Originally Posted by Zerodefect

The best way to save money is to buy the right equipment the first time. Radios, starter boxes, tools, etc, are not wear items and can last a looong time.
Best to invest in the good stuff you'll need, this ain't 1/10th scale anymore, get a radio you can count on.

I can go on and on, but we all see Johny DNF with his mediocre gear and ebay specials DNF'ing every weekend.

Skip all the chaep RTR, DNF quality stuff.

A realistic budget for one car+radio:
D8 $330
Airtronics M11x $370 Or Spektrum DX3r-$300
Ofna Truggy Box $100
Turnigy Lipo 4s 5800mah 25c softpack $50
Turnigy Lipo 2s 1000mah 25c softpack $10
Hitec 7955's $240
RB Ws9 w/2045 $400 (sure there are cheaper mills, but this is a realistic cost for most racing mills)
3 sets of race tires $180
transponder $85
3 cans of spray paint $18

The most obvious example where spending extra to save in the long run is the mighty 7955 servos.