If your looking for cheap off road fun, take a look at the Traxxas electric Stampede (monster truck) or Rustler (stadium truck). Personally, I've got a Stampede and I can say that the thing is very durable. In stock form, it's not the fastest thing (nowhere near as fast as the nitros) but it's still fast enough for most backyard bashing. If you want more speed, just drop a hotter motor in it, just make sure the ESC can handle it. It also jumps very well.