I recently picked up a Redcat Blackout 1/10 Truck for around $100 (used) and it is actually quite well built. My 4 year old has been driving the thing and it has yet to break anything, even after putting in a brushless ESC and 3500kv motor.
Also, another car that i'm really impressed with - I found a himoto zmoto z3 on ebay - they run in the $200+ range new, but scored mine "untested" for under $100. That thing has been bulletproof as well, and came brushless. Have not had any issues with gears, suspension, broken parts etc. That one I have put in a 5700kv motor and so far has handled it without issue (2s).
Both cars have been great values. When i compare to the problems i've had with my tamiya touring car, these supposedly cheap models pass the test.