First Nitro: build or buy?

[Metallic Blade]

I'm new to this nitro stuff, so I may sound like an idiot at times... anyway, I was looking in forward into switching from a electric user, to a nitro one. Here's my question. Is it worth more to build your car from small pieces, or to have one that's already pre-built for you? What would be the price differences if the same model nitro had a pre-built and Kit version. If so, then how much would I save. Also, I'm not looking into getting a $600 car. Something for beginners. What do you guys recommend?

 

[SMaxxin]

The RTR's are usually cheaper. What are you interested in getting, on road, off road ? If you let us know which model your looking at we can tell you the cheapest way to get it.

 

[hamz9561]

When I started into the nitro side of the hobby, I got an RTR. All you have to do is install the batteries in the remote break in the engine and you're off. You just need to let us know whether you're into on-road or off-road and we can suggest some good cars and trucks.

 

[Ericke1]

What is your budget, then we can suggest, I would take the Rustler Truck as a first

 

[rocknbil]

I'm new to this nitro stuff

You will learn more, know better what to do if you build from scratch. However . . . .

I'm not looking into getting a $600 car. Something for beginners.

Most of *those* will only be available as RTR.

 

[Ericke1]

Since you are new, I would also suggest you check out what brands your local hobby store services the most and has the most parts, you will need a holding hand for the beginning to understand what is wrong, what needs to be fixed and how to fix it

 

[Metallic Blade]

I'm probably looking for something that is universal for both off, and on-road. Those are the buggies as I am not mistaking? Preferably, I am looking in for something that has good overall stats, and is the least expensive as can be.

Wait, so you're saying that RTR's are indeed cheaper to buy then the whole un-assembled kit?

Oh and by the way, eBAY is out of the question. So, I'm only stuck to my local stores.

While I was in one of my locals, I did notice that the store did in fact have the TRAXXAS 4-Tec's on display. But damn! A nice looking one, on-road, RTR was priced for $350! (Now I know that this hobby comes nowhere by the means of, "Cheap".)

 

[AC48]

I would suggest a kit. It will be a bit tricky to build one for the first time, but its the best way to learn about your car, and its a lot of fun (IMO anyway).

If you're looking to go 1/10 scale a kit can be had for well under 600, if you're going 1/8 buggy or truggy type cars RTR is best, they just cost too much. If you want to go with a monster truck, an HPI Savage X SS will do you good and its a kit and you'll be under 600 with everything.

I would suggest taking a look at HPI's MT2 18SS+ kit. Its a very fast little truck and with the right tires can be lots of fun on and off road.

 

[jon2]

I would suggest looking into a used rig if your budget is low. Only risk is you inherit the previous owners problems. If you can pinch out the dough for a new RTR you will have far better luck.

 

[4u2nv]

Kits usually end up costing more in the long run but its something you will learn alot from and can buy parts as you go. Like stated above a RTR youll just have to add fuel and batteries and your ready to rip. Kits seem to have a higher quality of parts on them, hense the prices being higher. Also by the time a person puts servos, a reciever and a transmitter in there it will get more spendy as well.
I personally got a monster truck as my 1st rc and would recommend one of them (a savage to be exact). Otherwise a buggy would also be a good choice.

 

[Metallic Blade]

Thanks for the help. :whistle: I've been thinking... while in one of your hobby stores... HobbyTownUSA for example. (I think it's a program) Is it possible to test drive one of the nitro vehicles before buying one? If so, then would it cost anything? Because I've seen one individual drive around with a micro electric RC around the store.

 

[Viperuk1]

i was in the same sort of boat as you.

Iv come to the decision to buy a RTR (Savage X) then take it apart a few times see how it all works then when it comes to buying your next one go for a DIY one.

Iv taken a stapede i borrowed off a m8 apart a few times now fixed a few things and i feel very comfortable workin on it and iv only been doin it a week!lol

 

[Tweak]

It is in fact possible to test drive many models. Just visit www.traxxas.com or one of the other sites and look for the test drive links.

Manufacturers LOVE to set up programs with hobby shops all over the world to get people more interested. Chances are, if you go to a hobby shop (one listed as an authorized test drive site) you will get our hands on a precise machine,very well kept that runs great.


As for the initial question, If you are hands on person, by all means, build it. Try to find a model with really well detailed instructions, as some can be really specific in their needs. Some of these kits can take several days or weeks for busy people, and can be quite tough to build. If you get a kit, try for something small at first, don't go after the baddest racers with the most options out there, that one will be tough to build, IMO

 

[MR4X4KING]

everyone has good info for you depends on where you live and waht your local hobby shop sells
find out what you want to do with it and how much to spend
2wd, 4wd, offroad on road some hobby shops sell more cars than others and have more parts for one than the others so if you break it you can get parts
for it no body wants to break a car and not be able to get parts to drive it for a while

 

[Viperuk1]

Listen 2 the man. good advise although alot of hobby shops can order parts in and most come next day.