ORIGINAL: mkerr64
instead of buying a $200 id rather go with a nice one with everything included like servos, controler etc..
If you are thinking of an RTF package, I usually suggest the opposite. Buying the individual components will only cost a little more, but one can get better equipment. They will also gain experience by installing the engine and radio in an ARF.
The typical recommendation is to buy a .40 size ARF trainer, a good .45 size engine, and a basic 4 channel, or perhaps 6 channel computer radio.