I don't know much about thunder tiger trucks but I have owned 2 engines by thunder tiger. Most people pass them off as a cheap/low end engine and they are but so far they have been the most resilient and reliable engines I have owned. I personally would go with a truck that you can find parts for locally and that normally means traxxis. Most hobby shops carry traxxas parts and some carry hpi.

i say get a jato on tower with 60 dollar off coupon. comes to almsot 300 bucks