If you think you might like to go racing in the not so distant future, NitroHouse currently has the [link=http://www.nitrohouse.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=OFNA&products_id=11156]Jammin CR X1x Ready to Run 1/8 Buggy[/link] on sale for $299.95. Note however the engine is not legal for sanctioned races and as stated many times, the radio system and steering servo will need upgrading ASAP....
You do know I provided links in the EXAMPLE of my first reply? Its not top shelf stuff, lord knows you could spend LOTZ MOE DOUGH, but none of it is worthless junk either..
The Spektrum Radio System and Hytec servo's previously listed (again below) will resolve all the electronic glitch's. FYI, Hytec servo's have a lifetime warrantee- if/when they fail, hytec will repair or replace for free, you just pay S&H.
As some others and I have suggested, check out Ofna's line of Ultra buggies. Given the right driver and chassis set up, the current LX-1 with c-hub suspension (front) is no slouch on most club tracks. However, the MBX, MBX Comp or MBX Pro w/ pillow ball suspension (front) is a bit more durable for beating and bashing about IMO. Note: The MBX R-2 is Ofna's only Ultra off road buggy Kit, and its is equipped with PBS both front and rear ($50.00 upgrade right there). As for anything OFNA related,
www.nitrohouse.com is your #1 source for sales and service.
Contrary to popular belief, Ofna has exceptional customer service and stand behind what they sale for manufacturer defects. And just like most other manufacturers and/or suppliers, Ofna doesn't cover stupidity or stuff purchased from unauthorized sources (private sellers on e-bay for example).
If all you intend to do is bash, you might consider buying a Truggy. IMO they are far more capable and very satisfying "Off Road" bashing machines.
ORIGINAL: motionmachine
I seriously doubt you'll buy a new and/or competitive RTR race buggy for $400, more like $600 minimum..
Any of those RTR Ofna models will need vital upgrades, specifically the radio systems and at least the steering servo, and technically the supersized engines aren't legal either. Most sanctioned buggy races are limited to .21 CI, although many club races dont routinely enforce it..
I think its money better spent on an inexpensive kit, something to cut your teeth on, and adding your own upgraded engine and radio gear that can be transferred later when your ready to upgrade to a pro kit.
Example:
[link=http://www.ofna.com/mbx_80.php]Ultra MBX R-2 (34302)[/link].................................................. .................@ $190.00
[link=http://www.nitrohouse.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=Spektrum&products_id=20706]Spectrum DX2.0 DSM 2CH Radio w/Rx[/link]............................................... $129.99
[link=http://www.nitrohouse.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=Losi&products_id=18485]Hitec HS-985MG[/link] (steering)........................................ ....................... $69.95
[link=http://www.nitrohouse.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=Losi&products_id=18479]Hitek HS-625MG[/link] (throttle/Brake)............................................ ........... $35.95
[link=http://www.nitrohouse.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=OFNA&products_id=12769]Picco .21 3P w/PS[/link] (51210)........................................... ..................... $109.95
Grand total... $535.00 and some change. You'll still need batteries, likely different tires, body paint, glow ignitor, spare glow plugs, fuel, etc etc.
Rechargeable batteries, battery chargers, starter box's, specialty tools, and other support equipment can also add up quickly...
As you see, it dont take long to spend $600.00 OR MORE on a truely race ready 1/8th scale nitro buggy..
The Ultra MBX R-2 Kit is built like a tank and has most of the features found on top shelf kits. Replacement parts are fairly inexpensive and easy to get (nitrohouse.com), cause face it, your gonna crash a few times at least..
That radio system and servo's are perfectly suitable for club racing, no need for all the bells and whistles...
That Picco engine is reliable, easy to tune, and ideal for newbs racing on short tech tracks. Obviously there are faster engines available, but until you've master'd nitro tuning, chassis set up, suspension tuning, etc etc and capable of driving it around the track lap after lap, your wasting your money..
IMO, no sence in buying a $300 race engine to learn the ropes on...
Choose and spend wisely..... You could always try flea-bay, there usually a few name brand rollers there...