I think a good nitro for them would be an inexpensive one, and then if they want something better, they can buy a better one. I started off with a traxxas Nitro sport and it was a good beginner car, but now I'm looking for something to race. HPI came own with the Firestorm and I have a friend with it and he really likes it. It's super fast, too. Also very cheap for how well its made, and it feels tight and really durable. Check it out, IMO I wouldn't recommend the Savage X SS as a first nitro, but it is a very good truck.