ORIGINAL: jrdeya
I would not considered a used buggy, For all I know, its being held together by CA glue. I have been researching for couple months and have decided to make the cross over. I am leaning towards these KITS (I already have the spektrum radio and all other equipment required).
1. XRAY 808
2. losi eight
3. associated RC
I know its one of these,( Kinda leaning towards the first two).
I know that they all have their pros and cons. I am hoping that after a couple of days, I will count up the top name that repeats itself the most. I also called Team XRAY today and asked them about their parts availability, which they say is getting better and hobbies stores are stocking up, however, there are still some backorder issues. So we will see. Also,
Based on my research, every buggy sucks and every buggy is great - All based on Opinions, its like Porche 911 turbo against modified Corvette. They will both get the job done.
... And then beats the 911 by 1/4 a car on the drag, and then blows the head (need a tow truck, etc MORE MONEY ), while the 911 goes home and drops off the groceries.
Just looking for a solid kit.
I think you're on the right track, I have owned the Losi 8ight for about two years and have absolutely no complaints. I wanted to try something different so I recently purchased an Xray XB808. Both are top notch cars and are becoming the standard for 1/8 scale buggies. They are super light and have a ton of steering. People will say the Losi is always on edge but it's nothing that can't be fixed with setup. So Far I'm impressed with the Xray, I've had it for about a month now and nothing has broken, and it responds well to minor set up changes. IMHO - the more traditional buggies (Kyosho, Mugen, Jammin) are heavy and require more radical setup changes to get to do what you want. The Losi and Xray drive more like 2wd vehicles or touring cars, They require a more sensitive control, but they have a ton of steering and are well balanced and easy to jump with.
Plus, the ONLY uprade needed on either of these buggies is an aluminum servo arm for the steering, on the Losi it's probably a good idea to get the aluminum bearing inserts for the center and rear diffs, but even that's not necessary. The only thing I plan on upgrading on the 808 is the rear suspension blocks, but that's only for changing the anti squat and toe, otherwise the aluminum hop ups just add weight and bling factor
Just my opinion but with the popularity of the 808 I think parts won't be an issue, Amain and Carolinasrc already carry most of the parts, besides Xray's have a reputation of not breaking, I've yet to come accross a thread anywhere about the 808 breaking