If the OP is an absolute beginner to RC, then the best route would probably be to buy new. And the best value is usually a (*shudder*) RTR (ready-to-run).
I would always recommend a kit in a shop "deal", that way you build the car, so you know how it works, and you can build it to whatever standard you choose. The RTR's tend to be thrown together in the factory, although the standard of build is generally good, you do get the odd howler (missing bearings, over-tightened parts etc).
Second-hand is a real step into the unknown, it takes a bit of experience to filter out the decent stuff from the junk.
AM radios and brushed motors may seem old-tech, but they work and are simple. When you are starting out, you just want to drive around the track, you don't want to be tweaking settings all the time.
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