Getting into radio controlled vehicles can come with serious sticker shock. With high-end models reaching over $1,000, the costs seem prohibitive. But performance and features explain the pricing on hobby-grade RC units. In this guide, we’ll look at why RC cars have become expensive while covering strategies to find good deals to keep costs down.
Table of Contents
Introduction
In recent decades, radio controlled vehicles have evolved from modest toys into sophisticated hobby models capable of 60+ MPH speeds. This performance and realism comes at a price.
Many factors contribute to higher costs:
- Advanced electronics, brushless motors, LiPo batteries
- Durable materials like carbon fiber
- Precision components and big scale sizes
- Licenses and IP for branded models
- Research and development costs
While expensive, today’s radio controlled models deliver an incredible driving experience not possible just a few years ago. The good news is deals exist if you know where to look! We’ll share tips for getting into RC without breaking the bank. Let’s explore RC pricing and value.
Key Takeaways on RC Car Costs
- Major advances in speed, scale, materials have driven RC pricing upward substantially.
- Higher grades of components, manufacturing, and licensing raise costs but also deliver a premium experience.
- More budget oriented Ready-To-Run models still offer strong bang for buck. Not all RC needs to be high-end.
- Joining a club shares expenses plus leads to deals within the community.
- Buying previous year models, used RCs, and off-brand options saves money over new.
- Patience and researching deals leads to substantial savings on quality RC gear.
Why Are RC Cars Priced So High?
Modern radio controlled cars, trucks, buggies, and other vehicles have evolved far beyond the modest toy-grade models of past decades. Here are some of the advancements that enable incredible performance but also boost pricing:
Brushless Motors and Lithium Batteries
Brushless electric motors paired with lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries deliver tremendous speed and torque in lightweight packages. Brushless setups provide far greater efficiency over old brushed motors. But these advanced power systems are also more costly.
Durable Materials
Many hobby-grade RC models now integrate materials like carbon fiber, aluminum, and CVDs into chassis and components. While lightweight and resilient, exotic materials like carbon fiber cost significantly more than materials like plastic and pot metal.
Scale Realism and Details
With modern manufacturing techniques, RC models can be highly realistic miniatures of the actual full-size vehicles. But all those precisely replicated scale details add expense.
Licensed Models
Many RC companies license official model designs and branding from major automotive manufacturers. The licensing and royalty fees to use branded names like Jeep or Chevrolet get passed onto the consumer.
Research and Development Costs
Bringing high-performance RC vehicles from concept to market requires extensive R&D investments over months and years for design, testing, certifications, manufacturing prep, and production. These substantial fixed costs must eventually be covered in the RC pricing.
For these reasons, capable hobby-grade RC cars cost more than the modest toy-grade vehicles of yesterday. You get what you pay for in terms of performance though!
Ready-To-Run vs Kit Options
Ready-To-Run (RTR) and Kit options cater to different experience levels at different price points:
Ready-To-Run (RTR)
As the name implies, RTR RC cars come fully assembled and tested, ready to drive immediately. While costing more than building from a kit, RTR vehicles offer quick access to the hobby for beginners.
Kit Options
Kits provide the chassis parts and electronics in an unassembled state for the buyer to build themselves. This requires mechanical skill and patience but reduces upfront costs substantially over RTR. Advanced hobbyists may prefer kits for customization. But beginners generally gravitate to RTR models when starting out.
Strategies for Affordable RC Options
While advanced hobby-grade RC cars carry premium pricing, plenty of options exist for joining the pastime on a budget:
Buy Ready-To-Run
Skip the world of kits until you want to dive deeper into building. Quality RTR models are cost effective ways to start RC driving quickly.
Shop Previous Model Years
Newly released RC models often see discounts on prior year leftover inventory. The performance is nearly identical but pricing lower.
Consider Off-Brands
Lesser known brands can deliver good bang for buck. Just research product reviews and parts availability carefully before purchasing.
Buy Used RCs
Search local classifieds, forums, eBay, and RC swap meets for quality used vehicles at deep discounts. Examine thoroughly and test operation before purchasing.
Join an RC Club
Clubs provide a community to learn from and share costs. Members often post deals in forums and buy/sell used items.
Wait for Sales
Set deal alerts and be patient for periodic holiday sales and clearance pricing from major retailers. Savings can be substantial.
With smart shopping, you can get into quality RC vehicles at affordable prices. Segment and prioritize purchases for the greatest value.
Segment Your Purchases
Since most RC models require additional gear, breaking purchases into segments helps limit upfront cost overload:
1. The Car
Spring for a quality Ready-To-Run model that aligns with your skill level and budget. Consider off-brands and used.
2. The Radio
A basic 2-channel pistol grip radio is fine for ready-to-run models. Upgrade later as you progress.
3. Batteries and Charger
Start with one battery and charger bundle. Add more over time as needed.
4. Tools
Accumulate basic tools over time. Check forums for recommended budgets sets to buy.
Taking an incremental approach prevents sticker shock while allowing time to research deals and evaluate if RC is right for you before major investment.
Researching RC Brand Reputations
With so many RC manufacturers available, it helps to research brand reputations on forums to make smart purchases. Things to investigate:
- Overall Brand Sentiment – General consensus on a brand’s products and value.
- Parts Availability – Brands with greater distribution make finding spares easier.
- Community Support – Some brands have more ardent fans creating tutorials and upgrades.
- Racing Cred – Racing focused brands engineer for resilience and tuning potential.
- Manufacturer Support – Warranty period and claims process.
As with any hobby, choosing quality gear from reputable brands prevents disappointment and wasted money. Take time to research options within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good beginner RC car for around $200?
The Arrma 1/10 Granite 4WD RTR for $180 provides great beginner value with its brushless motor and LiPo battery. Traxxas and ECX also have quality entry-level 4×4 options in the $200 range.
What RC car has the best value for the price?
Traxxas, Arrma, and Losi Ready-To-Run models are respected for providing strong performance and durability at reasonable prices. Compare similar class vehicles when judging value.
Is a cheaper RC car worth it?
For under $75, affordable toy-grade brands can be fun to start with. But poor parts support often makes low-end models throwaway items. Stepping up to hobby brands around $150+ provides longer enjoyment and upgrade potential.
Where can I buy discounted RC cars?
eBay, swap meets, RC community classifieds, and RC retailer clearance sales offer savings opportunities on new and used RC vehicles. Set deal alerts and research to maximize value.
Can you make money buying used and reselling RC cars?
Definitely. But it requires carefully buying used RCs at deal prices, repairing/upgrading them as needed, and then pricing reasonably based on market rates. It’s a side hustle that takes expertise.
Conclusion
Sticker shock is understandable given how advanced and expensive hobby-grade RC vehicles have become today. It’s important to understand you’re paying for extreme performance and technology that simply didn’t exist 20 years ago.
But for RC beginners, focusing on Ready-To-Run models, buying used gear, joining clubs, and shopping sales can keep costs reasonable. Building skills with cheaper starter vehicles to learn also helps prevent wasting money.
While discerning buyers can stay budget conscious, costs still add up in RC over time buying spares, upgrades, tools, batteries, etc. Take an incremental approach and apply deal hunting strategies as your experience grows. Before you know it, you’ll be piloting model marvels and having a blast driving!
