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Traxxas RC cars
By Paul Walsh Last reviewed
Traxxas is probably the best-known name in ready-to-run RC cars. Its trucks are built to be bashed, the electronics are waterproof, and almost every UK model shop stocks the parts.
Traxxas in brief
Traxxas was founded in 1986 by Jim Jenkins and is now based in McKinney, Texas (Wikipedia). It makes ready-to-run cars and trucks in 1/18, 1/16, 1/10 and larger scales, with two common power options:
- XL-5 brushed electronics on entry models.
- VXL (Velineon) brushless electronics on faster versions.
The range
UK prices from Sussex Model Centre and Wonderland Models, October 2026.
| Model | Type | Approx. price | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rustler HD XL-5 2WD | 1/10 stadium truck, brushed, NiMH and charger included | about £260 | First hobby-grade car |
| Bandit XL-5 | 1/10 buggy, brushed | about £260 | First car for smooth surfaces |
| Stampede 2WD | 1/10 monster truck | about £270 | Grass and rough ground |
| Slash HD XL-5 2WD | 1/10 short course truck | about £295 | All-round bashing |
| Slash 4X4 BL-2s | 1/10 4WD short course, brushless | about £359 | A fast, tough step up |
| Rustler 4X4 BL-2S / VXL | 1/10 4WD stadium truck | about £400 / £500 | Speed |
| TRX-4M Bronco, Defender, K10 | 1/18 crawler | about £175 to £220 | Indoor and garden crawling |
| Maxx (WideMaxx) | 1/10 4S monster truck | about £540 to £660 | Big bashing |
Prices from Sussex Model Centre and Wonderland Models.
Durability and spares
Traxxas trucks are designed to take punishment, and when something does break, parts are easy to find. That's the main reason they're recommended so often to beginners. Typical wear parts are driveshafts, suspension arms, spur gears and tyres. Our guide to RC car maintenance keeps them running.
Brushed or brushless?
Start brushed unless you've driven before. A brushless Traxxas on 3S is extremely fast and breaks parts quickly in inexperienced hands. Brushed vs brushless RC cars explains the difference.
How it compares
Arrma is the main rival: similar toughness, often more speed for the money, and also widely stocked. Tamiya is for people who want to build their car. Our best RC cars for beginners compares them directly.
All the makers are on the brands page.
RC Mods is not affiliated with or endorsed by Traxxas.
Frequently asked questions
Which Traxxas is best for a beginner?
A brushed 2WD model such as the Rustler HD or Bandit XL-5 is a sensible start: tough, not too fast, and easy to fix. The Slash 4X4 BL-2s is a great step up.
Are Traxxas cars waterproof?
Most Traxxas electronics are described as waterproof, so splashes and wet grass are fine. Driving through water still means drying and re-oiling bearings afterwards.
Are Traxxas parts easy to get in the UK?
Yes. Traxxas parts are among the most widely stocked in UK model shops.