First off, the "cheaper buggies" from reputable companies are pretty tough and don't break as easily as some are making it seem. The only 2 "cheaper buggies" that I suggested were the Hyper 7 TQ Black and the Cen Matrix R2. Both of these buggies are easily competitive in the club racing scene! The Hyper 7 is still a good racing platform (the TQ stands for the fact that it TQ'ed at the Worlds (back in 2004 I think)) and it is very easy to find parts for. The Cen is a little more up to date but is harder to get parts for. A beginner would would do fine with either one.

I do agree that IF you have the money or IF you KNOW that you are going to become an avid racer, a higher end buggy would be better to get. Spending $1000 + to get your feet wet without knowing is ridiculous! That is like going out and buying a brand new GSX-R 1000 motorcycle without ever having been on a bike! Yes, if you find out that you like riding crotch rockets then you made a great choice, but if you find out after you buy it that you hate riding motorcycles then you just wasted alot of money. Every racer assumes that everyone entering this hobby will become racers. That is just not true! Many people enter this hobby, try racing and don't like it. Usually because alot of racers look down at people running budget equipment and make them feel like their rides are trash because they didn't spend $1500+ on their setup. I wish everyone would quit with the "high end equipment" pissing contest! This hobby is about fun!!! If someone shows up at the track with a 1991 Kyosho buggy then we should support them and not make them feel like the ugly kid at the beauty contest.

If we keep scaring away everyone with the $1500 buy in to have a "competitive buggy" then we won't have anyone to race with! There are some good budget buggies out there that are very good at bashing and club racing. Most people are willing to drop $300 to see if they will like the hobby so why scare these people away by telling them that the "need" to spend over $900 more than what they have budgeted? If I was not into RC racing and was a noob faced with that decision, I would not enter the hobby and spend my money on something else that I KNOW I would like! Times are tough and people don't have money to gamble like that.

OK, I am through with my rant. My suggestion is to get one of the 2 buggies I mentioned earlier and go have fun! I have seen box stock Hyper 7's with an upgraded steering servo and tires whoop up on $1000+ buggies. It is all about driving skills and the only way to get good is to go throw some dirt practicing. If you come to my track while I am there with a Hyper 7 or Cen Matrix (or anything else) I will be there to help you with tuning, setup, maintenance, etc. as long as you go out there and have fun. There are many others out there like me so come on down to your local track and find a good person that will take you under their wing and show you the ropes. Let's all go have a good time!!!