There are lots of cars to choose from. But you're looking for a car that you can work on over time but you can drift immediately. Well I was looking for the same thing... Just for that, a TT-01 are great cars to add-on too. They are affordable, plenty of parts! On top of that majority of people on these forums own one (including myself), Sprint 2's are fun (I own one too) and they tend to be "higher maintenance" (well at lease mine is ) I have been fighting with this little pin for a year now that keeps on falling out and I keep replacing (HPI part #Z262, I know it by heart ) and the occasional problems I just can't figure out.) A person I use to drift with had a Cyclone S it was a solid car (heavily modded) But I don't know much of them, but they seem to be pretty popular.

But What I am saying is the TT-01 is you're best bet if your looking into long term modding.

If you need any other help be sure to check out this guide:

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6327870/anchors_6327870/mpage_1/key_/anchor/tm.htm#6327870]The Beginners Guide to Drifting![/link]