jato vs. rustler vs. firestorm (stock
Which of those is best for off-roading?

off them, nitro rustler. i have one, it's really great for the price but.
get a 1/8 Truggy ore Buggy, it's so much better and fun.
\\ karl

Id get the hpi firestorm, looks like great fun!

of the 3 the jato will be the least suited for offroad

Between the rustler and firestorm, I would probably lean toward the firestorm. Both are very good stadium trucks though

I have seen the jato off road with an intermediate driver and the thing is almost impossible to control when you are on the throttle.
Rustler and Firestorm are both good but i would lean towards the FS for durability. or whatever your LHS has parts for.

I would get a 4 wd car since the rustler and jato will just kick around dirt if you don't know how to drive off road with a rear wheel drive vehicle

good point...but then if he ever decides to race at a track....they most likely dont have 1/10 4wd nitro class. if it is just for bashing then 4wd would be good as well like mentioned

Yeah, your right theres rarely a 4wd class[:'(] Well if your planning to race offroad get like a rc10gt2 or a firestorm. Ohh dont forget the xxx-nt if you can find one