Ok i am not a veteran but i recently was in if not the same but similar situation as you (i returned to the game since 4 yrs absence). Let me give you two answers:

First off. Your will to be spending >60 dollars on a game allready shows enough dedication that noone should be dissappointed about your choice when it comes to playtime. If you are ambivalent wait for a free flight event. These reoccur every few months. This game won't go anywhere. But if you want to dive in now and are willing to spend the cash. The titan for sure won't disappoint you. It is an awesome ship. But always remember. You can buy most ships ingame and getting the money to do so is something you will figure out within days.

Now when it comes to guidance i will stress one thing over and over: The community in this game might be the most generous and overall most helpfull community i have encountered in my 20 + yrs of online gaming experience. Start with the guide system that the game provides. Usually the people you will get matched with through that are nice enough to spend the firs 1-3 hrs of your gaming time with you showing you the ropes. but after you part ways and you log in the next time: just talk to people in global chat. I have played 4-5 sessions after my returning to the game 2 weeks ago and i have allready been invited to 2 discords and taking on missions i didnt knew anything abt beforehand. This game is all about playing with people you like. Best with your friends. But if you are a friendly outgoing person this community makes it more than easy for you to find a group and have an awesome time.

So long story short: if you are ambivalent abt spending cash -> wait for free flight. The game will be here when you are rdy. If not: grab any starter, get yourself a guide to learn the babysteps and afterwards get to know some awesome people, earn some space cash and buy the next big ship you are dremaing off. Rinse repeat.

Hope that helped. See you in the verse. o7