Well if you want a 1/8 monster truck I have the savage x and its pretty durable and is great for bashing and has 4WD but MT's are alot harder to work on then say a ST. Considering the savage is a MT it isnt that hard to work on for a MT. I also have a Thunder tiger st-1 1/8 4WD truggy and that thing is great for bashing and at the track. It takes a beating and is around $300. (Thunder tiger makes team associated) I also have a 1/8 4WD buggy that is just as durable as the savage or ST-1 but is better on the track and not as much as a basher. Since your a beginner you might want to look into 1/10 nitro ST's considering there only 2WD and are alot more user friendly. They are more basic since its only 2WD and doesnt have a 2 speed. ST are also a blast to drive and are great for beginner nitros. But in the end it is up to you to decide what you want to use it for and which one you like best. And I don't want you to think im biased just because i only mentioned my vehicles its just that I dont have any first hand experience with any other vehicles.
Also think about the terrain you will be running on.
For tall grass, dirt, rocks,big jumps and just about anything= MT
Dirt with small pebbles and jumps and some street= ST
Tracks and bashing= buggy+truggy
Here are 2 ST i would recommend.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXPVD8&P=ML
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXPAC9&P=ML
And here is a great truggy and you cant beat the price.
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...ducts_id/17281