Kind of agree on the engine. Get a cheap one for paractice for a simple reason -- you can run it hard without being afraid of burning up a $$$$ mill.
If you're new to RC cars or buggies I think the best way is to drive A LOT.
My first was a RG and I didn't care what happened to it really. I just let it rip tank after tank after tank. I just wanted to learn how to drive.