My experience is only about a decade or so old, novice at best (got out right as brushless were hitting the market and I wasn't going to spend the $$ to repurchase), but the kits that nightmare mention were getting harder to find back then. I did really enjoy building them though. I've had boats, cars, and the first few iterations of indoor helis. Dad had build from the ground up planes, but I was always too nervous as those can really hurt/kill someone.
For a first timer I'd go with Traxxas car/truck. They do come preassembled or at least they did, but parts, upgrades, and mods are all over the place and 'reasonably' priced.
Being a first timer and budget, you're looking at electric. Never had brushless, but I can't imagine not buying one if I'd get back into it. I don't know all the variables on brushless, so can't speak to pro/con. NOTE: The car is only PART of the expense. There's still the radio (if not included), batteries, and a good battery charger. Then there's the optional cool things like a new body, different tires, etc. It can get very spendy, very quick.
Then you need to figure out where he'll use it most. The Traxxas Stampede, EMaxx, 4x4 type trucks are fun in uneven terrain and areas with a higher ground clearance. They're ok for running in the street/driveway but have a high center of gravity and WILL roll (read this as stuff breaking esp. with a 10 yo driving). They kinda lumber (unless you swap out the gearing/motor) but for a 10 yo they'll fly. (legit 25-30+ mph for some)
The stadium trucks/ team associated/losi open wheel buggy types are great street/driveway cars with some off road capabilities, but due to the low ground clearance often get bogged down. Unless you cut the grass really low they tend to struggle. On the street they can really move (30-35+)
If you go brushless, only some/none of the following will apply:
- Get a good charger, not the cheap @$$ ones. It'll prolong the rechargable battery's life, and save you money down the road.
- buy multiple batteries. Nothing sucks more than getting it all ready and then only being able to run for a few minutes (this is where I believe the brushless really helps).
- Note you can overheat a traditional motor. Each model is different but you will need some cool down time
- Most fun places to run are a prepared RC track. Short of that an area with a lot of gravel, or dirt (new home construction, landscaping company) can be a lot of fun. Brother and I dug out a track back in the woods way back when.
- NO WATER or any iterations of it (snow, ice, wet mud, puddles, etc). Some of them may be water resistent or there might be new/better technology, but water is/was a big no no.
