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CheapRCCars

Beginner RC Cars

Cars picked for people who've never owned a hobby RC car: ready to run, forgiving to drive and cheap to repair. Start here if you want to learn without spending a fortune.

53 in stock, plus pre-orders

Available to pre-order

New and restocking models you can order now. Each product page shows the expected date.

What makes a good first RC car

  1. Ready to run with a battery and charger, so there's nothing else to buy.
  2. 4WD, which is far easier to control than 2WD on grass and gravel.
  3. Moderate speed. A brushed car, or a brushless one with a throttle limiter.
  4. Spare parts available. You will break something; that's part of learning.

Beginner picks by type

Your first week

Drive in a big open space, start slowly and practise figures of eight before you try jumps. After each session, check for loose screws and wipe off mud. Charge batteries on a fire-safe surface and never leave them unattended. The first RC car guide has a fuller checklist, and the scales guide helps if you're unsure about size.

What to avoid first time round

Skip kits, rollers and nitro cars until you know you enjoy the hobby; they all need extra parts and know-how. Be wary of very large or very fast cars too. A 1/8 brushless truck is thrilling, but every crash costs more, and it's a lot to handle on day one. Start small, learn the controls, then upgrade.

Questions we get asked

What's the best first RC car for an adult?
A brushless 1/16 car like the UDIRC 1601 Pro or MJX Hyper Go 16207. Fast enough to stay interesting, small enough to be cheap to fix.
Should a beginner buy brushed or brushless?
Brushed for children and anyone driving in a small space. Brushless for adults who'll drive outdoors and want the car to last. See brushed vs brushless.
How much should I spend on a first RC car?
Around £60 to £100 gets a tough, repairable 1/16 car with a battery and charger. Spending less usually means a smaller car.