This is my second R/C car, the Traxxas Nitro 4-tec. It is a huge step up performance-wise from my Tamiya TLO1 car. It is a gas car that's meant for high performance at an affordable price; I got mine for $249 from Tower Hobbies. I have had mine since December, 1998.

With the added performance of this car, though, comes extra maintenance and repair. It uses more complex parts, and requires constant cleaning to keep it in good shape. I spend about 3 hours after each running day to partially disassemble and clean all the parts. The reason for all this cleaning is because of the nitro fuel which makes everything nasty on the car, so it should be cleaned off.

Since this car is pretty fast, it can crash and break easily. One time was when I was driving the car fairly fast down the road, and when I started making a turn, the battery pack for the reciever fell out because I didn't secure it. (Stupid mistake). Of course, the batteries flew out, and I no longer had any control over the car, which flew right into the curb. That broke a shock shaft, and a drive axle.

Another time I was doing some speed runs up and down my friend's street, and we collided while I was going about 30 mph. His front shock tower broke, and my body got bent it half, but everything else was ok. He has a nitro rustler, I think the 4-tec is a lot stronger than it even though it's an on-road car.

Features on the Traxxas Nitro 4-tec include:

• 1/10 Scale, Ready-To-Run, 50+ MPH top speed
• 3-belt 4-wheel drive system
• Adjustable 2-speed auto-shifting transmission
• Fuel tank is mounted at the center of gravity
• Full ball bearings
• Pro .15 engine with EZ-Start™ electric starting system
• Planetary gear differentials

Overall, this is a great car, but I would recommend it for a dedicated hobbyist who is willing to devote their time and money for it. It is not designed as acar for a first-timer.