Does he intend to race or bash? If all he intends to do is bash, the MBX is as good as any.

On the other hand, if he's thinking about racing (or both), the Hyper 7 TQ Sport is probably the best value out there. If he goes with a quality but no-frills engine like the O.S. .21 RG and basic radio/servo package, he could probably pull it off for $350 - $400.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJLE8&P=0