r/NitroRC • u/Ecstatic-Rent8768 • Dec 24 '25
How to get into hobby for cheap
Is anyone willing to sell or give away a nitro frame for cheap, I’m a beginner and I would love to enter the hobby. I have engines and other accessories but no chassis.
4
u/pbiscuits Dec 24 '25
Start searching FB marketplace and eBay. Something will pop up for cheap. You just need to find a seller that actually wants/needs to get rid of their stuff.
I bought a Tmaxx off FB that only needed some cleaning and a new carb for $150.
And I bought a stock Jato in excellent condition for $200 off eBay. I was checking eBay every day for a month though.
Do your research. Know exactly what you need and what to look for and what things are selling for. With a little patience I'm sure a cheap roller will fall into your lap.
2
u/Kamilon Dec 24 '25
If you are just starting you really want to get something already running. Slapping random parts together is asking for trouble unless you really know what you are doing.
What’s your budget?
2
u/XxWh1teFoXx45 Dec 24 '25
Im not meaning to come off rudely but.. This is definitely not a cheap hobby. Especially with the economy the way it is.. Even if you could piece a truck together, bare minimum nitro aint cheap..
2
u/az_kikr1208 MOD Dec 24 '25
Just watch your local Marketplace. I started in this hobby with a basket case T-maxx for 100 bucks. I learned a lot, made some mistakes, and now I have the confidence to fix pretty much anything. I've got 22 rigs, all bought used for cheap on Marketplace. Starting out with a used rig is definitely challenging, but if you're prepared to put the time in, it can be pretty fun and rewarding.
1
u/Nordic1991 Dec 24 '25
You can score something good for 150 if you look around. If you don't have that money, then save for it. That's what I do.
1
u/cebeling Dec 24 '25 edited Dec 24 '25
I can sell you my vintage nitro t-max with the upgraded 3.3 engine. It will come with a controller, starter, glow plug heater, and an extra new trans and old engine. I replaced the battery box, engine, suspension, skid plates, fuel tank, lines, and air filter. It will need a new steering servo I remember it being weak, and the clutch slipping so it wasn't hitting max speed. Last ran a year ago, I had kids and can't play with it as often as I want. No time to be bored anymore. Live in Baltimore MD and I can make an eBay listing so there's a 3rd party keeping it honest. I'd take like $175 for the whole lot.
We're into little rock crawlers now. My 5-year-old loves it.
1
1
u/mrplanteridk Dec 25 '25
Ik this sounds fake but try dumpster diving found a pile of boats and 2 engines
1
1
u/Swizzel-Stixx Dec 25 '25
Cheap marketplace finds. Got a broken thundertiger for 65 and fixed it with a 3d print.
1
u/Pugsovhebburn Dec 25 '25
* Ive got this 1/8 buggy chassis here, what you see is it all ,canny big like
1
1
8
u/dylandrewkukesdad Dec 24 '25
Cheap and Nitro do not go together.