well, something along the same lines but better would be the traxxas stampede 4x4. Its around $400 tho. It has waterproof electronics, more ground clearance and is a bit bigger.
It to tho, has weak points. driveshafts are an issue if you run lipos. And MIP upgrades are pricey!

I have owned 2 volcanos. I like them alot. If you do little things, like move the camber rods to the holes closest to the hub and use bits of fuel tubing in the drive cups to center the dogbones, they hold up fairly well.
Ive even run a traxxas vxl system on 3s lipo in a volcano before.
I still have a tornado epx pro (same thing jsut different shock towers/arms and wheels) and its a blast. Ive owned many different brands. Each has its good and bad points really.
Just know, more expensive doesnt always mean more durable. While generally you "get what you pay for", there are expensive models that have major flaws...tend to break or are just not that fun to drive.

Wait till you get the lipo in the volcano. That nimh pack with a brushless system is like putting low grade fuel in a race engine. It really needs a lipo that can put out the amps it wants. The lipo will also give 8.4v when fully charged.