It comes down essentially to what you want to spend. There is no doubt that the RTR type is the cheapest way to start, and then if you like it and find you are lacking cause of machinery, you could then flog it and start again.
As some of the others said, there are a few recognised cars, both 2 and 4wd. If you were to start with just 1 car, although not as quick round the track, I personally would go 2wd as they are simpler and generally cheaper to run...as a rough comparison to the RTR, a competitive 2wd set up would comprise:-
2nd hand rolling chassis (B4 Factory Teams are always popping up on here/ebay and are still more than competitive) - say £100 with a few spares
Second Hand Brushless combo - roughly £100 quid second hand (LRP/Nosram as example)
Radio gear plus high speed servo - You can go 27 mhz, 40 mhz or 2.4 Ghz. This is something worth speaking to people about, most use 2.4 these days as they don't need crystals and there is less faff but they are still a fair bit more expensive. I would recommend a Sanwa Gemini 40 meg set (if you are going sticks rather than steerwheel) which can be had for around £50 second hand, then another £40 for a servo.
You'll need a set of lipo batteries, but 2 sets is the norm. I'd buy new from somewhere like DMS, or alternatively one of the Hong Kong shops on ebay. Check the BRCA battery and motor list for approved ones if you think you might compete in BRCA sanctioned events (this means NAtional and Regional meetings, but does not apply to the vast majority of club meetings where almost anything goes as long as it's 7.4v lipo. Budget around £80 for 2 sets of lipos, and £30-40 for a charger. The chargers are 12v input generally so you need a mains adaptor, or a car battery really for outdoor (around a tenner for a mains power supply, you can get these on ebay). Car battery, about £40-£50.
A few sets of tyres and wheels is handy although generally Schumacher minispikes outdoors and minipins indoors (for rears). If it's 2wd, same as rears plus maybe some staggered ribs which are a good allround tyre and last forever. Say around £50 but look on here/ebay for people selling second hand wheels.
You'll need some tools/toolbox and table and chair, say another £80, depends what you already have.
As you can see it can soon mount up!
I would go to Bury and mither as many people as you can, ask lots of questions and just watch how it all works. You'll find 9 out of 10 are more than happy to give advice. We might look serious sometimes when we crash, but at the end of the day it's a bit of fun.
Good luck and hope you're not too put off!
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