RC Cars for Sale in Australia: Types, Scales, and How to Choose the Right One

RC cars are radio-controlled vehicles built for everything from indoor driving and backyard fun to off-road bashing, drifting, crawling and club racing. Hobbyco stocks toy-grade and hobby-grade RC cars in several scales, with current prices ranging from about A$15 to A$599.99.

Whether you are buying your first model or choosing a more advanced setup, understanding the vehicle type, scale, power system and purchase format will help you find an RC car that suits your budget and where you plan to drive.

TL;DR

• Electric RC cars are the easiest starting point for many beginners because they are straightforward to operate and maintain.

• Hobbyco currently lists RC cars in scales from approximately 1:64 through to 1:10, with other RC vehicle scales also available.

• Smaller toy and ready-to-run RC cars begin around A$15 to A$40, while entry hobby-style models commonly begin around A$70 to A$100.

• Brushed motors offer simple, accessible performance. Brushless systems generally provide more speed and efficiency but require careful battery and drivetrain matching.

• Ready-to-Run does not always mean every battery or charger is included. Check each product page for what is supplied and what must be purchased separately.

• Hobbyco has served Australian hobby enthusiasts since 1935 and offers RC vehicles, kits, parts and accessories online and across its Sydney stores.

What RC Cars Actually Are (and Why Adults Love Them Too)

RC cars range from simple vehicles designed for casual play to detailed hobby-grade machines with replaceable parts, adjustable suspension and upgradeable electronics. The category attracts children, families, builders and adult enthusiasts because it can be as simple or as technical as the driver wants it to be.

Some people enjoy relaxed driving at home. Others focus on drift setups, rock crawling, off-road jumps, realistic scale builds or organised racing. The right model depends less on age alone and more on the user’s experience, the vehicle’s speed and weight, the available driving area and the manufacturer’s safety guidance.

Hobbyco has served Australian hobby enthusiasts since 1935. Our current radio-control range includes cars, trucks, buggies, tanks and other RC products from brands such as Tamiya, Kyosho, BlackZon, Maverick, Heng Long, MJX, HPI Racing, WPL, Maisto and Carrera.

The Main Types of RC Cars Available in Australia

Before choosing an RC car, consider where you will drive and what kind of experience you want.

On-Road Cars

Designed for sealed surfaces such as driveways, smooth car parks and purpose-built tracks. Their lower ride height and road tyres favour responsive handling on flatter ground.

Off-Road Buggies and Trucks

Built with more ground clearance and suspension travel for dirt, gravel, short grass and uneven surfaces. Buggies favour agile handling, while trucks generally offer larger tyres and a more upright stance.

Rock Crawlers

Designed for low-speed control over rocks, trails and obstacles. Crawlers prioritise torque, traction and suspension movement rather than outright speed.

Drift and Touring Cars

Touring cars are intended for controlled on-road driving, while drift cars use specialised tyres and chassis setups to maintain slides. Check whether a product is supplied ready to drift or requires setup changes.

Monster and Stadium Trucks

Large tyres, useful ground clearance and robust-looking bodies make these popular for backyard and off-road driving. Performance and impact resistance still vary by model.

RC Tanks and Military Vehicles

These models focus on scale appearance and functions such as turret movement, lights, sound or simulated effects. They sit beside RC cars in Hobbyco’s wider radio-control collection.

Hobbyco also stocks selected RC boats, RC planes, helicopters and drones for customers interested in water- or air-based radio control.

Scale Sizes Explained: Which One Is Right for You?

Scale shows how the model compares with the full-size subject. A 1:10 model is one-tenth of the original vehicle’s dimensions, but two 1:10 RC cars can still have different physical lengths because their real-life counterparts are different sizes.

Hobbyco’s current collection includes compact scales such as 1:64, 1:50, 1:28 and 1:24, alongside 1:20, 1:18, 1:16, 1:14, 1:12 and 1:10 products.

Note: These price ranges reflect Hobbyco listings. They are examples rather than fixed averages. Promotions, inclusions and individual product specifications can move a vehicle outside the typical range.

Brushed vs Brushless Motors: What Changes?

The motor system affects speed, efficiency, maintenance and price, but neither option is automatically right for every driver.

Brushed Motors

• Use physical brushes inside the motor.

• Generally cost less and are straightforward to replace.

• Common in entry-level vehicles and many Tamiya kit builds.

• Usually deliver gentler performance than a comparable brushless setup.

• Can be a practical choice for beginners and casual driving.

Brushless Motors

• Use electronic commutation rather than internal brushes.

• Generally provide greater efficiency, speed and power for a comparable size.

• Require an electronic speed controller and battery that match the motor and vehicle rating.

• Are common in higher-performance off-road, drift and racing-oriented models.

• May cost more and can require more careful setup and driving space.

Choose according to the specific vehicle and intended use. For younger or inexperienced drivers, speed controls, a suitable driving area and adult supervision may matter more than the motor label alone.

RTR, Kit, and Other Purchase Formats

Ready-to-Run (RTR)

An RTR vehicle arrives assembled with its main electronics installed. However, batteries, chargers or transmitter batteries may still be sold separately. Read the included-items and separately-required sections before ordering.

Kit Builds

A kit requires assembly and may also need paint, modelling tools, radio equipment, steering servo, battery, charger or other electronics. Tamiya is strongly represented in Hobbyco’s kit range. Building a kit can make future maintenance and upgrades easier to understand.

Readyset and Complete Packages

Some manufacturers use their own names for assembled packages. The exact inclusions vary, so treat the product description-not the format name alone-as the final reference.

Transmitter-Ready or Bind Formats

Some vehicles may be supplied without a transmitter, receiver or other components because they are intended for hobbyists who already own compatible equipment. Terms vary between brands, and compatibility should be confirmed before purchase.

The Main RC Car Brands Available at Hobbyco

Brand availability changes, so the live collection should be treated as the final reference. Current RC car brands include:

• Tamiya: Known for build-it-yourself RC kits, including classic buggies and touring cars.

• Kyosho: Offers ready-to-drive on-road cars, drift models and compact Mini-Z vehicles.

• BlackZon: Focuses on compact ready-to-run off-road trucks and beginner-friendly models.

• Maverick: Offers compact trucks and off-road vehicles across accessible price points.

• MJX: Known for compact brushless cars, trucks and crawlers with performance-focused specifications.

• HPI Racing: Includes selected on-road, drift and performance-oriented vehicles.

• WPL: Offers scale-inspired trucks, vans and trail-style vehicles.

• Maisto and Carrera: Provide smaller ready-to-run and character-based RC cars.

• Heng Long: Specialises in radio-controlled tanks rather than conventional RC cars.

Hobbyco also lists other brands in our broader radio-control range. Check the current collection and individual product pages for availability, scale and included equipment.

2WD vs 4WD: Which Drivetrain Should You Choose?

2WD

• Sends power to either the front or rear wheels.

• Usually uses a simpler and lighter drivetrain.

• Can be easier to maintain because it has fewer driven components.

• Offers a more challenging handling style on loose surfaces.

• Appears in classic buggy, touring and drift-oriented designs.

4WD

• Sends power to all four wheels.

• Generally provides more traction on loose, uneven or slippery surfaces.

• Can feel more stable under acceleration.

• Uses more drivetrain components and may require additional maintenance.

• Is common in off-road trucks, crawlers and higher-performance touring cars.

Neither drivetrain is universally better. A 2WD buggy can be an enjoyable first kit, while a compact 4WD truck may be easier to control on loose ground. Base the decision on the vehicle, terrain and driving experience you want.

Electric vs Nitro: Which Power System Suits You?

Electric RC cars use rechargeable battery packs and an electric motor. They are generally quieter, easier to start and simpler to maintain, making them the practical choice for many beginners and casual drivers.

Nitro RC cars use a small combustion engine and specialist fuel. They offer engine sound, exhaust and hands-on tuning, but they require break-in procedures, fuel handling, regular maintenance and a suitable outdoor driving area.

Hobbyco’s current collection is weighted towards electric RC cars, although selected nitro vehicles may be available elsewhere in the wider range. Choose nitro for the engine experience, not because it is automatically faster or provides a guaranteed longer run time.

Electric vehicles may use NiMH or LiPo batteries. The correct battery depends on the vehicle’s voltage, connector, physical battery compartment and electronic speed controller rating.

Things to Know

• Check what is included. A kit or RTR vehicle may still require a battery, charger, radio equipment, servo, paint or tools.

• Use only a battery chemistry, voltage and connector supported by the vehicle and speed controller.

• Charge LiPo batteries with a compatible balance charger and follow the manufacturer’s charging, inspection and storage instructions.

• Never charge a damaged or swollen battery, and do not leave a charging battery unattended.

• Parts availability varies by brand and model. Search using the exact model number or contact Hobbyco before ordering replacements.

• Tyre wear depends on the compound, surface and driving style. Drift tyres, off-road tyres and road tyres are not interchangeable in purpose.

Ready to Pick Your First RC Car?

Start with three questions: Where will you drive it? Do you want to build or drive immediately? What equipment is included? These answers narrow the range more effectively than choosing by top speed alone.

For indoor or small-space driving, consider compact RC cars. For grass, gravel or dirt, look at off-road trucks and buggies with suitable ground clearance. For smooth sealed surfaces, explore touring or drift cars. If the building process appeals to you, compare Tamiya kits and the additional equipment each one requires.

Hobbyco’s online radio-control collection can be browsed by category, brand, price and scale. If you are in Sydney, you can also visit a Hobbyco store. Customers elsewhere in Australia can order online and review current delivery information at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a good budget for a first RC car in Australia?

A practical starting budget depends on whether you want a toy-grade model, an RTR hobby vehicle or a kit. Hobbyco currently lists smaller RC cars from about A$15 to A$40, compact hobby-style models from about A$70 to A$140, and more advanced vehicles above that range.

Remember to include any separately required battery, charger, radio equipment, tools or paint in your total budget. A vehicle that costs more initially is not automatically the best first choice; parts availability and suitable speed are equally important.

Q: Are RC cars suitable for children under 10?

Some RC cars may be suitable, but the individual manufacturer’s age recommendation and warnings must be checked. Vehicle speed, weight, small parts, battery type and the amount of adult supervision all affect suitability.

For younger drivers, consider a lower-speed model designed for children and use it in a clear, controlled area. Hobby-grade brushless vehicles and kits with complex assembly requirements may be better suited to older or more experienced users.

Q: How long does a LiPo battery last on a single charge?

Run time varies by battery capacity, vehicle weight, motor, gearing, terrain, temperature and driving style. There is no single standard run time that applies to every LiPo-powered RC car.

Use the manufacturer’s estimate where one is provided. Before buying a second battery, confirm the voltage, connector, dimensions and discharge rating required by the vehicle.

Q: What is the difference between a 2S and 3S LiPo battery?

A standard 2S LiPo has two cells connected in series and a nominal voltage of 7.4V. A standard 3S LiPo has three cells and a nominal voltage of 11.1V, so it can supply more voltage and potentially more speed and power.

A 3S battery must never be used simply because it fits. The motor, speed controller and complete vehicle must be rated for 3S operation. Always follow the manufacturer’s stated battery limits.

Q: Where can I buy RC car spare parts in Australia?

Hobbyco stocks selected RC car parts, tyres, batteries, chargers, electronics and accessories online and through our Sydney stores. Availability varies between brands and models.

Search using the vehicle name, model number or part number. If compatibility is unclear, contact Hobbyco before ordering rather than assuming a similar-looking component will fit.

The Bottom Line on RC Cars

RC cars can be simple toys, hands-on building projects or highly adjustable hobby machines. The best choice depends on the surface, available space, desired speed, maintenance expectations and whether you want an assembled vehicle or a kit.

Hobbyco’s current RC car prices range from approximately A$15 for selected compact products to A$599.99 for premium ready-to-drive cars. Many beginner-friendly hobby vehicles sit around A$70 to A$140, while larger kits, drift cars, crawlers and higher-performance models can cost more.

Before ordering, check the scale, drivetrain, motor type, battery compatibility and included equipment. Those details are more useful than relying on one broad label such as “RTR” or “beginner”.

Browse RC cars for sale in Australia through Hobbyco’s radio-control collection, compare the live specifications and contact the team if you need help confirming compatibility. Choosing a model that matches where and how you will drive makes the first experience more enjoyable.

Pricing note: Product selection and prices were checked against Hobbyco’s live Radio Control collection. Prices, promotions and availability are subject to change.