[VintageMA]

Depending on the model you want and the versions that are available to you, you have several options:

1 - Buy a used roller - you can get a good buy, but like you said you can also just end up putting more money into it in the long run for replacement parts just to get it going. I personnaly wouldn't go this way unless it's from a reputable person because I've been burnt on this end and had to basically strip everything and replace bearings, diff with missing gear teeth, drivetrains - cost a fortune in the long rung.

2 - Buy a new Race Roller - generally it will be a kit to put together (unless something like the CRT.5 which is almost RTR but still need electronics including servos, receiver, ESC and motor). This will get you the best quality IMO as you are paying for a model with higher quality parts.

3 - Buy a RTR and sell off the parts - I will only do this if this is the only way to purchase a particular model. Generally you don't the all the hop-up parts in the kit and there is some skimping on the good parts to allow for the cost of a very basic nitro or electric system, basic radio/receiver (which IMO won't work well with a BL setup and will be very suseptible to glitching). You can expect to maybe get back $100 of the cost selling of the nitro parts and the radio stuff.

RCTech is a good place to look at buying used, but avoid e-bay at all costs for a used roller. e-bay may be good to get different used parts though (motors and receivers and radios and such). I would also hesitate on buying used batteries as you don't know how well they've been treated.