Don't get the HPI trucks, overpriced for what you get in my opinion. I have my reservations about CEN brand as well. I bought a GST 7.7 a while back just out of curiosity and my thought on it is I could of had something better for that price. Not knocking it because itis fun to bash around with.

If you want a decent truggy I would suggestlooking at the following: Associated RC8T which is available as an RTR if you don't like building kits, or even better, the Mugen MBX6T if money is no object. The mugen comes as a kit and you'll have to buy everything like engine, exhaust, radio, track accessories such as starter, etc. I own both and the Mugen is much better, but it will cost way more. I have an Odonnel truggy (Z01 T) which is damn nice but like the mugen, you'll have to build it and buy everything listed above for the mugen. The Jammin X2 truggy looks alright. I have a couple CRT's and am very happy with them.

I'm not really into MT's that much, but I do love the ones I have. If you want a decent MT for bashing then get the MTG 8.0. It's an excellent basher and will go anywhere. I beat the hell out of mine and it comes back for more. If you want to start going lower in price you could consider traxxas vehicles (strictly bashers IMO) such as T-maxx or revo's. Never had a T-maxx, but I have a Revo and it's a decent basher.

It is true that truggies handle much better than MT's, but if you're just going to be bashing then you'll likely be happy with either one. If you plan on racing it at a club, then you should lean towards a truggy.