XRAY - Model racing cars

Hello all, I'm new to RCs but would like to get a decent mini.
I was looking at the Losi line for a while until I came across the Xray MT rtr
I am currently stationed over in Afghanistan and would like to get a Truck that I can run around on dirt and the big concrete slab I have out in front of my office.

I would like to get a truck that I can run stock at first and slowly build up If I decide I am into it. Eventually once I go back to the states I would run it mostly on hard concrete and paved parking lots.
With the Xray being a good bit more then the other 1/18 models out there
is it worth the extra 100 US dollars?
has anybody that has the RTR model had allot of issues with running them off road?
I am already Looking at 300 bucks to get a car, couple batteries, and a decent charger.

Is this truck something to be avoided by people new to the hobby?
would I be better off using the same 300 to get another model and getting hop up parts?

I guess I am looking for some pointers, over all.