New or Used?

[SkyMaxx]

I had this question pop into my mind a little while ago. I was really interested in buying some buggies (note the plural there) to add to my collection (which totalled 1 MBX-5 until this month). I priced the MBX-5 Prospec, the Kysosho 777, just missed the X-ray XB8, and found that I might be looking a little too rich to buy multiple buggies.

Then I ran through the site's For Sale and Auction sections to see what I might be able to find in the way of Used RCs. I ended up buying two used buggies with multiple hop-ups and extras for the price I might have paid for one of the above listed NEW buggies.

I picked up a used MBX-5 roller (minus wheels...guess that makes it a dragger) from FlyinRazorBack. He had enough spare parts in there to fit another buggy out and then some. Also, the buggy had all the mods on it that the current MBX-5 Prospec has on it. SO, I ended up getting a PROSPEC afterall. I spent an additional $500 on an engine, electronics, pipe and tires.

I also picked up a used GS Storm with all the bells and whistles to make it equal to their Pro version from Nitromaniac. He threw in an extra engine and a great radio. After some new wheels, a synth receiver to match my current radio set up, and tightening some screws...this one turns out to be a great addition to my now three buggy strong collection.

To top it off, the weather for this past week has been pristine. Great RC running weather. I got to break in both buggies' engines and set-up for this weekends RCNT Bash in Hampton Roads.

So what is the point of this thread? I guess it is about finding something that fits your needs. Yes, NEW is great...but sometimes USED is better. Shop around.

[jon2]

I agree with you on the view if buying used. I have a PCR PRO and a GS storm RTR. I am not to happy that one of the diffs may be backwards but I got it for a deal!!! I have an inferno roller From ****** that was converted to a Kanaii then a K2 by the next owner. I have yet to receive it till tomorrow I hope but I think that money I use to fix em up will be well worth it as the Trip7, Mugen X5 Prospec, Avenger, or any other new buggy of that caliber wll cost a lot more just to get the kit. I think for me as I don't race professionally my buggies will do me just fine. When I get them all in their new stable I will get some pics of them all.

Again, New maybe cool but used is just what I need for me.

[CorradoPsi]

your very right, used can be a great bargain. actually every single car i owned right up until i bought my Xray was purchased used. ive found great value that way, and also fixed a lot of peoples mistakes. i actually got tired of buying assembled cars and fixing little things, and i had an incredible urge to buy a kit again, something i have not done since i was 15. hence the Xray got added to the collection, it was a small fortune, but i enjoy it, and really had fun with the build.

[vbgagnon]

I've been looking at used stuff also, but the thing is if you don't see it in person you don't know the condition that its in and thats what scares me.

[Mr T-Maxx]

To get the most bang-for-your-buck, used is by far the way to go.

But after following the buggy builds of Ratzo, Imbroken and CorradoPSI, the kits sure do look like fun!!!! They would be a great thing to work on during the winter months.

Mr T

[SkyMaxx]

Originally Posted by vbgagnon

I've been looking at used stuff also, but the thing is if you don't see it in person you don't know the condition that its in and thats what scares me.

That's where proper shopping, research and a healthy dose of earned trust helps. Some things you should always do:

1. Ask for or demand some high quality pictures of the item in question. If the images come back and the vehicle is filthy or the image is out of focus, you might want to steer clear of the deal. If the images show you a pristine or near pristine vehicle, move on to the next step.

2. Check out the seller. Make certain that they have had good feedback in the past, and that you are comfortable with whom you are dealing. In my case, I purchased vehicles from two very well known quantities on this web site. FRB and Nitromaniac have been around almost as long as I have, and both carried very good reputations in my book. I had no problems with blindly purchasing something of theirs, but they easily complied with step one above (their threads included excellent pictures of the vehicles).

3. Trust. This is something that is either earned outright or by reputation. Some people are just not reputable and can typically be found out by using a search. In my case, I had no problem trusting the guys I dealt with. Great communications, great reputations, and great track record on this site.

Just to prove it, here are the toys I have.

My trio...


My original MBX-5 (Prospec via the hop up method...)


The MBX-5 (Prospec via the hop up method...) purchased from FRB


The Storm (Nearly a Pro version via the hop up method...) purchased from Nitromaniac

[vbgagnon]

I see what you mean.....I guess I only heard the bad things on trades and such. It's prob going to be an option when I get my next ride. BTW how do you like that RB S5?

[SkyMaxx]

I have not completed the break in quite yet. It has a few more tanks of fuel to go...but so far, it fired right up and ran smoothly.

The black head on the other MBX-5 is also an RB engine. It is an RB S7 Europa. That engine rips very nicely. Great top speed and plenty of grunt where needed.

[vbgagnon]

I've always heard good things about rb engines, but I have a hard time finding them anywhere online.

[SkyMaxx]

I am fortunate to have a LHS that carries them. I'll see if I can dig up an online store that also carries them.

[El Pirata]

Sky, don't lie, you're just gloating in your wise purchases.

I can't wait to see the parts go flying tomorrow.

[vbgagnon]

The big bash is already tomorrow? Do you guys plan on making another kick ass vid?

[CorradoPsi]

Originally Posted by El Pirata

Sky, don't lie, you're just gloating in your wise purchases.

I can't wait to see the parts go flying tomorrow.

get some good video of him really wailing on them. since he got all those spare parts by buying used and all..............he can afford to break something.

[FastEddy]

Just wondering,
Why do you have one radio setup right handed and one setup left handed?
Do you switch when you want to go backward real fast?

[cvec7]

Ya, used is pretty good, I'm in the process of buyin a car from my friend which I'm gonna hop-up and race.


Evader ST EP
NIP proline holeshots and bowties
3000 pack
3300 pack
trinity monster pro stock

all for $75.99 lol

I plan on gettin a quantum 2, MRC superbrain 969, 2 more 3300 packs (GP), and a orion revolution motor. Then I'll stick a few alloy parts on it, ect....