RE: "Knockoff" or HPI
There is no doubt that something like the E-Savage even second hand would be a better car than most of the "knock-off's". That said, threre are a lot of opinions here based on hear-say, and only one I can see based on actual experiance (SpeedAdict's post).
Speak to some of the people who own these "knock-offs". Say what you will.. they are a cheap way to get into the hobby. IF you by a car that you can support where you live.
But make no mistake, you WILL want a better car as soon as you hit the "Knockoffs" limmits. Which by defenition are not very high.