sand - dirt and gravel -- have you thought about a good truck like the HPI Savage?

Sounds like you are doing your homework. Do you have a local hobby shop? If so what do they stock? If you are looking at ofna their top of the line buggy is a kit and it is a good buggy. I have a Kyosho and think it is great and parts are getting easier to get. You are correct in that Tower no longer carries the kyosho line. Have you checked out Nitro House for kits?