Need help With Buggy Choice

[GilBeQuick]

For an X-Mas present to myself, I'm about 80% sure I'm getting a buggy. What should I get? I will never race it. I want something RTR, or just add radio gear. Something bigger than a .21. Obviously I want it to handle good and be durable. Please no one reccomend an Axis! Cost is a factor, so I'd like to keep it as low as possible. $500 MAX, but if possible I'd rather not go that high. The LHS's around here don't stock 1/8 buggies, so I'm not looking for anything my LHS stocks parts for.
Reccomendations?

 

[FlyinRazorback]

Here we go again.......This topic has been diced, sliced, covered, and smothered (can you tell I had Waffle House last weekend?).

 

[GilBeQuick]

blah blah blah. Sorry, I don't visit the 1/8 buggy forum really at all. What do you suggest?
I just read an article about the Ofna Violator, and they seemed to like it. Anyone here have a Violator? How is it?

 

[militarymaxx]

You have to give Razor some slack, and the rest of us also. We here this kind of question probably more than any other one. Don't take it personally. It's just a hard question to answer as there are so many deciding factors when it comes to choosing the right buggy. Price, parts availability, hop-up options, etc. all play a big part in the selection process. The list might be shorter if you asked which buggy not to buy. I have a GS Storm and love it. A few of the other regulars in here also speak highly of the Storm.
Another place you can go to get a good idea of what's good is your local track. See what everybody else is running, talk to the club racers and get their opinion. Read the magazines too, they're also a great source. Whatever you decide on, I'm sure you'll love it and have just as much fun as the guy with the
top of the line ride.