Chris in a similar role to you I started cheap and bought a mad monkey. I found some x2c shocks, ball raced it and but ceramic balls in the diff.
After looking at various cars I decided to get a Durango 210. Positives for me were that the spares cost pretty much the same as the ansmann car (wishbones etc) and included in the kit are the parts to change toe / castor / anti squat / trail.
The only thing I don't like about the Durango are the shocks. They don't have bladders and I have found it really hard to get them to work. I've now found a good setup though and after a few goes at building the shocks I'm now getting used to how they need to go together.
I built the 210 with ceramic diff balls. The only option part I've bought are the spring sets.
Creme do some lovely weight kits but I have just made my own weights out of lead sheet. A lot cheaper!
I have had to put about 50grams of weight in the front to stop it lifting under acceleration. I don't like this though so have ordered a short lipo to see if I can get the same weight distribution without making the car heavier. I had to add 80 grams to the mad monkey to get the same effect.
The 210 has plenty of room for electrics. If its wet I tape the body to the chassis tray and have had no issues. The car's nicely made and the only thing I've broken is a wing.
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