The Losi 8ight RTR is a pretty kick butt option, but @ $100 more than your budget ($650 at my LHS). It does include a starter box and a Spektrum DX3S Radio setup though....which is AWESOME for racing. Race ready out of the box, or so they say.
It's good, but it comes as a roller I believe.... Pretty sure the 1.0 RTR wasn't all that great. I have heard good things about the 2.0 RTR though. I have yet to drive either....but for the extra $100 for the 2.0...the DX3S and Bump Box are worth it IMHO.
For $265 you can get a new Caster Fusion EX-1 roller. It is a very durable fast ELECTRIC buggy. Drop the Castle Creations Mamba Monster Max 2650 KV system in it with two 2S lipo packs (5000mah or greater and at least 20C discharge) and you are ready to rip.
I got a losi 8 rtr with the starter box and the specktrum.Ran .5 gallon through it so far and it rips.I also ordered my son a ofna hyper 7 black which should be here today.Curios to see the difference in the $700 buggy and the $ 280 buggy....
Got the hyper 7 in, nice looking buggy for the price, fit and finish arent as good as I would like but again the price point I can live with it.I will have to build a true battery box for it,the way it comes the batteries just kinda set out in the open with a hold down cap.I did one tank for break in so I'm uncertain at this point on performance,couple more tanks easy and I will start leaning it out.
I will check back in in a couple days when it quits raining and can really run it.
Good choice, they are reliable, fast and handle nicely. That's a good price as well. The FM radio is pretty good too. Buy a set of spare steering tie rod ends, in bad crashes they break. Other than that they are tough. Take your time setting up the radio. The servos are decent, better than most RTRs for sure.