For a used buggy, check the FS/FT forum as well as Ebay. There are some decent sales out there for around $200. But, I caution you. Sometimes you get what you pay for and in the long run it might have been better to save up and buy new. I'm not trying to discourage you from getting somethine used, just be cautious and do your homework. As far as which one to get.......check with your LHS and see what they carry for parts. What good is having a buggy that the only place you can get parts for it is from some internet company that's only open on Wednesdays from noon til
1:00. Parts support is definately important. Internet support is there for just about any buggy, but you need to know what you can put your hands on in a hurry. I'm a GS Storm owner and of course I would recommend it. But there is a slew of buggies out there that are just as good, many even better. Do a search in the forums for buggy choices or buggy recommendations. You get plenty of feedback. Cost to run ? I break it down into two categories. Driving style and quality of the buggy. If you're hard core racer/basher then it can get expensive whether it's in replacement parts that you've broken or upgrades because of stock pieces that you've broken. The harder you play, the more you pay. And buggy quality. If it's well designed, well engineered machine, it will be able to take the punishment better than the other brand. To make a buggy 'bullet proof' will cost you but choose those upgrades wisely. There's a reason we don't have Titanium wings.........we don't need them. There are alot of upgrades out there that you just don't need. I don't upgrade until I brake it. If the stock part is doing just fine, leave it be. The initial start up can be expensive but don't get crazy. Get the buggy, your basic support items (glow plugs, glow plug starter, fuel, basic tools, batteries, etc. stuff like that) and you'll have just as much fun, maybe more, than the guy with the u-haul full of stuff. Good luck on your choice and have fun !!