@hulkmaxx there are a number of guys over at www.LargeScaleForums.com who have clones and I don't think anyone has really said one clone brand being better than the next. While I believe trying to support the company that spent the time and money in the R&D and one that I really like I also know not everyone shares that same belief or has/wants to spend that kind of money.
I think the biggest complaints about the clones are their engines and then some of the plastic parts not holding up. The fix? Many replace the engines with better ones and use hop-up parts available for the Baja which is actually what many HPI owners do too. Of the people I know, none of them are running a 100% stock buggy. The clone guys are now able to get pretty much the same for cheaper.
What ever you get make sure to let us know and post pics.