In terms of buying a kit and all of the parts, you won''t be able to touch the price of an RTR. They are VERY cost effective to buy as RTRs. A kit, radio with servos, engine, pipe and all of the goodies that RTRs come with (glow starter, fuel bottle, etc) will run $500+ for budget stuff if purchased alone.

Hyper 7 is great and would be at or near the top of my list. The Ravager is cool too. Ofna has terrific entry products with great parts support. I haven't had any experience with the Hot Bodies Lightning, but HPI/Hot Bodies are well known for quality products so I wouldn't be afraid to buy one of those.

I am not the biggest CEN fan, but I have heard the Matrix is a good buggy and it comes with probably the best RTR radio for the price (Airtronics MX3). Tower carries CEN too, so parts availability should be good.

Not to confuse you more, but I would also have a look at a few more-

XTM XTerminator 2 - If you have a Hobby People nearby, they usually carry FULL parts for those cars. $315 or so.

[link=http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/145625.asp]http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/145625.asp[/link]

Kyosho US Sports Readyset. $359 on AMain Hobbies.

[link=http://www.kyoshoamerica.com/cars/index.php?part_num=31227]http://www.kyoshoamerica.com/cars/index.php?part_num=31227[/link]

Honestly, you can''t go wrong with any of these. They are all good buggies to get started with. Pick the one you like the best, do some comparison shopping and get one.