I dont know why the Axis has such a bad reputation but if your not actually racing. The Axis is the buggy of choise. Its bullet proof. Most guys running race buggies pay for their engines what an RTR Axis costs. Check out Radio Control Zones board. Its funny but the Axis is bashed to death on this board. On RCZ`s board people love it. Go figure[:-]

My suggestions for upgrades are:
-Ofna 17mm wheel hex`s like allready mentioned. That will get you rolling on just about any wheel set you want instead of just duratrax rims. Ofna part number 30050 for gold ones. 17mm Blue 17mm ones are part number: 30051.
-Torsen diff in the center! Tons more traction!
-If you have the bucks, go for a second torsen in the front.
-I put a Novarossi engine in mine with an SG crank. It takes some work but its worth it. I would upgrade the stock engine after having fun with it and it dies or breaks. Theres alot of good deals on Ebay for engines. An OS RG is a GREAT .21 for the Axis and cheap too. To get an SG crank engine in the Axis you will need: Ofna clutch shim kit 10099 and the Ofna clutch nut 17015 (sells on Tower)
-Starter box. Pull cords are for lawn mowers.
-Blue loctite all metal screws! Engine mounts, drive cups, wheels and adapters, anything that goes into metal.
-I havent had any problems with the stock shocks yet but Ofna buggy shocks fit and are cheap on Ebay.
-If the wing breaks, Kyosho wings fit and are more durable.

Have fun with your Axis. I havent been able to break mine yet and its been through the grinder pretty bad. I got pictures of my Axis online. Click my homepage link via my profile on this board.