Traxxas RC Cars Under $100: What’s Realistic, Plus Pairing Help
As of October 2026, there’s no new Traxxas ready-to-run car listed at under $100 in the US. The cheapest are the 1/18 LaTrax models: the LaTrax Rally is listed around $140 and the LaTrax Teton around $150, with the 1/16 Mini Slash brushless around $250. To get a Traxxas for under $100 you’d need a sale, a used car or a rolling chassis. Otherwise, budget hobby-grade brands offer cars in that price range. This page covers the options and how to pair a Traxxas remote.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
Cheapest Traxxas models
| Model | Scale | Listed price (US) |
|---|---|---|
| LaTrax Rally | 1/18 | About $140 |
| LaTrax Teton | 1/18 | About $150 |
| Mini Slash brushless | 1/16 | About $250 |
Retailer prices checked October 2026; prices and availability change, and sales can drop them.
How to get one cheaper
- Watch seasonal sales at hobby retailers.
- Buy used from local sellers; check for damage and missing parts.
- Look for open-box or returned items from reputable shops.
- Consider a roller (no electronics) if you have spare electronics.
- Avoid sellers with prices far below normal; fakes and scams exist.
Buying used
Check that the radio, battery and charger are included, test that steering and throttle work, look for cracked suspension parts, and spin the wheels to check drivetrain noise. Ask how it was used; bashing wears parts faster. Popular 1/16 models are covered in Traxxas Mini Slash.
Alternatives under $100
Several budget brands sell hobby-grade-style cars with replaceable parts around this price, often in 1/16 or 1/18 scale, sometimes brushless. Quality and parts support vary, so check reviews and spare parts availability. Toy-grade cars are cheaper but less durable. Options for kids are in first remote control car.
Pairing a Traxxas remote
- Turn on the transmitter while holding the SET button; the LED blinks red.
- Turn on the car’s receiver/ESC while holding its link/EZ-Set button, as the model’s manual describes.
- Release when the LEDs go solid green.
- Test steering and throttle with the wheels off the ground.
Exact steps vary by radio (TQ vs TQi); see how to link a Traxxas TQ remote.
Red lights on remote and car
A solid or blinking red light can mean low batteries, a failed link or a fault. Replace transmitter batteries, charge the car battery, and repeat the link procedure. On the ESC, red blink patterns can indicate low-voltage cut-off or thermal shutdown; see Traxxas ESC blinking red.
Why Traxxas costs more
Traxxas cars are hobby grade: replaceable parts, strong local shop support, waterproof electronics and upgrade paths. That costs more than toy cars, but you can repair them instead of replacing them. For many buyers, saving a little more or buying used gets a better long-term car than a cheaper toy.
Plan your budget
Don’t forget batteries and chargers if not included, spare tyres and parts. A small kit of tools and a spare battery make the car much more fun to use.
What the LaTrax models offer
The 1/18 LaTrax cars are small but hobby grade: 4WD, oil-filled shocks, replaceable parts and a proper 2.4 GHz radio. The Rally is a low, fast rally car for smooth dirt and tarmac; the Teton is a mini monster truck for grass and rough ground. Both are small enough for gardens and car parks.
FAQ
Is there a Traxxas under $100?
Not new at list price as of October 2026; look for sales or used.
What’s the cheapest Traxxas?
The 1/18 LaTrax Rally, around $140.
Can a Traxxas remote pair with another car?
With a compatible Traxxas receiver, yes.
Why are my Traxxas lights red?
Usually low battery or a failed link.
More on this topic: the complete RC Cars guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
