I've just started touring car racing myself, and alas, my Academy isn't going to do - its a grand car, but I'll have to order parts from the USA, which is not ideal when the car is not the major expense.
I think I've found a replacement, but as you are in a similar situation, I thought I'd share my thoughts and findings.
I was also of the opinion to start with a new car - I've learned the hard way that cars of unknown history can have issues you don't see if you're a newb.
The £300+ cars were a bit too rich for my blood, so I looked around at the Tamiya TA-05 (there's now a version 2) and the Team Magic EJ4S (distributed by Comet RC - a really cool design, not much information on it though). Both are plastic (not necessarily a bad thing), mid-range cars, like the Xray T2R. The TA-05, in particular, has a reputation as a tank, but with the weight limit dropping to 1350g at my TC club, may be a bit chubby, even with light lipos.
Both would have spares available from the UK, but only by mail order. The same holds true of the Tamiya TRF tourers.
The advantage of the TC5, Mi4 and Xrays is principally spares availability right there, right then. I'll be going this route, I think, despite me wanting the Team Magic!
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