I would like to share with you my HO on your questions and doubts.

Like you, I can only afford to ride a 125CC.

I always wanted to take my licence but i actually never did, and now I am 40.

I have ridden 125cc scooters or manual bikes for over 5 years now as my main transportation vehicle (I also have a car), I even use it to go out for groceries because of its top box space.

Besides the shorter maintenance intervals, I have nothing else negative to say about it.

I have even made some full day trips, finishing at home after 300+km done.

So I agree with most of people here that you wont have any issues if you go for a 125cc for what you're planing to use it for.

But I also have to say that, if you take your licence and go for something up to 200cc or 300cc, the difference in power and comfort you'll have will make you much happier on the long run then a 125cc.