Is the Totem Rover mtb good for a start

[Evelxte]

Suggestions 

[Adr!@n]

You could do a lot better with just a bit more added to your budget. I'd rather go for an entry level hardtail - there is even a Titan in the classifieds for R4k that I'd think is a much better buy. You'll save yourself a lot of frustration and money by not buying a R3k full-suspension bike. 

[Super Sywurm]

Please don't do it.

[ChrisF]

A 20" TOTEM is okay as a first bike for a kid.

 

These bikes are a bottomless pit as adult bikes .....

 

Rather spend a bit on a Titan hardtail MTB

 

[Gerhard765]

No.

I agree with most guys above, maybe spend a bit more on a hardtail (Titan or similar) which is a decent bike and can last you for a lot of km's. Also consider 2nd hand. You sometimes get a good buy if you keep your eyes open.

 

A danger of buying a "starter bike" for mtb'ing is that you want to see if you enjoy it without investing a lot on a bike. Unfortunately these entry level bikes are so primitive that they are no fun on anything other than perfect tarmac. I would not take something like that to a local trail...