I started out on an Ariette and enjoyed the heck out of it. Compared to a LA handmade is like comparing a Mercedes roadster to a VW bug, but you need to learn to drive sometime. You can learn the basic tunes, playing octaves, and everything else you need to start out. If you enjoy it, when you upgrade you will suddenly take a huge leap in your ability because you will find the high grade handmades are much easier to play, but again, I really liked my Ariette when I was learning, and now I am saving it to practice tuning on while I play my Bon Cajuns.
Ditto to the rest. I have a Hohner H114, that I was loving just fine until I picked up a real accordion. But it still plays well enough to learn on and see if it is worth getting a better one. I have had a blast with it. Just a word to the wise, dont play a good one until you are ready to buy one because once you do nothing else will do.
I appreciate the responses. I feel much better about buying this entry level accordion now. Looking forward to the day when I'm driving that Mercedes!!