I always recommend for someone to look for used HPI 5B platforms in their area before going the clone route. The price is comparable, and you often benefit from the stronger HPI parts.
This is my new bucket of bolts. 5B SS. Jetpro pipe, outerwears, billet main gear mount, limiting straps, 6V NiMH pack, Hot Bodies tires (blades and bow tie look a likes), Proline rear wheels, RPM arms all around, custom shock towers, etc. It has low use, but it is DIIIIRTY. Paid $550. It will need $50 in parts to be ready to go and it will look as good as new before I am done. I already have a custom body from my old 5B_SS before I turned it into a 5t.
A $550 5B SS with upgrades isn't a bad deal and pretty typical for what I see in my area. I see used HPI 5B and 5B_SS all the time on craigslist for $500-$600.
