if he is a pure rookie id talk him out of it go electric.. then get a noise kit still can sound like nitro

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/workbenc...___store=en_us

I certainly ama rookie when it comes to rc cars but not to vehicles and carburetors and such. While im sure a nitro rc is different the principles of tuning must be similar.
As to the post about the cost of fuel, it is insignificant in my decision.the fuel isn’t anywhere near expensive enough to where I couldn’t pick up a gallon or two without giving it much thought.
Learning to tune the nitro holds about 65% of my interest driving it about 35% i just like to tinker on engines and such. I always have a project going ( project motorcycles or quads etc.

How about a solid axle monster truck? Kids love them because they handle just like the real monster jam trucks they see on TV. Plus, this new Kyosho just looks so darn cool.

https://www.amainhobbies.com/kyosho-...33152b/p702226

My buddies & i went yrs without knowing how to properly tune a nitro, & still had a ball with crappy too rich tunes. As long as we seen smoke knew we were fine. 7/10 YouTube videos with people running nitro having fun dont even have the proper tune, but yet they are still having fun...thats what it's all about. Sooner or later Youll get the hang of it or meet someone who shows u how to properly tune and the fun is just enhances more speed & power plus u learn something new! Don't get intimidated I tune my nitro and occasionally have to tweak the needles it's DEFINITELY not an everytime u ride thing. Just have some spare glow plugs on hand and ur good to go.

Not trying to turn this into a brushless vs nitro dispute but if you wanted nitro get it!

I believe in the exact same principle which is why I purchased my Mugen 7TR nitro. In the future if I decide to race, I know I have one of the best platforms to get started with. The Losi RTR Nitro is a good value but if I were in your situation again, I would be leaning toward the Tekno NT48.3 kit. Durable for bashing and a great racing platform that you don't have to upgrade if you decide to race.

Nothing puts a smile on your face like the sound and smell of your nitro when your have it tuned and running great... however its nice to have an electric truck ready to go when you get frustrated with your nitro not starting or stalling ....

Id go with the revo 3.3

ive never been a fan of the "start out small and work your way up" like your a little kid or something. its just a waste of money

I am pretty certain i will never race. There are no tracks near me And i am just far to busy for something like that i work a fair amount of hours and have a wife and three kids. I really just want something that can keep me entertained for a while.
I ised to have a couple buddies that used to be big into nitro trucks and i used to love to drive them now I think i want one for myself

Dont let these guys talk you out of nitro. 14 years ago i got my first rc, a nitro rustler. Here i am still addicted. Ya its a little harder but its not that big of a deal if you end up killing the trx 3.3 learning how to tune. They can be had for 100 on ebay. Honestly the trx engine is prone to problems anyways. Word of advice dont worry if the temps are high but you have good smoke. Most of my trx 3.3 engines ran around 280.

nitro
 

I remember when I jump into nitto. I had my electric truck less than 6 months and became bored with it and cost of lipo batteries were ridiculous. Nitro is definitely a deal more as far s maintenance, but honestly if you like tnkering around on stuff you'll enjoy it. Just follow proper break in procedures listed in the manual and read iand understand it before attempting any repairs.