with packages like 3dsmax and maya you get a lot more than a modeller.  Since you can render in Poser or Vue you may not want to pose and render in your modelling pprogram.

Look at Blender, silo, shade and try Hexagon again and see if you like any of the interfaces. 

I would stick your money in a term deposit and decide later on buying a modelling program.  You can download a trial of almost everything.