Want to purchase an RC... need advice.

[gregu]

Hello, I am thinking of getting an RC car, and I am looking for some advice. I have owned a couple of the cheeper department store types over the years, but now I would like to move on to a better one. I would like to know how complicated a nitro car is for a person that has never used one before? I am moderatly mechanicly inclined (can handle most of my own vehicle repairs).

I was looking at getting a T-Maxx... are these too complicated for a beginner?

Thanks for your input.

[evaderstman]

As long as you have a hobby shop near by you should be good that way if you do get in trouble they will be able to help. As for the vehicle look for something that your hobby shop stocks a lot of parts for that will really help. Other than that i think you should be fine with nitro. I started with it and never really regreted it.

[JonBoy]

I have never had a nitro but if that is what you want GET ONE. Its not something you would hand a 8 year old and say figure it out but if you think you will be ok you will. You might be back on the boards asking questions but hey thats what there here for.

[rocknbil]

Welcome aboard gregu! :D

I run both, and while I have to admit there's nothing like the smell of nitro in the morning (arrrrruuuh!) you will be up and running faster with an electric. An offroad truck (AE T4, Losi XXXT, etc.) or onroad car are pretty fast and just as much fun. Electrics don't have as much ability to annoy the crap out of your neighbors!

But if you're patient and don't mind an initial learning curve while you learn how to start, tune, and keep your nitro running, and have a place where you can let 'er rip and make some noise (streets are very very bad, especially the curb parts of them,) nitro is fine. If not, start off with electric, you can always buy a nitro later.

What? You didn't think you could stop with just ONE did you?

:D

Here - dig around this article (http://www.rc-resources.com/guides/what_to_buy.shtml), it will give you some things to think about.

[Duster_360]

I'd say take the plunge! Thats the way I got in - I bought a Tmaxx and have had a lot of fun. Its a great truck to learn with and does a decent job being what a monster truck is supposed to be. Its basic to anything else you'll prob own and with the world of upgrade parts made for it, you can turn it into just about anything you want it to be (given the money).

[gregu]

Thanks for all the input...
I am still up in the air over a nitro or a good electric one.
I don't really have a hobby shop close to me (closest is about an hour away), but that should be good enough for the occasional repair/upgrade.

Question about electric ones. How long do the batteries last. (both run time, and lifetime)?

[thewarrenator]

nitro rc's is in my opinion very hard for begginers to learn, all the tuning sucks. nitro's are also more expensive usually. fuel, glowplugs, igniters, ENGINES. stick with electric, you'll be happy. nitros arent like normal small engines. they require alot of attention and one wrong move can destroy it. start with electric. you can get electrics to go just as fast as nitros if not more without the noise, fumes, and neighbors callin the cops!

[jimbow]

..... the noise, fumes, and neighbors callin the cops!
dude. That's what makes it fun! :D

[rezenclowd3]

I just got into rc nitro cars and I love it. I just bought a used Nitro TC3 and love it! It came with some bent parts and I blew up the engine so so far I should have bought a RTR brand new. In actuality I love the fact that I had to learn the hard way cause I am learning friggen fast! It forced me to tear it apart and find out wich parts go where and and why. The speed of nitro and noise just cant be beat. But go with what you want. I know I would like electric also because I just plain love learning about new crap. So you decide, as long as your willing to push your knowledge it should be good.

[aior0s]

I think you should search around b4 just pop a new thread asking for opinion of which truck u should buy! I heard that T-Maxx has lots of problem and not really durable! I don't know this for facts 'cause I don't own 1. I got a TNX for my 1st nitro truck. I love it! You will find lots of positive things about this TNX. Specially TNX Pro. I made my decision based on this forum. lots of people going to recommended you different truck! Like the savage for bashing, Revo for racing. or TNX is good for bashing and racing.
Are you going for bashing only? or are you going to race?
I recommend you the TNX Pro! cause it's durable and fast!
just my 2 cents

[astainback]

I agree with aior0s in that the TNX is probably a really good starter due to the fact that it comes with an OS engine. (this means you will not be cussing the engine as much as you would with the tmaxx's 2.5)

Rocknbil was right about electric. You can get speed for pretty cheap, and you don't have to worry about tuning the motor. Plus, it is quiet, and you can run at night, in the AM, whenever.

I would like to recommend the MGT due to the reliablity of the engine and the toughness of the truck. That thing starts everytime, and I have never had a problem with the motor. I run it rich (not too rich) to pro-long the life of it and the only adjustments that I make are mostly to the idle screw. (you will learn about tuning)
The tmaxx comes with a nice dvd that will help you get started, but this forum has a whole lot more about all engines than the traxxas dvd. I think you can download tuning videos from somewhere...

Again, the MGT is my recommendation. There is a website where you can order one for almost as cheap as a tmaxx with free shipping. (Ultimatehobbies)

adrian