I'm not going to start the argument of what buggy or truggy is better or worse but I would like to know when to purchase. Bare with me. I am 29 years of age and this year I have started going to the local track in Flambourgh, Ontario, Canada (hardcoreracersrc.ca) with my Tamiya TNX 5.2R which I have owned sinse new for the last 2 years. Now that I am getting to know the track and want to be competitive I no longer want a monster truck. I want a buggy, maybe a truggy (8ight-T). I have chosen the Team Losi 8ight. I have a spectrum transmitter and receiver and the batteries, charger, tools and what not and have gained somewhat of the knowledge of tuning and repairing RC's. Can I buy a 8ight race roller now and slowly save up $ and purchase servos, starter box, engine and some spare parts now and prepare for next may for the opening track practice days and the start of the races or should I wait to see if a new Losi buggy is going to come out and purchase at the beginning of 2009? Does anyone know if a new one is coming out or am I good to go to purchase now and still have no problem getting parts for the next couple years. This is my main question but feel free to add what affordable .21 engine and servos I should be looking at purchasing and any usual parts that are common for breaking that I should be stocking up on. With my TNX I had lots of spare parts for any problems that might occur. Thanks. I know this is asking a lot. Ken.

Its hard to know when to buy, it seems like every year the major brands up grade and they change just a little every year. Best thing to do is see what your hobby shop stock in ways of parts and go with that brand, rather it be losi-mugen-kyosho or whatever. Last thing you want is to be stuck waiting for parts to show up at your door.
As far as what better, wont got there. The answer is each to their own.

the perfect time to buy used is in about 2-3 months, when every one sells this years cars for uber cheap to buy a new one for next year,

As far as a buggy vs a truggy, maybe you should look at the turn outs
of your track and help fill out the classes. In other words if the buggy
class is smaller get a buggy,or a truggy if they need more people.

The truggy class is definitely smaller. Why do I want a buggy over a truggy? Not sure. These guys with buggies are so fast.!!

Im kinda in the same boat as in Im waiting to see if Losi comes out with a new buggy or even an updated version. I can't imagine how they could make it any better though. Most likely I'll just get another 8ight for next season and have 2 cars ready to go.

As someone that will be new to losi, if they come out with something new will the parts and accessories be obsolete or will the majority fit the old model.

As well, we might be talking about something that isn't even going to happen. I'm not up to date what so ever with the new Losi RC's. Sticking with the original question- Can I buy a 8ight race roller now and slowly save up $ and purchase servos, starter box, engine and some spare parts now and prepare for next May for the opening track practice days and the start of the races or should I wait to see if a new Losi buggy is going to come out and purchase at the beginning of 2009? Does anyone know if a new one is coming out or am I good to go to purchase now and still have no problem getting parts for the next couple years. So, Furadi, we are both wondering the same thing. I'll probably be impatient and buy one in the next couple weeks. I can't wait till next year are you kidding me. Ha Ha.

Go for it, you won't regret it.. The current 8ight is ftw.

I have an aLosi buggy and I love it so much I am going to get me a truggy also. I bought mine used and in excellent shape. I will probally do the same thing with the truggy. As far as waiting to see if Losi is going to come out with a new model. I would say if they have not started hyping it already probally not. Just look at all the threads for the new buggys that are going to be hitting the market in the next 3 months. Those threads and the hype got started atleast 6 months ago. Go ahead make your purchase or wait a couple a months to get a good deal on a used buggy. Like zjwhitrock said alot of people are going to be dumping there equipment. Due to upgrading or needing money for christmas. Even if they due come out with a new buggy your still going to be able to get parts for quite sometime.

As far as engines it should be based on the track you run on. short technical tracks require more torque and bottom end. Long sweeping tracks with lots of straights you want a good top end engine. I don't want to start a better engine argument so lets just say 3-5 port for short technical, 5-7 port for long tracks. 5 port is a good all around engine with best of both of both worlds and middle of the road on price also. Servos choice should be based on whether you get a buggy or truggy. Truggys need more torque in the steering servo than a buggy. stick with a good top brand and you usually cant go wrong there.

Good Luck

Why not?

Even if they do come out with a new one, parts can still be had for quite a while from the aftermarket & eBay.
If you figure up what you will spend on replacements (parts breakage/worn out parts/maintenance), it is usually cheaper in the long run to buy a second kit when you can find a deal on one.

Ebay is an excellent source for parts if you don't like to have a zillion $$$ worth of new parts laying around.
The kit breakers make it easy to have a fairly 'new' ride most of the time.
Thats the way I have been doing it until recently.
My Son is pretty hard on parts, so I just started buying whole cars (new in box) for the parts.
It keeps him racing and lets me get away from the bench more often.....


Anyhow, you can do it however you like, no worries.
Don't be afraid to buy the roller now and build it as $$$$ becomes available.
Thats how most get started in this hobby.


Scott

Wow. Great info. Thanks guys. I'm going to get a Losi 8ight race roller. Probably today before my wife gets home. Ha Ha. So excited. I'll do some research and purchase the engine and servos as $$ becomes available. Thanks. Ken

As an update, I have purchased a Losi 8ight kit. I think this will be a challenge for me and since I'm not ready to purchase an engine yet this will hold me over building it. Is there any important tips I should know when building it, that is if you feel like spending the time to answer this question. It would be appreciated. I will receive it in about 1 1/2 weeks. I purchased it on ebay for $410 US. I'm Canadian, eh. One question I can think of is I have been told to take advantage of using thread lock (I think blue), can I use thread lock on a metal screw going into plastic? Or just metal on metal. Thanks. Ken

As well, it is a Team Losi 8ight 1/8 Buggy Kit NEW LOSK0800. Are you guys familiar with the #LOSK0800. I hope this is the right one. Thanks. What is the difference between the RTR and kit or Race roller besides no engine, servos or tranmitter/receiver? Thanks. Ken

Good purchase at a very good price. Blue locktite only. Never, never, never use red

Well, before I purchased it I asked if it was new in the box, unopened and he said yes. He is a power seller with a great feedback, so keep my fingers crossed. Good to know about never using red thread lock. Too strong? Do I have to purchase hobby grade thread lock or is Blue, Blue and Red, Red even for bigger auto nuts and bolts?

i have the 8ight and i can say that you won't regret anything. Once you get it, tear everything down and blue loc-tite every screw that threads into metal and double check the steering linkage to make sure everything is firm.

The RTR skimps in a quite few areas. It has stamped shock towers instead of CNC machined, plastic shock caps instead of alloy; thinner, stamped aluminum chassis instead of the thicker, CNC machined chassis; only has two clutch shoes instead of the complete set of 4 in the roller, grease instead of oil in the diffs... probably forgetting some things too.

The kit is the same as the race roller but just have to put together right? For someone new to Losi as well as buggies, its probably good that I take the time to build it for later trouble shooting and breakage issues right. As well I have found some pro set ups on line that I can try after I get used to it.

I am machanically inclined and have been in Monster truck nitro for a couple years now but I downloaded the kit manual and it looks like quite abit of work and skill. I think I'm looking forward to it.

It's pretty easy to build once you get started, thumbs up for buying a kit, this way you will know exactly how it comes apart for maintaining and repairing it.

yup, if you buy a race roller, you'll have to tear it down to check everything right out of the box. If you buy the kit, you add your own fluids and loc-tite your own screws

I guess I'm still not clear, can I lock tight metal to plastic? As well, should I be looking for a specific kind of servo when I'm ready. It should be digital right? I have a 3PM Spectrum Transmitter and Receiver with built in Failsafe. I want something strong enough for steering but yet somewhat affordable. Whats your favorite combination, throttle/steering servos? I'm not going to get into what engine to get because that will be an endless arguement. Thanks. Ken (Any suggestions for servos is more than what I know now)

no, you can't Loc-Tite metal to plastic. As far as a servo, MY choice is a Hi-Tech digital servo, but the one i use is $120, everyone here seems to like ACE servos

You can use the Hitec 5645 for steering it has 172 oz of torque and its digital. Its not top of the line like those 100+ servos but Ive beat the heck out of my revo and buggy on the track and they havent quit on me yet. I see your upgrading over time so if your on a budget this is a decent servo that will produce good results and stay under budget.