What you heard about the Savage stripping diffs is true for the pre X models, most of which came with 2 bevel gears and plastic diff cups. The X series has come a long way and they are bulletproof unless you run high horsepower modified engines- thats when the weaknesses will show. Both are great trucks out of the box, the Savage has long held the title as king of durability though Losis/AEs trucks are up there as well. You will not experience such headaches with regards to tuning as compared to the T-maxx, it was the same story for me. My T-maxx was a nightmare with the stock engine, they are probably one of the worst tuning engines in RTR trucks. Your expectations of not having to tune at all are somewhat unreasonable, but you can expect to make adjustments sparingly as you drive. I've gone through a week using them 2-4 times without touching the needles for 2-3 tanks at a time- its not impossible but specifically depends on the engine. The HPI F4.6 engine is one of the most reliable out there, and has power to boot. Both are great trucks in the end- each truck has their problems, so as long as its a name brand and its not Duratrash- pick what you think looks better.

Tom.