It's wise to set a realistic limit and abide by it. And depending on the level of expense you can afford, there will surely be several recorders to consider. The better the player you are, however, the more you will expect from your recorder and the better recorder you will want. And it plays and sounds a lot different. Remember, correct voicing is essential for a good recorder to play its best.
Most makers give a warranty for a period of time after purchase.
There is certainly no question that plastic recorders cannot compare with fine wooden recorders. There is also no question in my mind that a high-quality plastic recorder is far superior to a mediocre wooden one. What those plastics don't have is a wooden block to absorb moisture and lessen windway clogging. In addition, it has been voiced to play its best - impossible to do with other plastics. A beginning player would be wise to buy a good plastic that is built to play like the good wooden one he or she will be playing one day.