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29% OffBuilding a remote-control (RC) car kit is a fun hobby for all ages. In a kit, you assemble the model yourself— choosing the motor, battery, radio gear, and even the paint scheme. Hobby sites note that kits let you “select your electronics package, motor or engine, [and] even paint the body any way you see fit” horizonhobby.com. Today, there are many online options for buying kits, from big marketplaces like Amazon to speciality hobby stores. In this guide, we’ll compare the top places to shop online for RC car kits (and even suggest a few starter models), plus share money-saving tips so you get the best deals.
Amazon – Convenience & Huge Selection
Traxxas Slash 1/16 Short Course Truck (Red) – a popular kit you can buy on Amazon, hubhobby.com.
For sheer selection, Amazon is hard to beat. You can find everything from beginner STEM kits to high-end hobby-grade vehicles. Major brands like Traxxas, Tamiya, Kyosho, Associated, Losi, Arrma and more are all sold there at amainhobbies.com. Plus, Amazon’s search and filter tools (like “Get It by Tomorrow” for Prime shipping) make it easy to find a kit in stock that meets your specs. For example, Traxxas’ Slash 1/16 4WD Short-Course Truck is a top-selling kit on Amazon – Traxxas themselves describe it as delivering “speed, power, and track-ready handling” hubhobby.com. (You can shop this Traxxas Slash kit on Amazon with our affiliate link.)
Amazon also offers Prime perks like free 2-day shipping on many kits. Just be a bit careful: some buyers report encountering cheap off-brand knockoffs, so always check reviews and seller ratings before you buy. The key advantage is convenience – if you want hundreds of kit options and fast delivery, Amazon is usually your fastest route.
Tower Hobbies – Hobbyist Favorite
Tower Hobbies is a long-established RC retailer (now part of Horizon Hobby) focused entirely on models and hobby gear. They carry lots of kit cars and trucks for every skill level towerhobbies.com. For example, one of Tower’s featured models is the classic Tamiya Hornet 1/10 buggy, which Tamiya calls “one of [their] most popular R/C cars ever released” tamiyausa.com. Tower’s site explains that building a kit gives you a deep understanding of your car, since you actually choose the motor, speed controller, radio, and even the body design. towerhobbies.com. This is great if you enjoy customizing and tinkering.
Tamiya Hornet (1/10 RC buggy kit) – a classic model re-released by Tamiya tamiyausa.com. Tower Hobbies offers kits like the Hornet and many others, and they also sell parts and accessories for upgrades. A nice perk: Tower provides excellent customer support and detailed manuals. They also run promotions for builders. For instance, Tower’s Super Saver Club members get free ground shipping on orders over $75 (or $99 for non-members) towerhobbies.com. Even if you’re not a member, you can get free shipping on any order over $99 towerhobbies.com. Plus, if you sign up for their email list, you’ll often get a coupon – currently, new subscribers get 10% off their first order towerhobbies.com. These savings stack with occasional sales or their Scratch & Dent clearance deals.
If you prefer shopping specialty sites, Tower is trustworthy and focused. You’ll pay list price, but you’re paying for reliability, expert inventory, and service. And if you want the Hornet kit above, you can find it from many vendors – for example, Tamiya The Hornet 1/10 RC Kit on Amazon comes with our affiliate tag, as Tamiya’s site notes the Hornet’s history tamiyausa.com. Tower’s website and many hobby forums suggest this model for collectors and beginners alike.
Other Online Hobby Stores
Besides Amazon and Tower, several other online hobby stores are worth checking:
- Amain Hobbies: A large U.S. hobby retailer with a massive inventory of RC kits and gear, amainhobbies.com. Amain advertises that no matter what type of RC car you want, “you’ll find them all at AMain,” including a huge range of scales, drivetrain types and power systems at amainhobbies.com. They stock top brands (Traxxas, Tamiya, Kyosho, Losi, Arrma, etc.) at amainhobbies.com and often have sales or bundles. Shipping is generally quick (often from multiple U.S. warehouses). They also run regular promotions and have an outlet section for discounts.
- Horizon Hobby: The parent company of many big RC brands and Tower. Horizon’s website itself sells kits (especially planes and drones, but also cars). Their RC section emphasises that kits let you “customise your vehicle from the very beginning,” choosing motor, electronics, or even painting it yourself, horizonhobby.com. Horizon/Horizon-owned brands (Arrma, Losi, Spektrum, etc.) are sold here, and they often have demo packages with electronics included. Horizon frequently has seasonal sales or coupons for subscribers.
- Specialty Sites: There are other specialty stores like RC Planet, HobbyTron, or local/regional shops that also sell online. They carry similar brands but may have different stock levels or local taxes. If you’re looking for rare kits or want a different seller, check these for price comparisons.
- Marketplaces: Less recommended are sites like eBay or Craigslist for new kits, but they can be a place to find used or clearance items. Use caution on marketplaces: verify seller ratings and product authenticity.
| Retailer | Selection | Deals & Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Huge variety (toy-grade and hobby-grade kits, from mini to 1/5 scale) amainhobbies.com. You’ll find Traxxas, Tamiya, Kyosho, and more. | Prime members get free 2-day shipping on many kits. Seasonal and Lightning Deals can save 20–50%. Read seller ratings carefully. |
| Tower Hobbies | Focused on RC kits (all completion levels). Offers popular brands (Traxxas, Losi, Tamiya) and expert support towerhobbies.com. | Free shipping on orders ≥$99 (only $75 for members) towerhobbies.com. Sign-up email coupon (10% off) towerhobbies.com. Loyalty club deals on reviews and points. |
| Amain Hobbies | Smaller stock but personal service at exhobby.com. You can see models, handle parts, and ask experienced staff for advice. | Frequent discounts and bundle deals. Outlet/clearance section for bargains. Ships from several U.S. warehouses. |
| Local Hobby Shops | Focused on RC kits (all completion levels). Offers popular brands (Traxxas, Losi, Tamiya) and expert support at towerhobbies.com. | In-store pickup (no shipping). Prices may be higher, but you support your local hobby community. Some shops offer membership discounts or classes. |
Local Hobby Stores – Support & Service
Don’t forget about your nearby hobby shop! Even if you buy online, a brick-and-mortar store can be invaluable. Local shops often carry starter kits and can order special items for you. The big benefit is personal help: staff can answer questions about tools, techniques, or repairs – something online can’t offer. As one hobbyist forum notes, local shops “might not offer the cheapest prices… but the benefit of having a physical shop with knowledgeable people to talk with is worth investing in”forum.flitetest.com. (Online sources echo this advice too: checking “local hobby shops or online guides… can help you find the right setup”exhobby.com.)
If you find a good local store, visiting in person lets you examine product quality and get instant answers. Many hobby stores even host club events or races – a great way to learn. To find one, search the web for “RC hobby stores near me.” Some shops also sell online through their own websites, and they may price-match online deals if you mention them. Whenever possible, support these local small businesses; they keep the RC community alive!
Shopping Tips & Money-Savers
- Use Coupons & Subscriptions: Many hobby retailers send coupons. For example, Tower Hobbies emails new subscribers a 10% off coupon, towerhobbies.com. Signing up for newsletters or text alerts can unlock welcome discounts. Amazon occasionally has coupons or Prime-only coupons on kits (look for a “save an extra X% with coupon” box). Hobby store social media (like Facebook groups) often share deal codes too.
- Compare Prices: Don’t buy the first kit you see. Check Amazon, Tower, Amain, and other stores for the same model. Prices can vary, and a sale at one site might beat another’s regular price. Use Google’s shopping comparison or browser plugins to scan multiple retailers at once. Remember to factor in shipping: free shipping thresholds (like Tower’s $99 rule, towerhobbies.com) can affect the true cost.
- Read Reviews & Community Feedback: Before buying a kit, read user reviews on retailer sites and forums. Choose well-known brands (Traxxas, Tamiya, Losi, Kyosho, ARRMA) which generally have reliable quality. As one RC blog advises, “brands like Traxxas or Tamiya… are reliable for newcomers. Visiting a hobby shop or reading reviews can help you choose” exhobby.com. Reviews often mention build difficulty and needed tools – pay attention if you’re a beginner.
- Watch for Deals & Clearance: Keep an eye on holiday sales (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day), where some kits can be 20–50% off. Tower Hobbies has a “Scratch & Dent” section and an Outlet Store for clearance bargains. Amazon’s “Warehouse” deals sometimes have open-box or returned kits at a discount. If a specific kit is listed as discontinued, search for it on clearance pages or eBay.
- Check Shipping & Return Policies: Amazon Prime can give free fast shipping on eligible kits. Tower and Amain often ship from warehouses in the U.S., which can be quicker than international orders. Confirm return policies in case a part is missing or damaged. Tower Hobbies even has a Holiday Price Guarantee and loyalty points that can offset future purchases, towerhobbies.comtowerhobbies.com.
By combining these strategies, you’ll get the best price and service. For example, one buyer snagged a big discount on a Traxxas kit by waiting for a Prime Day sale and using a store coupon. Even small savings (like a 10% newsletter coupon) add up on a $300 kit!
Conclusion
In summary, the top places to buy RC car kits online are Amazon (for the widest selection and convenience) and hobby stores like Tower Hobbies, Amain Hobbies, Horizon Hobby, etc. We recommend browsing multiple sites: check Amazon’s listings (with fast shipping and a huge catalogue) and compare them to specialty hobby stores (with expert support and club deals). Local hobby shops are also great for advice and sometimes unique finds.
Some example affiliate links: you can shop the Traxxas Slash 1/16 kit on Amazon or the Tamiya Hornet 1/10 kit on Amazon (we may earn a commission on purchases through these links). Always read product reviews and compare prices, and don’t hesitate to ask a local hobby store for tips. Have fun building your RC car kit, and happy racing on whatever track you choose!
