There are a lot of lower-cost 4WD buggy options out there too, which is a much more controllable class of car for entry-level drivers.
For example, HPI markets the Cyber 10b, which is a plastic composite version of the full-race Hotbodies D4, and even uses the same suspension parts. I picked one up for Emily at PM for $280. Similarly, there are Tamiya options like the DB-01 chassis buggies (Durga, Baldre) which are plastic versions of the top line TRF501X, and in a similar performance class as the Cyber 10b. Kyosho also markets a cheaper version of their Lazer ZX-5 as well. On the cheap end of top-level, the Losi XXX-4G+ is at PM for $329 (I know Scott L's opinion on Losi
, but it is a full blown race-ready machine, and my car of choice
)
Also, even though there is 19 turn motor limit, using 27 turn stock motors instead will still be fast enough, and even easier to control for beginning off-roaders. This is even more important in the 2WD classes.