Solman

I don't know what rc cars cost, but if you are looking for a cheaper hobby, then helicopters probably isn't what you are looking for. You would probably be better off with airplanes. They are generally cheaper, more crash resistant, and easier to fly. Except for the ultra micro's like the MSR, typically when you crash, you will be spending money on parts. From my experience, you don't fix much generally, you just replace parts. I also find the maintenance schedule much more intense than airplanes as well.