either a) give up and go play golf, or b) sharpen your skills in a hurry... they'll do.
But with these kits, if you want fine scale detail and up close "realism" -- well, you'll have to add it yourself.
SO those are the extremes. What does middle of the road get you? Something of both. You'll find adequate detail out of the box, but probably some inaccuracies and difficult fit issues. Decals may be crappy or panel lines raised or out of scale. Often these mid range kits are rehashes and repops of old mold tooling.
The truth is, most of us are middle of the road builders. Its a good place to be.
--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
When in doubt, just google the type of subject and add the scale designation. For example, enter "F8F, 1/48" into google and see what you get. Unless it is some really eosteric subject, odds are youll find a review of a kit in that scale. Also, here are some organized sites with feedback and reviews of the many kits out there (most of these will come up in a google search, sooner or later):
Scott Aikens "Modeling Madness": www.modelingmadness.com
Scale Model Aircraft Kit Reviews (SMAKR): http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/portland/971/home.htm
Matt Swanns, "Swannys Models": www.swannysmodels.com
Internet Modeler: http://www.internetmodeler.com
International Plastic Modeling Society IPMS: http://www.ipmsusa2.org/Reviews
CyberModeler: http://www.cybermodeler.com
Aircraft Resource Center: http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com