I prefer the kits because I think they give you more options. If I want to rebuild just one part of the vehicle, like building a steel frame, it's easier to do if everything is already in pieces and not molded together. Of course, if you have just the right donor truck that fits underneath the GI Joe Jeep just perfect then you're all set but that rarely happens. Got any photos of the one you have? Especially close-ups of the underside.