The turmoil is the best all round package in RTR. The buggy is pretty good. the radio is superb and the engine is faster than about any other RTR engine. The other way to go is to get a kit like the hyper 7 TQ and buy a JR XS3 radio (synthesized FM) and a good budget engine like an SH .21 (same as the engine in the turmoil just rebranded) You should get that for $500 ish. You will however need to get a good steering servo and a 6v receiver pack amongst other things. I stripped the sterring servo within a week and invested in a Sanwa ERG VZ one which is superb.
hope this helps