Hey, i am in the exact same boat as you, except i like traxxas. I have done quite a bit of reserch on the savage(and am VERY close to buying one)and tihnk it is the truck to get, it is durable, and with the new 2.5 engine you have great speed as well, the only problem i have heard of is a weak steering servo, but that can easily be replaced at low cost. I have a forum on wich truck to get and most people have said nothing but good tihngs about the savage in it. I guess it realyl all boils down to what kind of driving you are into. But over all i would say get the savage, it is the best bang for your buck.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/Witc...1480138/tm.htm