Honda, however:
dont' overlook the CRF 250L - it costs a lot less, has quite a bit less weight on it (Rally is 13kg more if also taking the extra fuel into account IIRC) so the rear spring likely less saggy than that on the 250 Rally, due to the additional weight, etc.
When Rally was launched, an American (respected) motorcycle journo reckoned the 250L was the better bike at the price point, and left money over to make SOME changes, if needed.
Maybe a demo 250L, that would be my suggestion. If you pay less to start off, and then DO want a bigger bike, the less you paid initially, your are also likely to lose less money when selling it? Dunno!
Chris