My apologies! I re-read the initial post, $250-$350 budget is a decent starting amount.
if you really want to get into Nitro, you could get a cheap 1/10 scale Redcat Racing buggy, or even the Volcano S30 truck, it's about $200,
the starter kit I mentioned earlier is about $50 but will give you everything you need to get running, and you can buy 2 or 3 spare glow plugs just to start with, that will barely graze $300.
if you want to spend more money up front, but save money in the long run. You can always continue down the electric route, it is more expencive up front, but batteries are rechargeable; Nitro fuel is not, and Nitro fuel costs $30-$40 by the gallon.