Only ever casually built Tamiya kits, want some advice on Buggies
 

I've been into rc for a while but I've only built the tamiya kits like the Mad Bull and the Rising Fighter. I want to get a new buggy but something more drivable. It doesn't have to be competitively good. I just want something fun for bashing, my budget is about £120. Something upgradable would be nice.

The "MAVERICK XB EVO" buggy may be worth a look, its 4wd with independant suspension all round and uses standard hex wheels. They also do a monster truck and drift car using the same chassis, so you can change it into something else if you get bored with it (I got the drift car and later converted it to a buggy) and are within your budget, they only have a farty little battery included (1800mah NiMH), so you may want to get some decent batteries as well if you do buy one.

http://www.modelsport.co.uk/maverick...products/38124

Or you could buy a second hand 2wd and could convert to a truck but at a cost. There is this for sale now and is a great car for the money.

http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=175810

Driveability-wise, 2WD is more difficult to floor it but has less rotating parts and doesn't build up speed quite as easily, so is maintenance friendly; 4WD is easier to drive, but invites to go too far and too fast. It may also require more maintenance.

For 2WD, I would say you can't beat the Associated RC10B5 (the rear-motor one)... It's a very good quality car from both performance and durability perspective. The trend for racing has gone towards mid-motor cars... It seems Associated anticipated for better rear-motor sales when they put the RC10B5 on the market, so these are up for grabs at very good prices - I was lucky to get one for 100GBP new in box, but with 120GBP you should be on target for one :)

For 4WD, I would go shaft-drive for bashing purposes (it's more durable and usually the transmission is closed). If you're willing to go second hand, the Team Durango DEX410 may be a car to consider: It's a bit tight for space, but it's a durable car, they're cheap and plentiful second-hand. Spare parts are expensive from Durango, but again the second-hand market is quite good here... A new 4WD at 120GBP might be a bit tough if you'd like something that will stay in one piece.

If you want a new kit to build, consider the £125 BZ-444 Pro from HobbyKing:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...arehouse_.html

4wd
Shaft drive
Metal gear riffs
Slipper clutch
Clear body
Etc, etc...

You will still require electrics as it's sold as a race roller.