If you are going to race at all, I would suggest an Associated RC10GT. The RTR version is about $290 and pretty tough for just bashing. Best of all there are MANY upgrade parts for sale for it so you can make it scream in the future.

The Losi XXXNT is a little more, and IMO a little better to start off with if you are going to race because of better radio and ball bearings. It is also a little more expesnive in RTR form (around $340 i think) and does not have near the aftermarket upgrade support the RC10GT does. It is however at least as good or better than the RC10GT.

For just bashing alone I would get the new Traxxas Rustler 2.5. It's screamin fast and has some nice begginer features. There is some aftermarket support for it and it could be a contender for local racing.

Just my $.02