The right vehicle

[Exige]

I am new to all this, but have been looking for a R/C vehicle for a while now, after many standard "Kiddies" R/C cars.
I definately know I want something which resembles a car, which rules out buggys, and want something electric.
I would like to be able to race it, but would mostly be used in the street, or drive.
I have been looking at the Tamiya m03 Mini Cooper, and think i would prefer a car, than monster truck.
Is the m03 Mini a suitable racer, or will I get trounced?
Any other suggestions for a reasonably priced all purpose car?

[P90Puma]

Hey nice name!!! I found that with onroad cars that they really get beat up on roads, so much that i had to get a rally kit on my TC3 to use it on my street (And i live in the middle of suburbia) So it may or may not be usuable on the street. Competitivily speaking tamiya's stand no chance unless there is alot invested into hopups. Personally id recommed a car from AE or HPI. And obiviously the HPI Lotus 2000 Elise Bodyshell :D! Enjoy.

[Exige]

Thanks, I had infact been looking for elise body shells, to fit on chasis, didnt manage to find one, I will look up those though.

[RS4rally1124]

the tc3's for sure for touring car racing... however for bashing and if your trackj runsd a front wheel drive class the m03's are awsome little cars..

JT

[P90Puma]

http://hpiracing.com/bodies/bodyfocus.php?item=partnumber&value=7376

[ss13t]

The Mo3 is awesome. It's small, lightweight chassis and fwd gives it impressive speed and accel even with the stock motor. It's short wheelbase means tight handling too. I'd get the tamiya mini cooper If i were you. Its a perfect first car, and it's tough and cheap. it even comes with an esc. and best of all you get to build it yourself! It's so much fun!
Adam

[Exige]

I have been looking at the RTR m03 and the m03 that has to built, but already built second hand. Do you think buying second hand - if in full working order, and hardly used - is a good option. Also, what are the advantages/disadvantages of each.
Many thanks.

[RS4rally1124]

rtr's are good but can be confusing when u start to take them apart... as far as new vs used i am always a fan of a good deal and used is usually a better deal

JT

[Exige]

Thanks RS4, I have seen a second hand m03 for a very good price, in very good nick, and I think I will start with a mini, see if I like the "Sport" and move on to a HPI if I do.

[Exige]

Here is an image of the Mini I have been looking at, to me it looks like the front left Suspension spring is bent over. Does it look like this to you?
http://i15.ebayimg.com/02/i/06/7e/c5/a1_1_b.JPG
Is it supposed to be like that, or is it damaged.
Also, the seller does not state if it is the m03 chassis, or m01, can you tell?
Thanks.

[dalejrfan8]

Its hard to really see anything from that pic. But everything looks fine to me. As for which chassis it is, i have no clue but im sure someone here can steer you in the right direction.