the difference between the tamiya and the associated is that the tamiya parts all fit perfectly. no fitting necessary. the tamiy ta05 handles very well right out of the box and cost 1/4 of the high end 415.
Most here love the xray because it is so durable and able to take the punishment. I've had a tc3 fro the last 9 years. still works good enough to have fun driving it.
cheers.
wn