the only consistent complaint about the XL is the 5.9 motor. It, like all nitros, must be sealed before you break it in and it should be checked for leaks often.
I've got an XL, and love it. Sealed the motor up, just recently. Other then that I've had it 10 or 11 months and use it when its warmer then 20 degrees out side. Never had any issues with it what so ever.
xl is a good soild truck if u plan on running it in the cold seal the engine or take it 2 a local hobby shop with a guy that really knows how to tune because most factory motors are dogs....if your going for st8 bashing you can't go wrong with stock savage if you want more speed then id go for losi xxl but they can't take the beating a savage can team associate mgt8.0 is an awesome truck if u get rid of the motor it can take a bashing and still run on street but the 8.0 is a terrible motor