my recommendation
It really depends on what your budget is and how much you are looking to upgrade on. Of all the cars out there, I'd probably stick with a Tamiya TT-01 Type E (shaft driven) or even better, stick with the TA05 (belt driven). These cars ranges from $140-$180. There are so many upgrades to both these cars I'll brake your bank plus as mentioned, the bodies are the most realistic in the business (right down to the sponsor decals). Heck, if you want, you can enter into the many TCS (Tamiya Championship Series) held all over the U.S. and have a chance to win a free trip to Japan. Touring cars can get pretty spendy but look into the buy/sell/trade forum for good deals, maybe even on Ebay. If you don't find what you are looking for, just let me know...I have a few touring I can part out on brand new, just built, bodies unpainted.