i will only say one thing, i would rather buy a 350 USED Mugen/Losi/Kyosho/Xray Truggy rather than buying a new D8T
no wonder your friend hates the D8 buggy.
i know many will hate me for this, so its only and purely and 110% my personal opinion gathered from what ive seen and heard from High profile HB team drivers.
cheers
Ali