Around $500. Not a beginner buggy....mostly bashing maybe a little racing. What do you guys suggest?

How about the Ofna LX2

You don't display where you reside on the planet, but you will not go wrong with this car http://jq-products.com/the-products/thecar-rtr
If you change your mind and want to do some serious racing, all you will need to change on 'The Car' is the servos and engine.
In your price range, there is no better quality RTR buggy than the JQ.
My first choice, a little more $$$ of course, is the Serpent Cobra.

I too would recommend the JQ RTR. I have been out of the hobby for a few years now and getting back into it since my son is at the perfect age. Give it a look.

I have a 2006 OFNA Hyper 8. It's been on a shelf til last month. It has a LRP .28R Engine. I broke it in with 4 tanks and it's got 6 tanks through it. It's is pretty fast and has tons of torque. If you are interested message me. I could do $400. No radio and no receiver since I use a DX3R and I have 10 vehicles bound to it.