What was the worst RC Car you ever owned?
At RC Club Hub, we don’t like being negative about the hobby, but it’s inevitable that there are both good and bad RC cars. Some cars promise to be nearly perfect but fail to deliver, while others offer “too good to be true” bargains that we should all be cautious about. More often than not, it’s down to unlucky flaws that only become apparent when the cars are pushed to their limits.
Despite our reluctance to focus on the negative, this topic is always a popular one among racers and enthusiasts. With that in mind, we decided to dive into the discussion to see if we could identify the cars that have been the most frustrating over the years. To do this, we turned to our community and asked them for their experiences. Unsurprisingly, the response was overwhelming, with over 150 people sharing their views and insights. This gave us a fantastic perspective on what has made certain RC cars stand out for all the wrong reasons.
What Factor Cause an RC Car to be Classed as Bad?
Another key question we explored was what factors our followers consider bad enough to deem an RC car “the worst” in their eyes. According to feedback from Reddit and Facebook, poor build quality is a major culprit. Cars with fragile components that break easily during normal use are often a source of frustration. Other common complaints include unreliable performance, such as inconsistent speed, poor handling, or weak power output. Limited customisation options also rank highly on the list, as these make it difficult for users to adapt or improve their cars to meet their needs. Finally, the availability of replacement parts and the quality of after-sales support are crucial factors, with poor support contributing heavily to a car’s bad reputation.
The 5 Worst RC Car Mentioned by our Followers
So what were the worst RC Cars that were suggested by our follower? Here are the top 5.
WL Toys (Multiple Models)
- Budget-friendly RC cars in various scales (1/12, 1/24, etc.)
- Poor durability, steering slop, limited spare parts availability, and difficulty handling upgrades.
- "Worst decision I made. I ended up getting LC Racing cars, and the difference in quality is insane. The WL Toys broke like glass." — Its_Raul
WL Toys got a lot of mentions on our posts. Many users criticised them for poor quality, frequent breakages, and sloppy steering, making them frustrating to use and difficult to repair. Some found value in their affordability and as entry-level options for beginners, especially models like the 144001, though durability remained a common issue. Others regretted spending money on upgrades, as improvements often failed to resolve inherent flaws. Despite some durability in certain models, their lack of support and inconsistent quality left many users disappointed.
Tamiya Hornet/Grasshopper
- Classic 1/10-scale off-road buggy.
- Despite their appeal as iconic models, their performance and build quality left many feeling they weren’t worth the investment.
- "It’s horrendous at everything that makes it a good car, but this is why it’s so much fun because it just looks hilarious when you drive it!" — creativeRC
This next one was a surprise to us, as it was mentioned in an earlier Pit Post as a great car to buy someone as a gift. Maybe we need to re-think that article. The Tamiya Grasshopper and Hornet received mixed opinions. While some appreciated their nostalgic charm and fun factor, many criticised them for poor durability, with fragile parts breaking easily during use. Handling was also a common complaint, especially on uneven surfaces.
Traxxas Nitro Rustler
- Nitro-powered 1/10-scale stadium truck.
- Difficult to tune, unreliable nitro engine, and frequent mechanical issues.
- "It was such a headache with tuning the motor to run at all and all the other mechanical problems it had." — VR-052
The Traxxas Nitro Rustler had a mix of feedback. Fans praised its speed, power, and the excitement of nitro engines, but there were concerns about its reliability and the complexity of maintaining it. Some found the tuning tricky and frustrating for beginners, while others highlighted issues with durability, particularly with parts breaking under stress. It’s a fun car for experienced users but might not be the best choice for those new to RC nitro vehicles.
FMS FCX24
- 1/10 Off Road Buggy Racer
- It's more of a hobbyist's car for those who appreciate its retro appeal.
- "Futaba FX10 gets my vote: plastic diff cups that stripped and/or broke, bottom load battery compartment the clips would fall out of, pogo sticks for shocks, handles like a wet noodle." — Iwillnotbeokay
While it’s seen as a fun and unique vintage-style buggy with quirky charm, many pointed out issues with its fragile build and limited durability, especially when pushed hard. Some enjoyed it as a nostalgic collector's piece or a light runner, but it’s not recommended for serious bashing or racing due to its weaknesses.
Losi Lasernut
- 1/10 RTR Rock Racer
- " It cost too much to break so easily. It's not even that fun to drive, it's just a regular ass buggy that weighs too much to be of use." — MasterofNone804
The Losi Lasernut received overwhelmingly negative feedback. Many criticised it for being overpriced, breaking too easily, and lacking fun in its driving experience. It was described as a heavy, unremarkable buggy and even compared unfavourably to older, low-quality models. Overall, it seems to have left a lasting bad impression.
Other RC Cars that were mentioned as bad by our followers
Traxxas Stampede 4x4 Brushed
Lacks power and struggles with durability compared to its brushless counterpart.
HPI E-Firestorm Flux
Many users reported drivetrain problems and an unreliable ESC.
ECX Ruckus 2WD
Noted for having weak suspension components and a fragile chassis.
Kyosho Fazer VE
Users found the parts brittle and the car overpriced for its quality.
Maverick Quantum MT
The plastic gears were prone to stripping under moderate use.
WLtoys 144001
Commonly criticised for overheating issues and cheap materials.
Team Associated Pro2 SC10
Often mentioned for having weak steering components and handling poorly.
Tamiya TT-01
While affordable, many criticised its poor out-of-the-box handling.
Helion Dominus 10TR
Known for its slow and inconsistent performance, even after upgrades.
Losi Mini-B 2.0
Users complained about fragile suspension arms and high repair costs.
How do you Avoid Buying a Bad RC Car?
After reading all the comments and explanations about why certain cars were considered bad, it got us thinking about how to avoid ending up with a disaster like these. After going through everything, we’ve put together some key takeaways to help you steer clear of choosing a bad RC car.
- Research Before Buying: Especially for budget brands, check for part availability, known issues, and aftermarket support.
- Avoid Over-Modification: Several users regretted upgrading cheap models beyond their design limits, creating uncontrollable or unreliable setups.
- Nostalgia Can Be Costly: Revisiting old favourites often leads to disappointment unless you're prepared for their quirks.
So, that’s our list of RC cars considered the worst by the community. As with any list like this, there will always be disagreements, especially since we kept the categories quite open. I have to admit, I was surprised to see more bashers on the list than race-focused cars. I expected racing cars to feature more, not because they’re pushed to their limits, but because racers might use them as a reason for not performing well in certain seasons/events.
In the end, there’s no definitive “worst of the worst” RC car, just a lot of interesting stories about why certain cars didn’t quite hit the mark. Perhaps the real question is, if there were a perfect RC car, would it still be as much fun? Thanks for reading, and don’t miss the next Pit Post coming out next week!
Next weeks Hot Topic will be:
Do RC Cars Help Reduce Stress, or Do They Create More Than We Realise?
We all know that RC cars can be exciting, but what about the impact they have on our stress levels?
Are you a racer who feels the pressure from competition? Do the rising costs or constant repairs leave you feeling frustrated? Or maybe the RC community adds to your stress?
OR… Does your RC car bring you joy? Does tinkering and rebuilding your car help you relax and clear your mind? Maybe the thrill of racing helps you manage life’s challenges?
We want to hear YOUR thoughts! Share your experiences with us. Does your RC hobby reduce stress, or does it sometimes add to it?
Drop your thoughts in the comments on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rcclubhub.
Cool Wall Submissions
Crusty RC - Rothmanns Truck
Verdict: Very clean job of a very iconic livery. Crusty has also taken an excellent picture, easy pass.
Michael Royston - Sunset Sierra
Verdict: Michael is back again with a very familiar sunset, we're starting to believe he don't keep visiting KOS for his Cool Wall submissions. It's a great body a just squeezes onto the wall because those body posts are offending us a little.
Dented Speed Shop - Rustic Camper
Verdict: We wondered at first if Dented Speed Shop was trying to cheat by submitting two cars in one picture. But after a closer look both cars look epic. So much so we ended up doing a feature on his collection. Check the rest of his collection out here: Rustic Perfection: Weathered RC Cars by Dented Speed Shop
Check out our Cool Wall here: https://www.rcclubhub.co.uk/index.php/rc-pit-post/the-cool-wall
Submit your body designs via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rcclubhub
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ClubHub Steve