If you're going for Really rough terrain, I'm sure you'll want a 4WD, as far as maintenance I can't speak to the cost on a 4WD. I have an RC10GT. This isn't the kind of thing you can really budget on an annualized scale . You could set a monthly amount you are willing to spend...and TRY to stick to it . I think alot of it depends on how quickly you get addicted and for what lengh of time See Buggies sig.

One thing I can say with confidence is, it will probly be considerable cost for the first couple mos of ownership, considering the initial expense of getting set up and the parts you break until you: 1. learn how to drive 2. settle down a bit cause parts and travel to LHS are getting too expensive, or 3. put your car up after you've blown your budget, until the next month.

Welcome to RCU, and have a great time:thumbup: