I have a couple of cars.

Associated RC18B, great little RTR mini car.. I drive it around the carpet and parking lot at work. I replaced the stock RX because the AM radio it comes with is garbage..

Do not buy an AM radio.. it's just not worth it.

Personally, if I were to get it again, I would go with a Spectrum setup.

I also have an RC10T4 Factory.. brushless motor, steel gear servo, NiMH packs.. the thing is a rocket.. with street slicks I can chase cars around 35-40mph.

For someone who wants to race indoors, but might also take it outside, I would get the RC10 TC4 or TC5 kit. It's a good balance of on-road for carpet, but touring for handling a few bumps. 4WD is awesome for doing power slides.