TamiyaKrawler just get a Firestorm. Heard many good things about their bash-ability. I would NOT recommend any Traxxas model really, except for the Revo but its pricey. Also, like others have mentioned, make sure you have a bit more then you initially spend on an RC put away for replacement parts/fuel.

And joey - 241 has a point. My LHS stocks nothing but Traxxas and I must say.. I always see those Traxxas boys coming in for replacement parts. Usually from the lower end models (stampede, rustler, etc.) and the Jato (probably because of the "noobs with speed" effect..). The only Traxxas model that looks decent to me would probably be the Revo (heard some great things about them) or the Slash (electric). I don't have a lot of history with nitro (mostly electric), but I must say that some of their lower-end models are pure crap. Also, joey... you really should NOT have posted what RCs you owned. Not flaming you or anything.. but being proud of an "Exceed".. that is really a target for flaming. (The RS4 and Mini-t I really wouldn't count as they have nothing to do with this category of RCs) And, honestly, I have driven Traxxas models before (nitro and non-nitro)... the speed is really not too much more than any equivalent RC. Especially when I would probably throw the Traxxas engine away anyway.