I would look into a used CEN Matrix. You can find them pretty cheap online and not all beat up, heck even new ones are very very cheap.
They are quite durable, and are race capable. I had one and was very happy with it. I think after all the time I ran it, I pretty much broke just the wing adjustment stops on it. It was that durable. The guy who has it now is not exactly into finesse driving, he punishes his vehicles, and he loves it and the truggy version.
For the money ($150 - $200 used, included the Factory Team versions), excellent vehicles. I would still have mine if I didn't get pissed at the engine and chuck nitro all together.
I know have an MBX5, and its one heck of a vehicle too, loads of fun (especially since its brushless!), but the CEN will always have a place with me.