It's the same question you ask if someone wanted to start 1/10, "what's your budget" also do you want new or used.
There are lots of manufactures for both engine and kits. Do you want an RTR that's built ready to go or a kit to build.
The JQ or Losi would be a good place to start with if you don't mind RTR's. They both come with engines and radio gear that's good enough to get you hooked.
If you want to build it then the two above do very good kits at a good price but the you've got the likes of:-
-Mugen Seiki , strong and very good parts availability.
-Sworkz or however it's spelt
. Again a very good car and parts availability.
-X-ray, they've just brought out a new model so the XB-9 will be a good price if shops have them in stock and want to clear stock.
-kyosho! great car but a tad on the expensive side I think! but I have Hurd nothing but good things about it.
Engines, same as above, how much do you want to spend. The fastrax enduro is a good engine, for a combo with the exhaust I think your looking at around £150. The Alphas are also good engines, there combos are around £170-£200 I think. You then move on too the OS based engines like LRP,Bullitt that retail at around the £300 mark just for the engine and then a £60 exhaust. Then there REDS,NovaRossi,losi,BEAT and so on
.
If your not sure and just want to dabble in it I would look for a secondhand Mugen MBX6R or 6REU, X-ray XB9 or Sworkz all 3 are good cars. Engine wise, unless you know who is selling it and ow it's been treated I would only buy new, the fastrax would be my engine of choice, or the NovaRossi P5, there meant to be very good.
I would also go to your local Nitro club to see what people use there, you will then have people around you that can help with set ups and spares
.
HTH.
Ross