I have a RC18T and it is a fun little truck with brushless. Also a Losi Mini-t also fun but still not like the AE. The RC18s are pretty good...check those out.
+1. I have a pair of the RC-18s and really love them. They are fairly stout out of the box and have tons of aftermarket parts. The newer versions are now belt driven and come with a 2.4 GHz radio.
The Mini LST handles awesome. But is plagued by plastic diff gears. The upgrade is $100, retail. If you are willing to spend some cash, the MLST can be a killer little rig. Viscous diffs, leave the center diff intact and slap a 2s pack in it. But for plug and play, the RC18's are just a blast. As are the Traxxas 1/16th's.