ORIGINAL: bladefan
Not an expert. But Castle creations sidewinder combo for 1/10 i think runs around $130-$150. The cool thing about that is that I believe you can program various settings into it and the cost factor.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXUTA2&P=FR
there are a few different motor options if you check out castle's website.
I personnally am thinking about the traxxas velinion system because its so easy to turn it into training mode so you can let others give it a try.
you have to pay extra for the castle link with the sidewinder but its still a good choice. im torn between that or the vileneon for my rusty beater