$4K will get you a reasonable bike. Anything less than 4-5 years old which has been looked after is OK, Gas Gas, Scorpa, Montessa, Sherco, there's bugger all between them. Really depends on how you feel about the wee small differences, need to try them.
Engine size is almost irrelevant, most of them are similar anyway. There's a bit of difference between 2 stroke and 4 stroke in terms of riding style but the modern 4 strokes have only been around 2 - 3 years and I don't think you'll find one under $4K in reasonable nick.
Have you been to a couple of meetings? Seriously, if you turn up at a club day and show some interest most trials guys will give you their bikes to play with, you won't find a more friendly bunch. Don't know if there's a club in your area but find the closest one dude, they'll tell you way more than you want to know.
If you're experience has been mostly road bikes you've got a bit of un-learning to do
Luck dude, keep us posted huh?
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