One thing to consider when buying an RC is where you plan to drive it. I bought and X-mod from Radio Shack. It was really cool and a lot of fun. The one problem was that I needed a very flat, clean surface to run it on like a big basement.(the X-mods get pretty fast with the motor upgrades) If it hit even a small pebble it would flip over. That is why I went with a Radline. I am not necessarily recommending a Radline. I know very little about RC cars. Just trying to help with my limited experience. I had a Subaru WRX X-mod. I did an all-wheel drive and motor upgrade. Like you said, they are cheap and if you don't enjoy yourself you haven't sunk much money into it. I just felt I didn't get as much enjoyment out of it as I could have. It had very little ground clearance. I would look on Ebay or Craigslist for a used truck/car...seriously. Then I would go to Hobbytown in Oshkosh. It is on the corner of 9th and Oregon and the people there are AMAZING to work with. The staff will help you with any mod to the vehicle that you could ever imagine. This is WAY cheaper than buying a new car/truck and you will get a LOT more gratification out of it. I wish I had done something like this actually. Any particular vehicles/brands you would reccomend? I am looking for something smaller with ground clearance, all wheel/4 wheel drive, and electric.