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We were raising a family when Paul started R/C, and there wasn't a ton of $$$ lying about. If we had it to do over, the first thing we'd do would be to assess whether this would be a long-term thing or a passing fancy. Always hard to do...
The adage is: Buy the best or buy twice. Or three times if wisdom comes slowly, as it usually does with me.
I'd buy the cheapest used car I could find and two used packs of cells. Maybe an inexpensive tool or two. I'd go to the track and ask people to charge my batteries. I'd borrow tools, etc. for the first club meeting. I know it's a pain, but I'd explain we're trying this out for size, and, at least in the US, we'd get plenty of willing help.
About the third meeting, if it seems the bug is biting, then buy the top stuff. I'm talking power supply, chargers, soldering iron, wrenches, etc. It works right and you only spend the $$ once. Stick with the used car & electronics until skills advance, but spend a $$ to bullet-proof it. It doesn't need to be fast at this point, but it does need to survive the punishment you'll dole out.
Get a good table, "the" light, an EZ-up, decent chairs, large cooler, etc. Racing's no fun when you're uncomfortable.
After a season is the time to upgrade car, electronics, batteries etc. if you're still bitten. Then, again, go all new and top of the line.
Many people buy stuff new and used from others and on the net. As a net retailer, I certainly suggest the net. But, in fact, I highly reccommend establishing a relationship with a good local model shop. Paul and I bought everything from one particular shop and one particular VERY knowledgable employee who steered us right.
From the beginning, we got exactly what we needed -- nothing else. Bill solved our problems and listened to our questions. In a short time we learned to do exactly what Bill said, and nothing else. The cars and equipment worked well, and Paul got faster. We still maintain a great relationship with Bill to this day, even though he now manages a shop 70 miles away. Without Bill, we probably wouldn't be racing today.
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