To initially get into the hobby, you will probably have to purchase everything 
since you are starting from nothing. This fact will probably limit your budget. 
Many stores offer some sort of a combo deal, which contains a whole bunch (or all) 
of the stuff you will need, as a package deal. This is normally, due to financial 
constraints, the best option for you. In all likelihood, the radio that comes with 
a combo will be a low end, 2-channel, AM, pistol grip radio. The radio will have 
very few features, which is probably good, as it will not overwhelm a new user. The 
minimum features that you should look for are 'throttle trim' and 'steering trim', 
which almost all radios today have. These two features will help with fine-tuning 
of the center point for throttle (car is standing still) and the center point for 
steering (car goes straight), respectively. For a more detailed description of 
radios, see below "What are the different kinds of radios?"

One rule of thumb that I have heard and also like, is to match the quality of your 
radio to the quality of your car. In other words, do not blow 90% of your budget on 
the hottest car out there and then cheap out on an old used AM radio.

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