Yeah the more I search on new RC buggies/trucks/cars, the more I think that the cost of the resto is the best way to go for myself and to get my kid involved. An OS .10 engine, NIB, is 75 bucks on an auction site. A new radio, battery, and misc parts for the Optima would run less than 150. It seems to be the way to go for now.
I do like the new RC cars that are out there and I see myself getting a modern day car/truck soon. I'd love an Axial or Tamiya CC-01/CR-01. A re-issued Bruiser would be sweet but that is just because it was THE vehicle no kid could ever afford. Also it would be sweet to have a TMaxx, or something from Associated, or....well the list goes on and on.
I need to get some pictures posted of what I have. I'll do that for the forum.
I also checked the dimensions of the Montero and I think I could put a Tamiya FJ40 body on it. A nitro powered FJ40 seems like a cool little buggy that might be a one of a kind.