RE: what would be a good kit to build?
Get the Tamiya Durga, I got it as my first kit, its a nice build that ends up with a very slick looking car!
As long as you have all the right tools, the build is long and enjoyable, building it you will see this car has potential to win built into it.
I purchased 4xTamiya 850 ball bearings (5x8x2.5) for the steering arms and a 16x2 Brushed motor, its all cheap electronics as I am am waiting on a brushless for it, that said, it goes fast, and handles awesome!
Edit : I've since re wired it, that shot was taken after I finished building it, I was just testing,