You'll find lots of help from fellow owners, ('Savage guys' are a close-nit group). It's not as durable out of the box as you might here - although compared to the T-Maxx I imagine it is. The beautiful thing about the Savage is its platform. You can fairly easily turn it into whatever you like. People get VERY creative with them. That's why I'd recommend just getting it--enjoying it--and then if something breaks address it. Additionally, once you get your pulse on its stock capabilities, then look for performance/setup changes.
The only design flaw is the suspension block system. I'm finding it's the root of multiple issues I've had. There are ways to work-around it, but there are also trade-offs for doing it. I'm designing something now to take care of it once and for all.
With all that, it a blast to drive and a great way to take out some aggression! The only thing right out of the gate I'd recommend is a wheelie bar and skid plate. I had no idea how much fun wheelies could be, and once you get it setup in what I call 'wheelie mode', oh my! I can ride wheelies all day.
Also, I always heard they were a PIA in the wrench on, but I'm finding just the opposite. I think they are one of the easiest vehicles to work on. It depends how you like to wrench. I like to tear down (instead of trying to 'get to' things)...so it' perfect for me.
Finally - don't recall if you noted you are new to nitro or not, but there is a bit of a learning curve. It's not that difficult, just takes a little tenacity and patience, as most people make a slew of mistakes at first...but that is the best way to learn. With nitro there is a right way and then a wrong way to do things....very little margin for error.