If you are a fan of cars and are also nostalgic about your childhood, there is one way you can mix the two for some endless fun! Get a remote control car – or a few!
After all, this is a really entertaining hobby and you could even start a proper collection – if you don’t already have one and are just looking for a new miniature replica to join the rest of the bunch.
Another reason why you might have clicked on this article could also be that you have a child you need to buy an unforgettable present for this Christmas but you aren’t really sure what to choose of even if remote control cars are even suitable for young children of a certain age!
This can be quite a confusing thing to gage given the fact that in the past, remote control car racing used to be one of those pricy hobbies for adults since they were the only ones having a stable income; not to mention that they were pretty tricky to drive – not suitable at all for a child!
But things have changed since many companies make remote control cars specifically for kids of all ages now as well!
Regardless of why you’re looking into what the remote control car market has to offer, this is the guide that will hopefully answer all your questions and also contain exactly what you’re looking for in the list featured.
But before discussing some of the most exciting models out there, read on for some guidelines you can use to pick a product that is right based on your own situation and particular needs.
First of all, a high quality remote control car is not your average toy. It’s a pretty advanced device created with a lot of attention to detail and technical skill.
With that being said, it makes sense that you’d want to know all about it before finally making a purchase.
Things you might want to take into consideration are the speed it can reach, how good it is for off-road driving and drifting and also which models are the safest for children!
Naturally, durability and material are also very important since some of these cars can reach high speeds and therefore be harder to control, leading to them bumping into walls and falling off surfaces quite frequently.
You should want to feel at ease when that happens, that your prized possession doesn’t break no matter what the situation may be.
Don’t forget to also pay attention to the various types of remote controls that come with these models since they are arguably the most important part of the experience, allowing you full control and visibility for hours of fun.
They should be comfortable in your hands too of course as a non-ergonomic, bad quality remote can ruin the experience altogether.
Speaking of experience, it is worth mentioning that remote control cars are really not that different from their full sized counterparts – aside from the measurements, of course!
This is because there is a huge potential for customization and they also use actual automotive technology!
Basically, you get a real glimpse of what it feels like to drive your favorite luxury car without being a millionaire!
If you don’t already have a car brand in mind, however, it can be really difficult to explore the market since there are so many options nowadays, especially since the models made today are much more technologically evolved than those you had or dreamed of as a child!
Not only are they much faster, but their batteries also last longer and they are much more durable so you won’t have to relive that disappointment of having your miniature car break down the same day you got it!
All in all, just remember that there is something for everyone on the list below, no matter what you have in mind.
Just check out these wonderful remote control cars, listed in no particular order, to find out more about what the market really had to offer nowadays.
Traxxas Rustler XL-5
If you do not have a specific model in mind already, this might as well be the one you choose since it offers exactly what most people out there want – great speed and quality in every way!
The scale to the actual car is 1/10, measuring 12.2 x 17.5 x 7 inches.
It works with 7-cell NiMH and even comes with a 12 month-warranty so there is no need to be concerned about it breaking down on you immediately after purchase.
It reaches speeds of up to 35mph and is easy to navigate even over rough terrain with rocks thanks to its high ground clearance.
But that is not nearly all! Due to Traxxas having sealed the electronic parts, it can even ride though water, snow, mud and any other weather conditions! Just make sure not to completely submerge it into water, of course.
It also features a built-in rechargeable battery pack and the design is compact and practical.
The car will drive really well for about 15 minutes before starting a slow down and that’s when you know it’s time to recharge the battery!
As for the remote, it has a hand grip and a steering wheel you can control the wheels with, just like with a real, full-sized car.
Speaking of, the turns are easy since it is a two-wheel drive car and the tired a big and ribbed to help with better traction.
It also comes in a number of different colors.
REDCAT RACING DANCHEE ROCK CRAWLER
Another 1/10 scale replica, RedCat Racing’s Danchee Rock Crawler also combines front and rear multi-link suspension, 2 torquey brushed motors, all wheel drive, and even 4-wheel independent steering!
Furthermore, if you are a fan of the car this is based on, you’ll be pleased to know that this model has been created with a lot of attention to detail, making sure to add realistic rock crawler details like an integrated roll cage, fully tunable shocks and miniaturized beadlocks.
Taking all of that into consideration, it becomes way too hard to pass this RC car up!
Jeypod High Speed Remote Control Car
In case you are searching for a remote control car for your pre-teen, this might be the one!
However, that’s not to say it’s also not appealing to your inner child as well!
The Jeypod High Speed Remote Control Car is that perfect middle ground between child-friendly and made to please adults!
This model is not only available in a number of different colors, the remote controller frequency also differs depending on the colors!
This option is great if you’re planning on purchasing several for a bunch of kids so that they can race each other without the controllers interfering with one another.
As for the age this is suitable for, the manufacturer mentions it’s recommended for ages 8 and up!
The car is fast enough that anyone can have fun with it but not so fast that it can cause injuries to children.
The battery is charged via USB so you won’t need to but a special charger for the battery pack.
The battery pack lasts for about 20 to 30 minutes of fun and takes around 90 minutes to charge.
It can be used on a lot of difficult surfaces including off-road!
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 RC
This Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 RC remote control car looks really accurate as far as its similarities to the real deal are concerned.
It is a little smaller than the previously mentioned models, however, having a 1/14 scale.
Despite this, however, both the exterior and the interior were created with an incredible level of attention to detail you will be delighted to notice.
Altair Fast Remote Control Truck 4×4
If you are looking for a really speedy remote control car, this is a great option as it is capable of reaching speeds of up to 30 mph and it even comes with 2 speed settings!
This way you are able to limit the speed if you want your child to play with it, especially in the beginning when they first learn to control it.
Of course, when they become more experienced with it, you are free to change the settings and allow them to go faster.
The car is an all-terrain vehicle, meaning that it’s great on pretty much any surface including grass, sand, asphalt and even rocks!
Furthermore, it is also water resistant so you can safely drive it through puddles without worrying about any potential damage.
Another perk is that extra batteries are available so you can always have a charged back-up for more uninterrupted fun!
AXIAL YETI JR. CAN-AM MAVERICK XC3 ROCK RACER
Naturally, a lot of people want to own a real UTV but the truth is that it’s not for everyone due to its special requirements.
But you can still have a really close experience of how it drives by playing around with this remote controlled mini Can-Am Maverick!
It’s definitely the next best thing after the life-sized model since it features some of the best things the beloved car also has such as floating solid rear axle and a rugged bodywork.
It is also powered by a waterproof Dynamite Tazer 380 37T electric motor and Spektrum ESC and it’s super speedy no matter how difficult the terrain may be!
Incredibly enough, the RC car is able to combine all that and look accurately alike even though it’s a 1/18 scale!
TRAXXAS SLASH
Even though this is one of the classics as far as remote control cars are concerned, it’s still one of the most popular, undefeated by most of the newer models!
But this is not just thanks to nostalgia! After all, Traxxas has continued to upgrade the platform to keep it relevant over the years so you can rest assured that it is just as technologically advanced as its younger counterparts!
More precisely, these days it comes with great quality drivetrain components such as a Titan 550 motor, Metal gear Magnum 272 transmission, and even a special slipper clutch for torque control.
It is also waterproof and performs amazingly on any terrain no matter how challenging!
Not to mention that you can reach speeds of over 40 mph with it!
ORRENTE Stunt RC Car
If you are looking for a model with simple controls but which is still strong enough to be used outside, this could be a great option for you.
Furthermore, it could be a great present for a child in your life now that holidays are right around the corner as it is aimed at kids ages 6 to 12.
With that being said, it’s not really complex enough to impress most people over this age but it is well made and can do a couple of really nice tricks!
This is because it can drive separately on each side, allowing you to flip it over, rotate it and also drive over pretty much any terrain.
It can be used inside as well if you don’t mind you child possibly knocking a few things over and for outdoors use, there is even a headlight that will let you drive it in low light in the evenings.
Furthermore thanks to its bright color, it’s even easier to spot in the dark so you don’t have to worry about losing it in the dark.
As mentioned before, it’s also easy to control and this is thanks to its simple two-stick 2.4 Ghz controller.
This also means that you can absolutely race a few different cars at the same time without them interfering with each other.
Just keep in mind that you’ll have to recharge it quite a lot between play sessions as the car consumes a lot of battery energy.
Laegendary Off-road Monster Truck
The Laegendary Off-road Monster Truck is ideal for either older kids or adults since it can be a bit too complex for young ones.
If you are a dedicated collector, however, you might find it to be a bit too simple so it’s right in the middle, an ideal choice for most first time buyers.
It’s sturdy so you don’t have to worry about it breaking down during crashes and it can reach impressive speeds of up to 20 mph even on dirt roads.
The batteries don’t need replacing as you can always recharge them and they last around 40 minutes at a time
It works really well on challenging terrain thanks to the chunky wheels and generous metal shock suspension.
It even features headlights, which is a really nice touch, of course but they’re not really that strong to see perfectly in the dark.
The remote is pistol grip type and it has great control and response.
BEZGAR X RASTAR Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
This is an impressive 1/24 replica of Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, measuring 7.3 x 3.6 x 1.9 inches.
It uses 25 x AA batteries and they come with the product.
It is easy to use and a looks great even for the smaller size but if you want high speeds, this is not anywhere near a lot of the ones we’ve already mention, being able to reach a maximum of 4 mph.
This is simply because it runs on AA batteries instead of lithium cells so there is a lot less power available for the car to reach a lot of speed.
The controller is 2.4Ghz and lets you steer the car from up to 80 ft away.
Furthermore, it is even able to drift, which is a nice touch many happy buyers have raved about in their reviews of the product.
It is available in both orange and yellow and regardless of whether you wish to race this car or not, it is still great as a display piece to add to your collection of miniature replicas.
Fisca Remote Control Stunt Car
The Fisca looks quite unique as a design due to the fact that the wheels are attached to a bar, mounted on a pivot point, instead of attached to an axle at the front and another at the back of the car.
But of course, this performs a functional purpose since it allows the car to do a number of impressive high speed spins, on the spot!
And that is not all as it can also do backflips and forward flips as well.
Despite this, the controls are easy to learn, meaning that young ones will also be able to learn how to do all kinds of stuns fairly quickly.
The rubber tires are flexible and perfect for both on and off road surfaces.
Furthermore, it’s safe enough for younger kids since it only reaches a maximum of 4.5 mph.
However just keep in mind that the young ones might be a little frustrated that it only runs for 12 to 15 minutes at a time before needing to be charged again.
My First Remote Control Cartoon Car
Another great option for younger children, this car is fun and safe but also sturdy.
The bright color will definitely satisfy their curiosity and the cartoon character that drives the car can even be removed if they wish to replace it with any other similarly sized toy, extending the play opportunities.
The controller is a simple steering wheel design with only two buttons.
One of them makes the car go forward while the second if for backward driving and turning it!
It is so simple that even a toddler can understand how to use it, making this RC car suitable for any age.
Another perk that there are lights and sirens you can turn on and off with just a switch placed on the car and while driving, there is loud music playing so just keep in mind that after a while, it can become annoying for parents.
Finally, you can change the controller’s frequency so that you can have more than a car without the RCs interfering with each other.
Maisto 3-Channel Rock Crawler Extreme
This RC car is made to drive over all kinds of surfaces, including grass, rocks and gravel!
Furthermore, it’s a more complex remote control car, perfect for those who want more than just driving one up and down the driveway.
It has low gearing, rear and front articulated suspension and three motors!
Despite this, it is lightweight, allowing it to easily climb over all kind of rough terrain.
This also means that it’s not that speedy at all, only reaching between 2-3 mph but that is to be expected for these sorts of rock crawling trucks.
It has a tri-channel transmitter which means that three people can play with their own cars at the same time without the frequencies interfering.
It works with regular batteries which is great because you never have to wait for the car to recharge when it loses power.
The remote control’s range is about 40 feet.
Double E 1/12 Scale RC Monster Truck
This RC car has a motor for climbing and one for driving, as well as independent suspension and a four wheel drive!
It works great on slopes and around all sorts of obstacles but it cannot move very quickly on uneven and rugged surfaces unlike true off-road vehicles.
It can climb slopes of up to 45 degrees inclination.
It is large and sturdy so you don’t need to worry about it breaking down during some rougher play.
The product comes with two rechargeable battery packs and together they will give you or your child up to a full hour of remote control driving!
Temi RC Race Car
This is a generic remote control race car, ideal for anyone planning to purchase one for the first time.
It has four wheel drive and it can reach a maximum speed of about 30 mph.
Its shell is made from PVC which means it’s really strong and resistant to collision.
Axial Yeti Can-Am Maverick RC Rock Racer
This remote control car is a 1:18 scale that looks really accurate!
It has adjustable coilovers, a waterproof motor and oil filled shocks.
Axial UMG10 6×6 RC Rock Crawler
This RC car has a metal-geared transmission and even extended c-channel frame rails, making it really durable so you can enjoy playing with it for a long time!
Another perk is that it is also water resistant so you don’t have to worry about it driving over puddles.
NQD 1:10 Remote Control Car
This RC car drives up to 25 miles per hour so it’s definitely one of the fastest on this list.
It works the best on flat or slightly sloped terrain but that is not to say it’s useless on gravel, dirt and even smaller stones.
Just keep in mind that it is unfortunately not waterproof so the components might erode if you don’t clean it really well after playing with it in puddles or in the rain.
Soyee RC 4WD Off-Road Monster Truck
Last but not least, the Soyee RC 4WD Off-Road Monster Truck is another speedy RC car that is a great choice for adult collectors.
It comes with a remote and two batteries.
It is a classic 4×4 and can reach speeds of more than 20 mph.
It is also ideal for challenging terrain thanks to its knobby tires.
The only slight downside is that it needs 2.5 hours to fully charge.
