A full rig + electronics could be had for a bargain through the right searching. Like my Ofna 9.5 Pro buggy I built through eBay purchases and new Castle MMM setup - about $650 fully setup with radio and Zippy Lipo. The buggy was a lightly-used Roller with CNC upgrades and carbon fibre, threw in a mid-level servo and a used Spectrum DX2 + receiver.
Top of the line and new you'll be over $1000 you went for the $100+ servo, latest radio equip, name-brand LiPO, Tekin stuff and new or slightly used roller.