my advice,

dont worry yet about which car.. go to you local track, and see what class you want to run first.. See what class has the most racers, which class looks the most fun, see what class is about your speed level (be honest).

Choices.. 2wd buggy, 2wd truggy, 4wd buggy, new is short course.

Your budget may play a big part of this also.

1/8 electric is extremely fast, sorry if i am insulting your experience, only assuming noobness, but i wouldnt advise on one just yet.

Now racing and bashing are two completely different things... unless your in short course.. LOL

Bashing, i would select a more robust vehicle, maybe from the traxxas line.