I dont think there is anthing wrong with a buggy for your first car. my first car was a nitro buggy and i love it. you can get a duratax axis for under 350. about 310 and you dont have to buy anthing but batterys and fuel. my brother got one for his first car and he loves it. he doesnt plan on racing so its perfect for him. its fast enough for any backyard bashing session. its 4wd and speedy and handles good for any begginer who doesnt plan to race. it has the same size engine as most of the others and its just as fast as any other RTR out there. it comes with a .21 torq engine. im sure its faster than any RTR stadium truck. nitro stadium trucks come .15 engines. if you want handling and speed then i would get a buggy. buggys can handle almost any terrain. monser trucks are fun also but for the money tu want to spend there not gonna be as fast or handle as well, but there real off roady.you said youd like it to handle be speedy and off roady and 4wd if possible. well than a buggy is the best way to meet all your needs.