i believe that the ntc3 is not that fragile. No one seems break theirs at our track, but most by me use the g4 or other cars, seems just the younger kids use the tc3.
Our race season won't begin for about another 4 months, so hopefully whatever car i get i'll have 3 months or so to work the kinks out.
I personally like belt driven cars, I also like the gas tank in the center of the car, so regardless of how much fuel you have, the car is balanced the same. That's one reason i don't like the tc3.
I don't bash the tc3 since most race results i read, all have at least one tc3 in the top 5, i respect that.