Looking to get into nitro cars, could use some opinions.

I'd see what your local hobby shop stocks parts for and go from there. Sucks breaking something on Friday and having to wait until Monday for a part to be delivered.

Since you said you like to tinker, picking up a used one may be a good option. Even if you're not mechanically-inclined, if you can follow directions and do some basic problem-solving on YouTube then you'll be more than fine with fixing up a used one.

That said, I'd recommend a 2WD 1/10 truck. 1/10 trucks have usually have less expensive parts, and 2WD trucks have less parts to begin with, and are easier to work on.

Had many T-Maxx's and Savages over the years. Yeah it's cool I guess, but cleaning/rebuilding 8 shocks, 4 CVDs, and 2 diffs becomes quite time-consuming.

As an example, I picked up a Nitro Stampede for $80 on eBay. Guy said it wouldn't stay running. I pulled it apart (did I mention that smaller trucks are generally easier to work on?), pulled the engine apart, cleaned all the internals and the carb, tossed in some new gears in the transmission and new driveshafts, installed an RC10GT side pipe I had laying around, poured in some fresh 20/9 fuel, and she started up and ran beautifully for another 3 gallons of fuel before I sold it.

It has since been replaced by a Traxxas Slayer that I picked up for $190. The Slayer handles much better than the N-'Pede (which always wanted to flip over) and has a much better suspension design. It's basically a longer, narrower Revo.

However, it is 4WD which means it's fairly heavy and needs twice the driveline maintenance and repairs. May sell it for a Nitro Slash or an SC10GT, just because I still want something that can fit SC bodies.

/r/rccars Thread