Thanks Guys,
The boy is 3 (nearly 4)

but I bought him a Scooby for christmas and as its on road, we are really limited where to take it, hence the reason for an off road (plus the scooby was quite cheap and he seems to have taken to the cars like a duck to water!!).
I'll check them out and work out which one to go for.
As a newbie, I have read a whole lot on this forum and was convinced Ansmann was the way forward but now speaking with you lot, it doesn't seem to necessarily be the brand of choice.
My brother in lam has a HPI Nitro 'On Road' but its far too much like hard work for when the littlun wants to go out.
Thanks again