This is the "GENERAL DISCUSSIONS" forum. This is as good a place as any to ask his question. Besides, he's leaning toward a truck but hasn't decided yet.
Being you're looking around $500 Canadian and being a new hobbiest, I'm going to strongly suggest going new rather than used (risk of problems is too great for your first vehicle). It is always better to learn nitro with a new engine (starting with the proper break-in procedure) than a used engine that may be worn out, have air leaks, etc.
Check out
www.greathobbies.com (they're Canadian and so are their prices).
Some good choices would be
2wd
traxxas stadium maxx (can be converted to 4wd)
traxxas sport maxx (can be converted to 4wd)
rc10gt rtr
nitro evader st
4wd
traxxas t-maxx
savage 25
kyosho mad force
4wd 1/8 scale buggy
gs storm rtr (great radio comes with it)