1st RC car advice

[Junglepeanut]

Looking to buy my (adult) son an RC car for his birthday. Would like to keep it around 200, Google says Traxxas Bandit ... Is this the best option for that range? Is it upgradable if its something he really gets into? Any advice would be applicable

****After a bit more reading let me add i guess I want something a bit all around use. He lives on several acres of short grass but want something he can also take out to a track so more of a if you only had 1 car kinda thing*****

[jpdgas]

The answer has a ton of variables. I've been in and out (currently out) of the RC car game for decades and here are my thoughts:
-If you want a basher (run around the yard and neighborhood) Traxxas is great. They are durable and can be upgraded. Larger scale trucks will handle grass better, and 4x4 will be the best. Often 1/10 will get bogged down if the grass is too deep.
-If you want to run track, a Traxxas will do it, but won't be competitive. They are good for practice days though and a lot of fun as you probably won't break it as much while learning. Track RCs can be fragile, especially once you get in to the fast buggies.
-Once he gets hooked on racing, it will probably be all consuming and he'll end up with 10+ cars and trucks to race in as many classes as possible. Ask me how I know.
-There is usually a very strong used market, and deals on full RTR vehicles in good shape can be found for a fraction of the cost. Usually one or two "getting out of the hobby" sales come up every month. Rctech.net is a great place for all things RC.
Good luck in your search!

[TimmysCabin]

Rllarlo Omni Terminator

https://a.co/d/0iA4PoAw

Big enough to still be an entry level hobby car (customizable and rebuildable) but small enough that it’s not gonna break the bank. There are two versions of this vehicle, one “budget” and then the one I linked which has a better motor/frame.

good review https://youtu.be/1rPEqOk0n74?si=G8fa7GRwBwt465t2

[Junglepeanut]

I like the looks of that one, thank you

[autococker04]

I have this exact one and outside of launching it full speed into a fire hydrant in 10 degree weather, it has been bullet proof. And getting replacement parts was easy.

[JohnB]

I never got super into it but had fun playing and racing buddies with the traxxus 4x4 rc cars

[gabe]

Traxxas Bandit is the way to go. I just got into Rc too, ended up going with vintage cars (of course) with AE RC10 re-releases. My close friend that got into it at the same time got a Bandit and it RIPS. Even just the standard brushed version rips hard. He added some JConcepts fuzzbite carpet tires and took 1st in our first race in amateur class. Can't speak highly enough of how great a performer it is for the price and indestructable too. Even if you manage to break something it seems like every hobby shop is a Traxxas dealer and stocks parts for them.

TLDR: Get the Bandit and don't look back. I'm kind of jealous I didn't start with one.

[Junglepeanut]

Thank you all for the advice... I learned a lot. I got a deal I couldn't pass up on a Traxxas Rustler. Figure it would be a great starting point and he can decide how far to dive in from there