its not all that bad, like most ball diff vehicles, u need to keep an eye on them, as they do loosen over time and yes when they loosen they will slip creating heat in the diff balls which in turn melts the centre of the gear out.

U must be doin something really wrong to snap rear shock towers, in the whole time ive had mine ive only snapped it once, countless backflips, BMX track jumping and body off onroad flips and they are still fine.

The motor, allthough it being ABN and average of about 3 to 4 gallons, is still an allright mill, plenty of power and when paired with the BX CB abd Spur it has plently of speed, but yeah, longetivity is an issue because of the softer nickel coating, a replacement when it dies with a OS18CVRX will serve u good, powerhouse at a cheap price which will last forever

Like most RTR vehicles, the steering servo will need to be replaced.

saying all that, yes its a good starter stadium truck, but for the price there are better, the firestorm is a killer ST, very strong, good price, and good reliable strong motor. If u want a basher, stick with the more bash built trucks, firestorm, the older RC10GT etc, they are built dam strong.