Yes the cost of hopping up an RTR isn't cheap but most people i know who have started out regretted spending huge cash on a car they couldn't keep on the track. A decent RTR can set you back $800, make your mistakes on that, sell it then get your dream car. Do it the other way round and your paying big bucks to replace top shelf expensive parts you keep breaking. Go to the track and a good seasoned racers kit car will always have its roof pointing up, these cars are built for speed. most RTR's have speed but are also a lot more durable.