I also recently re-entered the hobby after about a 10 year break. Started out with a Losi Rock Rey then got a pair of Tenacity-T's for my 7 year old and I. Being the racer that I am I eventually converted mine to an 1/8 buggy.
Now I'm not recommending a converted RTR as a viable race car. But given how durable it's been and how well it drives on the off-road track I'm convinced that I should stick with Losi and I'll be keeping my eye out for the 8ight-Xe kits next year.