I don't know if you really want to be shopping nitro for a 12 yr. old beginning RCer. I had a Traxxas Stampede Electric for a while, and that truck ruled. The upgrades are nearly endless on the thing and it's not all that expensive. Stock it's maybe a little weak, but it doesn't take much to make it into an awesome truck. Just my 2 cents. I love my Savage 25, so if you are looking for nitro, the thing's a tank and would take a 12 yr. old's beating while learning to drive it.