Originally Posted by
wombat
But going this route, the OP will still not achieve his goal of keeping everything under $400 with at least another $300 to spend on an engine, pipe, servos, tyres and then maybe radio gear. Hence why people are recommending RTR's or used built rollers.
I should have read all of the OPs criteria too
For $400 RTR for an 1/8 scale buggy you are going to get a rolling turd! You would be better off not skimping on the kit, and take your time and shop the for sale section here and get your running gear second hand. Down the road you can upgrade running gear, but you can't ever upgrade the kit. There is a lot of folks converting to electric, nitro motors in new condition should be plentiful.