Everything I have ever read says to skip the 3 series and start right at the 4300. Double walled rims, lockout on the fork, etc.
At my bike shop here a brand new 4300 can be had out the door for ~450. I was told by several people just to skip the 3 series.
Plus, disc brakes are still an option. If you are just starting, means you are probably just starting to tinker, and V-Brakes are much easier to adjust and repair/replace pads. Your wheel is the biggest disc on your bike already. V-Brakes adjusted properly will throw you on your face. I don’t know that discs are much better unless you bring weather into the scenario.
.02