I am still in the process of saving up enough money for a nitro car, and the Savage seems out of my price range. I have $200, have about 15 days till summer. I need a car for summer or I'll die of boredom. I don't want used. I don't want rear wheel drive (based on experience).

Jato is super fast with a good engine, costs alot, is rear wheel drive.
mt2 and 18ss are 4wd, and around 40mph? And they're cheaper.

Some hobby shop near me has the 18ss CHEAPER than the mt2.. I don't know how.
http://www.rctechonline.com/products/kits/hpi/mt2.html
http://www.rctechonline.com/products.../mt2_18ss.html
I've never built a kit before, and have never had a nitro car. The 18ss seems better. I was wondering how upgradeable these cars are? What sized bodies will they fit? And can you get a 2speed? I like to really research something of this price before I but it..

One of the things you have to think about with the 18ss is the kit may be cheaper then the RTR MT2 but with the 18ss you have to buy the radio. receiver and servos. A cheap set will run you about 50-60 bucks. Overall the 18ss is probably a better buy then the MT2 (IMO). You get a lot more performance parts for your money. Adjustable turnbuckles, better tires, etc. With both the MT2 you can get a 2speed trans and thatll run you about 80.00. The 18ss will do about 45mph stock, with a 2 speed maybe 47-48mph. There are a ton of hop-ups for both the mt2 and the 18ss. The mt2 comes with a .15 engine and the 18ss comes with a .18 engine.

If you are looking for speed and speed alone then go with the Jato. Right now it comes with the Traxas 2.5 engine but you can drop the new 3.3 in it and it is a direct fit. In some of the reviews and postings on forums, I've heard that there has been some durability issues with it. Especially the A-arms. Otherwise I dont know too much about it.

Good luck.

the engine in the jato is not a good engine. that thing is nothing but rpms. it runs way hot, always overheating, cant hold a tune, doesnt tune worth beans, comes with a stupid heavy onboard starter, and wont start unless you try for like 5 minutes straight.

the jato is the only new rc i ever bought , never had all these tuning problems every one else had......if it gets hot i richen it....i did break a lower arm and tie rod when i flew in a tree mid air at around 40,then i bought rpm arms and lightweight turnbuckles.....and im staying away from that tree............ was gonna get a 18ss or even a rush evo, but wanted 2spd out of the box, and i dont like purple. i have more tuning problems with my savage, but i dont mind

MT2 .18 SS They make a 2 speed for it but it is not recommended for off road use. As far as bashing and handling you just cannot beat 4 wheel drive.