I've been in and out of R/C for years. My brother is actually a sponsered pro.
But My best friend and I both bought Traxxas Slash trucks. They really are tough, handle just as good as any of my associated or losi stuff from the late 80's early/mid 90's and were cheap! Watch this video. It's like a skate vid but it sold me on the truck and I've had a blast with it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7hG2nIUegA
Like a bmx or skate vid' but with R/C!!