I am definitely new when it comes to the Nitro class. I have owned a few r/c cars in the past but never a nitro powered monster. Out of the box this thing is screaming at you. The enclosed DVD was extremely helpful and the simple setup instructions where right to the point and easy to understand. After completing the “break in” process the truck woke up and exploded to blistering speeds. A good friend of mine purchased the same truck a day before mine. Let me tell you, the only thing that’s more fun then a Rustler is two Rustlers’. The only bad thing I can say about this truck is the handling. I have to tweak a lot with the position and angle of the front shocks in order for the wheels to bite. Other then that this truck is rock solid – only had the truck for two weeks so I don’t have much to go on regarding the reliability. But it’s difficult to take the smile off my face when controlling it through sand and dirt. (be sure to watch for flying rocks and debris being kicked from the rear wheels).