The TT-01 is a good car to get started with and it won't put a big dent in your wallet. Most people make their own tires out of plastic pipe and the standard tt-01 (not the D) comes with rubber tires you could use for onroad racing or whatever.

Also don't get a cheap charger. Investing in a good charger would be a better idea. Your batteries will last longer and you will be able to charge them faster.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXCLD5&P=M

As for a battery. I have a couple of these and they are great. My TT-01 gets a solid 40 mins of runtime off one charge.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXERB5&P=ML