The 9 Most Expensive RC Cars in the World

Did you know that some of the most expensive RC cars can cost thousands of dollars? And, that’s before buying extra or new parts, getting gas if you have a gasoline-powered option, or making any modifications to it. If you’re an RC car enthusiast, then you’re probably looking to get your hands on the best there is out there.

Stiff competition and fierce professionalism drive the development of RC cars, often into new and exciting forms. Innovations like 4WD, complex electronics systems, and aerodynamic designs make for the top of the line.

Are Expensive RC Cars Necessarily Better?

The most expensive RC cars are not necessarily the fastest or the best. Many of the best cars and trucks you can buy are between $500 and $1,000 dollars. This may sound like a lot of money, but it’s really not when you consider many of the names on our list are more than $2,000 up to one model that is $2,000,000 USD.

Make and Model	Price	Rating
Traxxas XO-1	$799	4.7/5
Losi Audi R8 LMS	$699	4.6/5
HPI Racing Savage XL	$649	4.5/5
Axial SCX10 II UMG10	$599	4.8/5
Arrma Kraton 8S BLX	$899	4.9/5
Team Associated RC10 B6.2D	$479	4.6/5
Kyosho Inferno MP10 TKI4	$1,199	5/5
Tamiya 1/10 RC Toyota GR Supra	$899	5/5
Tekno RC EB48 2.0	$749	5/5
Traxxas Maxx Monster Truck	$799	4.7/5

Derived from the same roots are the life-size versions of these cars and their miniature counterparts differ in ways that make for more fun and better opportunities to show up at competitions and captivate an audience, and even win races.

So, what are the most expensive RC cars on the market and what should you know? Well, let’s find out. Keep reading to learn more about their intricate designs, their incredible histories, and the high price tags they come with.

9 Expensive RC Cars on the Market in 2023

If you’re looking to invest in an expensive RC car or you want to extend your collection, you’re in luck because we’ve gathered some of the priciest options on the market. Whether you’re looking for a high-performance race car for RC Competitions, a tricked-out showpiece, a gift for someone, or a fun toy for yourself we’ve got you covered. 

1. Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer 

Coming in at $879, this type of RC car comes in multiple models. The price for a desert racer can start at $799 and sometimes be a bit lower or go a bit above the higher end of the price range. This option presents a few different color options and comes in the form of a car or truck as well as different features.

It’s a true-to-scale 4-wheel drive race car that can handle tough terrain. This car replicates the perfect combination of functionality and form with professional-level performance ratings offering 6S power.

2. Freefly Tero RC Camera Car

This is by far one of the most expensive RC Car options. While it used to be more expensive and is still seen for $5,000 at some places, this option now comes in at $4,500 from most sellers. This model is best known for its ability to tote camera equipment providing usable low angles and a complete 3-axis control of the camera’s stabilizer.

This may be the best toy for true adventure photography and videography professionals or enthusiasts. Because of this, it’s not hard to see how it made it onto the list of expensive RC cars. What’s great about this is that the model features vibrations isolation, a brushless motor, and a rare perspective for stunt-ready content.

3. Losi 5lve-T 2.0

Here’s something a bit different. If you want a gas-powered RC car, the Losi 5lve is what you could be looking for. While the price of this model is already pretty hefty coming in at $1,599, you also have to consider the price of gas where you live.

So, if you live in a state like California where the average price of gas is $5.72, it’s safe to say that this is an option that’s expensive to start with and to keep going. You’ll find that you can kick up some dirt with its genuine Zenoah G320 32cc engine.

There is also a bar-style rack for steering that’s adjustable. If that wasn’t enough, this model also features heavy-duty brakes, an 800 cc capacity fuel tank which is an extra-large option, and the clutch mount comes with a gear mesh brace.

4. Capo JK Max

With an all-metal body shell, this RC car is made of aluminum alloy and portrays the perfect stealth style that’s great for off-roading. This model has the potential for custom modification as it’s offered in a kit and comes in shy of $2,000. It has a newer generation V8 simulation engine, heavy-duty tires, and a JK generation gearbox in the rear.

5. Arrma Kraton 6S BLX

If you’re looking for a powerful RC car that can reach high speeds, then the Arrma Kraton 6S BLX is the one for you. It is $649 but this machine is equipped with a powerful motor and ESC combo that can reach speeds of up to 60mph and you may be able to find it for $100 less with some sellers.

It also has a 2.4GHz radio system and comes with a variety of other features that make it one of the most expensive RC cars on the market.

6. Redcat Racing Rampage Chimera

Coming in at $729 this is a bit more of an affordable option although still expensive. You can expect a 2-stroke engine and steel gears, along with a fully tuned exhaust system. Did we mention that this is also a 1/5 scale gasoline option?

While it’s a cheaper gasoline-powered option you won’t be short on features. The suspension is fully adjustable with a 4mm T6 aluminum chassis allowing it to handle multiple settings. With a 500cc fuel tank capacity, you will still be able to achieve some distance and a good range of time to play especially with its scaled off-road tires.

7. XB Hornet Black Ltd Edition

Don’t get the Black Limited Edition XB Hornet mixed up with the original version of the XB Hornet. This newer and more expensive model is listed at $1200 and is a good way to celebrate any love for nostalgic cars. You might have already assumed that this RC car is all black for the exterior but it gives off more than great looks.

With rear spiked tires and grooved front tires, off-roading is a staple for this XB Hornet. You can hit sharp turns with ease and maneuver with no trouble due to its front swing-axle suspension. The model also has friction dampeners to help with that.

8. Kraken Vekta.5 Ultra Unlimited Class 1500 Buggy

If you’re fine with paying around $1,774, this version of the Kraken Vekta.5 will not disappoint. There are a few different models of this RC car and you can buy them with or without an engine.

For this one in particular though, it features 4 link suspension, a solid rear axle, and a full roll cage with an independent front suspension. There are 38mm mega-shocks with an 8mm shaft and it’s quite easy on the eyes in terms of aesthetics.

9. Mercedes Maybach 6 Concept RC Car

We saved the best for last and for good reason because it may not have been expected. Have you ever heard of the Mercedes Maybach 6?

Well, if you haven’t this RC Car is known as the most expensive on the market and its price tag easily surpasses anything else on the market.

Keep in mind that RC stands for radio or remote-controlled car and that doesn’t necessarily mean the car has to be miniature-sized. This car can be controlled by a remote and is the epidemy of luxury. With this functionality, this is a true toy for adults so, this wouldn’t be something that you’d gift to a child.

Without the need for a driver, RC Car enthusiasts don’t mind accepting the high price. This is a concept car and the video footage that was released of this 750 HP vehicle shows the operator using a video game type of remote control to operate it.

If you’re wondering who would go out and buy this piece of technology and luxury, rapper, Drake has added this concept car to his fleet and paid a hefty price of $2 million for it. You may have even seen Michael Keaton who played Batman riding around in this concept car during his role in the “The Flash”.

This is not your standard RC car but since it falls within the RC vision while being regular-sized, this option is for the luxury RC car enthusiasts that want to take RC ownership to a new level. 

What Affects the Cost of RC Cars?

Now that we’ve looked at some of the most expensive RC cars, it’s important to understand what factors go into the pricing. It’s not only about having a 4WD system or adjustable shocks, there are other things at play.

The Brand

The most popular and most well-known brands will often command a higher price. This is due to name recognition and that’s why they can charge more because people are willing to pay for it due to brand awareness and the set-in reviews. In most cases, the big brands have been around longer and have built up trust with their customers over time.

The Materials Used

The materials used will affect the overall durability and performance of the car. In a lot of cases, the more expensive the car is, the better quality materials will be used however, that isn’t always the case so be sure to look at not only the general specs of the RC cars you like but the overall make and materials list. This results in longer-lasting and higher-performing cars.

The Features

The features of the car will also affect the price. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line machine, you can expect to pay a pretty penny. Oftentimes, these options will feature the ability to be controlled on ice, heavy-duty mounting systems for cameras, or even smartphone capability.

Maintenance Tips to Protect Your RC Car Investment

While having the remote-controlled car of your dreams can be fun, you can also see that it can also be expensive. They can often last anywhere between three and seven years if taken care of well. To maintain the life of your RC cars, you’ll want to pay attention to how you handle them and also follow a few maintenance rules.

Clean and Inspect Your RC

This will help to prevent damage or issues with performance that may arise due to dirt buildup or other debris in the vehicle. Of course, you won’t be able to help how dirty it will get when you’re hitting back roads, and dirt trails. The key is to do some slight cleaning after each run to prevent the buildup of debris which can decrease the chances of optimum performance levels over time.

Keep Your Tires Inflated

Not doing this can have a big impact on the overall performance of your RC car. Check the tire pressure regularly, and make sure to adjust it as needed based on changes in weather conditions or driving conditions.

Lubricate All Moving Parts 

You want to make sure you do this regularly, using high-quality lubricants designed for use with RC cars. This will ensure smooth operation and prevent wear and tear over time.

Be Mindful of How You Drive

RC car enthusiasts get these cars to have fun and to tear up different trails but depending on the terrain you’re in and the capability that your RC car offers, try to treat it a little more like an actual car. Or, at least don’t push it past its boundaries or general capabilities too often.

Try avoiding excessive speed on uneven surfaces such as rocky paths or areas with large drops. That is unless you have a 4×4 that can offroad. Also, avoid sudden stops as this can put significant stress on the car and lead to damage.

The Best Guide for You

Whether you’re looking for a powerful RC car to take on the track or want an expensive toy to show off, these are some of the most expensive RC cars on the market today. With advanced features and high-performance capabilities, these machines are sure to impress even the most discerning RC enthusiasts.

If you want to work with the #1 RC toy site, be sure to check out these amazing RC cars and use our website to guide you through your decisions.