Was going to mention buying a used car as well. I'd honestly recommend a Jammin pro buggy or truggy. They are a good price, extremely durable as well. I've put my stuff through hell and back and for the money I paid $177 minus, engine/electronics it was a steal.

I found my Jammin CRT Pro kit as a used RTR for $450, great deal there, been nigh indestructable.

The Hyper 7 series cars are a good choice for a beginner as well. Light, durable, fast, easy to get parts for as well. Plentiful on ebay as a used car as well. I've seen them go for about $100 before.