I had a Team Associated 18r (which is the same car, the "apex" was just re-marketed). I could never get the steering to work right ...it would stick in one direction a lot due to the way the steering joints were all made. I sold it and got an xRay M18 pro (what a GREAT little car). I still use my M18pro all the time, it is fassssst and handles almost as well as a 1/10 touring car. Get one of those and you'll definitely outperform your buddies "apex".