I am going to echo the echo of the echos. I have both a Red Cat Aftershock 3.5 ($250.00) and a Team Associated SC8 ($500.00). The SC8 is faster and handles a little better. It is also more scale looking but to say there is a $250.00 difference in them is a stretch. I have had nothing more than minor issues with either of them and both of them I have put through hell with crashes, flips, cartwheels, end over, ect. One of the things I like best about this hobby is the upkeep required to run it. If you dont break it you aint drivin it right LOL. That being said you have bought a toy that goes a lot faster than most of the parts cant handle in case of an accident. The hobby itself is a big money pit, hope you enjoy it. Be patient and it will be a lot of fun. FYI if you have the extra cash the best way to avoid the frustration of down time is to have more than one, and do maintenece/ repair time all at once, that way you dont have to leave the bash session when one breaks.