first off identify what you are wanting to do. Are you planning on racing at all, or just bashing?
If just bashing, maybe consider some of the RTR 1/8 vehicles out there. I know Caster Racing has one, and MRC sells one from the ZD Racing line that comes fully equipped including batteries. Just need a charger then. Same with a few others out there.
As a basher you are also not tied to requiring ROAR approved lipos. You can then find some pretty cheap that way either from overseas like Turnigy brand.
The Castle Creations MMM systems can be used in racing and bashing conditions. They are just not as smooth on the start up as a Tekin sensored or other sensored units (XERUN, SpeedPassion, LRP, Etc) . But they can be found for a bit less too.
Another thing to consider if you are not sure about lipos is LiFePo4 packs are getting out there more and more, and are a safer technology. In 1/8 electric, the cars are already overpowered, so you shouldn't have any power issues.