ORIGINAL: breezerboat
I would highly suggest not getting an RTR. RTR's will cost more in the long run. That said... the only RTR worth getting IMO, is the Losi 2.0. It comes with the 2.4 radio (a must have) and a bump box. The only thing I would do to that Losi is buy a good steering servo and put the steering servo it comes with as the throttle servo.
hmmm? how so exactly? I've had some extremely good and reliable RTR radios (HPI's) and a royal craptastic one (Traxxas TQ3).
For if 2.4ghz is your thing you can get a Eurgle 3 channel for around $50(I got one good radio). BTW 2.4ghz is not a must have the buggy would function fine with a AM radio, only thing you have to worry about is conflicting signals.
And in the case of the Jammin X1x RTR it comes with a F.28 which is one of the most well liked engine's available in a RTR and should last over 8 gallons if taken care of.