When you spend $350-$500 on a modern 4wd car, you are pretty much guarenteed a capable ride. The only question then is driving style. Will the desired car fit the way you like to drive?
As far as not wanting saddle packs, I think that is a weak reason for not getting a car. It is so easy and quick to convert your side by side packs into saddles. In addtion you can get saddle Lipos. And you can still use your saddle packs (ni-mh) in 2wd buggies or touring cars. Battery pack style is about the last thing I look at when making a car purchase.