Son's Birthday. Finance Minister Won't Let Me Buy a RC Car

cameldownunder on 05/09/2016 - 17:31
Last edited 05/09/2016 - 17:55 by 1 other user

Hi, I'm tapping once more the broad knowledge of OZBargain community

It's my Son's 12th birthday. As many kids he wishes for the latest and greatest iPhone.
We are no millionaires, so the option would be a 5S. From local retailer around $450. From my point of view, still excessive.

His other wish is a RC car, Buggy. This could be due to the fact that his friend has one since about 3 month.

My preference is the RC Car. I've found a 4WD, brush less, 1/10 short track truck, with RC and battery for $280.

My wife thinks it will be over it within 1 month, and that the money is wasted.

My view is that he will be outdoors, and off his iPad/Computer, racing with his friend on the school ground or on the golf course.

What is the opinion of OZBargain community, and what other arguments can I bring to the table?

• 

  oscargamer on 05/09/2016 - 18:06

  +4

  if he gets bored of the RC car, you can use it

  WIN WIN :)

• 

  iratepirate on 05/09/2016 - 18:20

  +5

  You will be playing with him if you get a RC car. They grow up way too fast, the more time you spend with them the better off you both are.

  If you buy an expensive phone he gets to show off for five minutes to his mates.

  I know what I would choose - finance minister over ruled by benevolent dictator… get him an android phone for the difference… $150 gets a good phone these days.

• 

  scrimshaw on 05/09/2016 - 18:25

  +1

  Just buy him a cheap one from Gearbest
  http://www.gearbest.com/r-c-cars-c_11304/price_range-2/

  Sell it on Gumtree once done with it.

• 

  chumlee on 05/09/2016 - 18:34

  +2

  Unless your Finance Minister is part of the Sex Party I would just buy the car.

• 

  t_c on 05/09/2016 - 18:37

  +2

  Don't stress you will end up getting both in the end.

• 

  [Deactivated] on 05/09/2016 - 18:38

  +1

  http://m.banggood.com/Wltoys-A979-118-2_4Gh-4WD-Monster-Truc…

  Should be great for 12yo, and cheap.

• 

  robertbruce on 05/09/2016 - 19:51

  +2

  Tell your wife this is your last chance before he grows up to get him addicted to something you can control…

• 

  Nugs on 05/09/2016 - 19:57

  +1

  Based on the $280 price, I'm going to guess it is an HSP?
  That's what I bought for a then 10/now 11 year old due to price point and spare parts availability. you WILL need to repair them. Oh and budget for a 'proper' charger, the included ones are typically very low current = long charge time. Fast charger should take one hour from flat (not quicker as = overheat).

  We bought the car first $270
  and then later on we got
  a charger $40
  a generic 'lap top' style power supply for the charger $12
  2 extra batteries $72

  total cost <$400 and it hoots and with the 3 batteries he gets 30-45 minutes of driving.

• 

  cameldownunder on 06/09/2016 - 10:03

  My arguments made a point, and was allowed to overrule. Thanks for telling me I'm doing the right thing.

  for those interested it is a Turnigy
  http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__24971__Turnigy_Tr…
  with RC controller and 1 4000mhA LIPO.

  I have a charger from my drones, 1-3A. With load balancer.

  I also have ( 8 ) 7.4V Lipo batteries, in the range of 1500-2000mah. ( from drones ) Wonder if I can put 2 in parallel. Only of same type.

  From another OZBargain forum topic, I decided against HSP.

  And spare parts were also a factor. Looking forward to do some repairs together.