Definentily go electric. Especially for your first car. I would suggest the Traxxas Rustler. For $300 you can get a electric and everything to run it. It was my first truck and it really got me off to the right start. For $300 You can get the truck 2 Chargers and 4 descent batteries. Here are some links for what you need.
Truck- http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=TRA3706 or the newer one which can haul for a electric truck 35mph- http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=TRA3705
2 Chargers- http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=DYN4036
4 Batteries- http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=DYN1000
That Should put you right around $300
Hope This Helps
~Kyle~