go with the GT2 then up grade as you go. traxxas is not going to be a race car there more for bashing. as for the pull start just don't yank it to far like 12 inchs. if you wanted to you could buy a starter box and start it with it and have the pull start still there I did this when I got my first GT till I finally upgraded to a new motor that was setup for bump start. also with you being new a 2wd truck will be good for you to learn how to drive a rc.