One thing I recommend straight away if you bashing is CNC chassis braces.
The TQ is a great buggy. I would suggest buy the kit and add your own radio and engine though. The radio on the RTR is not so hot. other areas I've upgraded are metal geared steering servo (the plastic ones will strip after a few cartwheels), 6V receiver pack, OS rg engine, OFNA 086, pipe, Turnbuckles and CVD's all round.
Faster than RTRs and bombproof