I'm sure you could pick up a Mugen MBX5 or XRAY X-b8 FOR UNDER 200 RIGHT NOW. I'm positive that either car could whoop any new car in the right hands.
Ditto, or even a used 8ight.
Stay away from a sportwerks mayhem, or turmoil. aswell as any duritrax buggy.
The Duritrax and cheap Ofnas SUK! The Mayhem and Turmoil are actually pretty decent cars. I had a Mayhem for a long time, pretty tough car.