the only problem is that the way kits are sold in japan and the us are different. ive heard from here and there that when in the US, it is cheaper to buy your car online than at your lhs. in japan however, it is FAR cheaper to hit your hobby shop instead. as soon as an iten hits the hobby shop, it is marked down 20%, give or take a few. in japan, kyoshos are a great deal, whereas other cars arent. [the same applies tu mugen seiki, which is also a japanese company] i got my sp1 for 550, and the lhs owner tossed in a few goodies as well, like a full set of tires etc. so in the end, i saved quite a bit more than buying from say hobao or something