RE: Help with beginner (somewhat)
I have a HPI MT2, and it's a good car. Handles pretty good if you take your time to set it up right, but that goes for anything. I also have, and routinely beat up a Revo 2.5. More durable than the MT2 and able to conquer rougher terrain, mostly due to a torquier gearing and bigger tires, which give better ground clearance. I also run my Revo in the snow every year. All I have to say there is AWESOME. Been through kneedeep snow without getting stuck(at least until I ran out of fuel).
Also run an Evader ST(when I don't want to deal with nitro), and that's also a lot of fun. Upgraded the rear suspension mount the the pro version and the hubs and knuckles to aluminum. Now, runnint a 27t motor, it's darn near indestructable(have tried to break it a few times, and failed every time).
Every truck has it's pros and cons, and you have to weigh them yourself, taking into account where you plan on running them at, as well as support at your LHS. Good luck and keep us posted with what you choose.