RE: XTM Xterminator help
You have not wasted your money. You just need to set your car up properly, thats all. I own a Rex-x which is the Aussie version of your buggy. There is nothing wrong with them. I have raced mine and beaten a number of so called pro spec cars. As for durability. The only thing I changed was the shock towers to the pro spec verion, thats all. I have not broken anything in the buggy.
Listen to Da Smack with regard to the clutch and tuning issues. Also you could remove the motor and push the car along to see where the binding is.
Keep at it. You'll get it going.