Xmods

They're about 6.5" long, and are really only good for smoothly paved roads, tennis courts, and garage and kitchen floors (great for the winter months, in that regard). I've driven one of these before. Good grip and control due to the AWD. Stock top speed is ~9-10 mph. Simple upgrades will take it to about 15 mph, but there are some some guys who re-solder the FET chips, with hot motors, and can get upwards of 30 mph from them. Real fun in stock form, but they can be addicting.
If you have the $$$, I'd recommend the Kyosho's Mini-Z (which offer far more Ferrari bodies, better detail, and crisper/smoother controls).

 

I don't live very far from the Radio Shack warehouse & they are constantly having sales on them, my old employer gave me one (ACURA RSX) part of a XMAS promotion. I agree they don't handle that great but you get what you pay for. If you want, I can see what chassis are for sale if anyone needs some picked up for a Ferrari project.

 

XMODS are basically toy R/C cars. If you really want to have fun with an R/C car go with something designed for hobbyists. HPI, Tamiya (personal fav), Losi, Team Associated and others make cars that are many orders of magnitude better. Kyosho's Mini-Z is not a bad choice for a small car, however, I'd go with XRAY and their M18.

 

LOL, sorry about that. I used that link since it has the complete range of bodies listed (F430, 575GTC, F40, Enzo, 612 Scaglietti), unlike the US/English site, which you can view here:
http://www.kyosho.co.jp/web/products/car_bike/miniz/index-e.html

If you want bang for the buck in a small size (1/18th scale), I'd also recommend the Team Associated RC18T. RTR kit is about as much as an Enzo Mini-Z ready-to-run. ~$160. Stock speed is easily double that of the Mini-Z, plus you get 4WD, full independent suspension with oil-filled shocks, etc.

 

Expensive little guys! I have a friend who is in to RC cars and motorbikes he easily spends a few grand a year on this stuff. I just play with his and keep my money

 

All the manufacturers I mentioned sell electric touring cars which I assume is what you'll be looking at. Your best bet is to go to your local hobby shop and ask them. If you ever break it or need help you won't want to wait weeks for parts you really don't know how to put on in the first place. Go with what the hobby shop stocks and recommends.

 

Rechargeable batteries are your friend. They actually store more charge, too.

 

Go with the nitro cars. The speed is good, non-stop just pit for fuel, the sounds and smells are the best part. It is not expensive. Try starting with a complete kit like the Thunder Tiger 1/10 scale 4wd off road. Add street tires for paved areas. They are pretty tough, and total cost should be around $400 with radio and all the starting supplies. Top speed is around 40mph. The stock muffler makes them pretty quiet IMHO. You will be the star of the complex to all the kids there!

BT

 

they are fun for a little bit then you get tired of them. I much prefer my HPI savge 25 nitro truck

 

If you are going nitro, Traxxas is the only way IMO. I haven't tried any of the vehicles with the new 3.3, but the old 2.5 was plenty good. Traxxas has things right with efficiency rather than overkill. However, I don't think he is looking to spend the extra money and time the nitro vehicles require. Electric cars can be very exciting and they can also be done with a minimum of investment, be it time or money, if desired. At the very least, they are a great intro to the hobby.

 

I had the traxxas nitro 4 tec but traded it for a Savage i have had much more fun with the truck. I didn't even know traxxass came out with a 3.3 thats gotta be a beast.

 

Having driven both, I think the T-Maxx is more fun than the Savage. I bet the Revo ownzerz both of em, though.