Yikes....This hobby takes a lot of research. $700 - 1000 is about the total I spend on everything for everyone. While I know I'd get some descent cars it's out of the question.
As far as priorities....I'm still talking this over with my wife. The current line of thinking is to get a cheap car that will move in the grass and be sure that he's going to like the hobby. Having said that, Bermbuster...you're absolutely correct. If I were to do this "right" I'd spend about $500 on two cars and accessories and I'd be fully aware that I'd be spending more later. I learned a long time ago that it's important to purchase quality. In this case though, I've got to cut a few large corners to be sure that my son is going to keep playing with RC cars/trucks.
JatoTheRipper...great information. I'm glad you feel the same way about research. I was up way to late last night, and found out today that there's still a LOT to learn.
My mother is coming up from STL on the 21st of this month. When I was young I had a crappy toy that ran off 5 AA's. Maybe it will be slightly stronger than the cheap toy my son's got now, and I'll cut the grass.
Hopefully this will give us a better idea of how long he'll stick with the hobby.
Ugh...I didn't even think about the 1/10th being to large for indoors. Our living room/dining room is about 28x20, but we'd need room for all the couches and things if we made a track. The game room down stairs is about 20x15 same story.
If I had to guess, our order of priority would be...
Grass
Dird Road/Asphault
Beach
packed snow/ice ?
indoors
Corn Field
As I write this though, the corn field is empty from about September till May. Though it's covered with snow for a large chunk of that depending on the year. That might be our largest source of excitement.
Is it even possible to get into two worth while cars for "cheap." Keeping in mind he's 7. I'd be more than willing to get a better car in the future once we've worn out or broken most the parts on the first cars
I was looking at the Mini Baja, and the Mega Monster Baja, and more recently the Traxxas Rustler or Stampede seem more in my price range since I'd like to get two cars. I've still got to look into the differences in the VXL models. The High Roller might be an option too.
I'm glad you mentioned the brushless being to fast for indoors, I didn't even think of that.
Would the 1/16 E-Revo even do well in the corn field?
Is this the correct Tamiya buggy? How long are they going to hold up, and what would the suspension and motor cost?
Can't post URL's yet. Ebay Item #360183939124 is that the right Tamiya?
THANK YOU!!!