I have been lurking for quite a while, trying to find out as much info as I can. I have searched, and found many threads where newbies are wondering what the best buggy would be for them to get. However, I couldn't find much info on newbies trying to decide on which kit to get as they are usually looking for an RTR. Either that, or it's one of you pro's looking for opinions on specific things between different kits.

I am not new to RC, and certainly not new to building things. Especially small intricate things. I am very excited to start on my first buggy kit. I just have one problem, which one! Alot of the names and descriptions you guys use make it a little hard for me to search them out. Usually when I do, I see all sorts of different versions of what appears to be the same thing.

From what I've gathered so far, I want a pro kit. Or whatever the top of the line is. I want something newer (as in date, not usage), and most definitely want to build my own from a kit.

Price? Doesn't matter too terribly much, but I'm not going to drop $700 on just the kit alone, so probably something more in the 5 to 6 neighborhood is more like it. Then I'll just take my time getting the electronics and power plant.

Heard a few good things about this Xray buggy. Searched a bit, and found a few not so good things. Is this rig a bit too new perhaps?

Found a lot of good things about Ofna, but mostly RTR stuff. Then I found out about this 'not released yet' Hyper 8? Will they offer this in a kit?

Heard a TON of good things about Kyosho Buggies, but I searched and a lot of places either discontinued them, or their asking $700. That seems a bit weird.

Mugen? Hot Bodies?

Let me know your thoughts. I will be running in sand, dirt, gravel.... just about everything. I am crazy about maintenance on my RC's though.