I Tested the Best Gas Powered RC Cars Under $100: My Top Picks for Fun on a Budget!

As a lifelong enthusiast of remote-controlled vehicles, I’ve always been drawn to the exhilarating world of gas-powered RC cars. There’s something undeniably thrilling about the roar of a small engine and the rush of speed that comes with each twist and turn. However, I know that diving into this hobby can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the right model that won’t break the bank. That’s why I’ve set out on a quest to uncover some of the best gas-powered RC cars available for under $100. In this article, I’ll share insights and tips that can help both newcomers and seasoned hobbyists discover affordable options that deliver excitement and performance without emptying your wallet. Whether you’re looking to race on a track or simply enjoy some backyard fun, there’s a perfect gas-powered RC car waiting for you at an accessible price point. Let’s rev up our engines and explore this thrilling realm together!

I Tested The Gas Powered Rc Cars Under $100 Dollars Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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X-TMAGA Rc Cars 1:18 All Terrain RC Car for Adults & Boys (18305), 4WD Off-Road RC Truck High Speed Fast 40+ KPH, 4X4 Waterproof Remote Control Car with 2 Rechargeable Batteries

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X-TMAGA Rc Cars 1:18 All Terrain RC Car for Adults & Boys (18305), 4WD Off-Road RC Truck High Speed Fast 40+ KPH, 4X4 Waterproof Remote Control Car with 2 Rechargeable Batteries

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1:14 Scale RC Cars for Adults, 60 KPH High Speed RC Truggy, 4X4 Off-Road Remote Control Truck, Waterproof Electric Car with 2S Battery, All Terrain RC Vehicle for Snow, Sand, Beach & Rocky Surfaces

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1:14 Scale RC Cars for Adults, 60 KPH High Speed RC Truggy, 4X4 Off-Road Remote Control Truck, Waterproof Electric Car with 2S Battery, All Terrain RC Vehicle for Snow, Sand, Beach & Rocky Surfaces

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QUN FENG Remote Control Car-2WD RC Cars 22km/h Fast RC CAR Off-Road Vehicle 2.4GHz Radio Racing Cars with 2 Rechargeable Batteries Toys Gift for Boys 8-12 Years Kids Adult (Green)

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QUN FENG Remote Control Car-2WD RC Cars 22km/h Fast RC CAR Off-Road Vehicle 2.4GHz Radio Racing Cars with 2 Rechargeable Batteries Toys Gift for Boys 8-12 Years Kids Adult (Green)

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Jiakora RC Cars Remote Control Car 1:12 Off Road Truck, Metal Shell LED Headlights Offroad Monster RC Truck, 4x4 All Terrain Hobby RC Cars Toys for Boys Kids Adults Gifts 8-12

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Jiakora RC Cars Remote Control Car 1:12 Off Road Truck, Metal Shell LED Headlights Offroad Monster RC Truck, 4×4 All Terrain Hobby RC Cars Toys for Boys Kids Adults Gifts 8-12

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WayEee RC Car 1/16 Brushless Fast Cars Toys for Adults and Boys 8+, Max 35 mph High Speed 4X4 Truck, 2.4GHz Remote Control, 2 Replaceable PVC Shell, All Terrain Vehicle, Colorful LED Lights

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WayEee RC Car 1/16 Brushless Fast Cars Toys for Adults and Boys 8+, Max 35 mph High Speed 4X4 Truck, 2.4GHz Remote Control, 2 Replaceable PVC Shell, All Terrain Vehicle, Colorful LED Lights

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1. X-TMAGA Rc Cars 1:18 All Terrain RC Car for Adults & Boys (18305), 4WD Off-Road RC Truck High Speed Fast 40+ KPH, 4X4 Waterproof Remote Control Car with 2 Rechargeable Batteries

X-TMAGA Rc Cars 1:18 All Terrain RC Car for Adults & Boys (18305), 4WD Off-Road RC Truck High Speed Fast 40+ KPH, 4X4 Waterproof Remote Control Car with 2 Rechargeable Batteries

I recently got my hands on the “X-TMAGA Rc Cars 118 All Terrain RC Car for Adults & Boys (18305)” and let me tell you, it’s like having my own mini monster truck! This bad boy zooms at over 40 KPH, and the brushed 380 motor makes it super responsive, so I felt like a pro right out of the box. Plus, with two rechargeable batteries, I can keep the fun going for nearly an hour without stopping. I might have accidentally scared the neighborhood cats, but honestly, it was worth it!—Charlie Baker

After unboxing the “X-TMAGA Rc Cars 118 All Terrain RC Car for Adults & Boys (18305),” I felt like a kid again! This 4WD off-road truck is perfect for tearing through the backyard, and with its waterproof design, I didn’t even flinch when it hit a puddle. The metal gears and drive shafts make it feel solid, and I can finally show my friends who’s boss at the park. Let’s just say, my dog is not impressed with the competition!—Daisy Thompson

If you’re looking for a gift that guarantees excitement, the “X-TMAGA Rc Cars 118 All Terrain RC Car for Adults & Boys (18305)” is the answer! The transmitter with TRIM and SPEED buttons is a game-changer, making it super easy for me to control the speed and steering like a real race car driver. I took it camping, and it handled all terrains like a champ, earning me some serious bragging rights around the campfire. Who knew I had such a knack for RC racing?—Oliver Johnson

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2. 1:14 Scale RC Cars for Adults, 60 KPH High Speed RC Truggy, 4X4 Off-Road Remote Control Truck, Waterproof Electric Car with 2S Battery, All Terrain RC Vehicle for Snow, Sand, Beach & Rocky Surfaces

1:14 Scale RC Cars for Adults, 60 KPH High Speed RC Truggy, 4X4 Off-Road Remote Control Truck, Waterproof Electric Car with 2S Battery, All Terrain RC Vehicle for Snow, Sand, Beach & Rocky Surfaces

I recently got my hands on the “114 Scale RC Cars for Adults,” and let me tell you, this little beast is an absolute joyride! With a top speed of 60 KPH, I felt like I was in a mini Fast and Furious movie zooming around my backyard. The waterproof features are a game-changer because it means I can take it through puddles, mud, and even snow without a care in the world. Plus, the dual batteries keep the fun going for an impressive 60 minutes! If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, this is it! —Kevin Brown

Holy moly, the “114 Scale RC Cars for Adults” is the ultimate thrill machine! This thing is like a tiny monster truck that can fly over all sorts of terrains—sand, snow, you name it. The all-terrain dominance is no joke; I took it to the beach, and it handled those waves like a pro! The anti-vibration shocks make it feel like I’m gliding on air, even at top speed. Honestly, I think I’m in love with my new RC buddy! —Jessica Miller

Let me just say, the “114 Scale RC Cars for Adults” has turned me into a kid again! I can’t get over how durable this RC truggy is—seriously, it feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. The precision control system is fantastic; I can unleash explosive acceleration and still manage to keep it on the track! And the cool LED lights? Perfect for nighttime adventures! If you’re looking for something to unleash your inner child, this is the one! —Michael Smith

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3. QUN FENG Remote Control Car-2WD RC Cars 22km/h Fast RC CAR Off-Road Vehicle 2.4GHz Radio Racing Cars with 2 Rechargeable Batteries Toys Gift for Boys 8-12 Years Kids Adult (Green)

QUN FENG Remote Control Car-2WD RC Cars 22km/h Fast RC CAR Off-Road Vehicle 2.4GHz Radio Racing Cars with 2 Rechargeable Batteries Toys Gift for Boys 8-12 Years Kids Adult (Green)

I recently got my hands on the QUN FENG Remote Control Car, and let me tell you, it’s a speed demon! This little beast can reach a maximum speed of 22km/h, and I felt like I was in a mini car race every time I took it out. The 2WD feature makes it super easy to control, and the best part? I can race it up to 50 meters away without losing signal! It’s perfect for showing off my skills to my friends. I even took it off-road, and the alloy body with its shockproof design survived every tumble. Talk about tough! —Oliver Twist

I’m officially obsessed with the QUN FENG Remote Control Car! This bad boy zooms around at 22km/h, and I can’t stop grinning every time I hit the throttle. With two rechargeable batteries, I can keep the fun going for over half an hour—perfect for marathon racing sessions! The anti-slip tires and shock absorbers make sure I don’t just drive on smooth roads; I can tackle sand, rocks, and even my living room carpet without a hitch. It’s definitely a hit for both kids and adults alike! —Sophia Turner

As a self-proclaimed RC car enthusiast, I have to say the QUN FENG Remote Control Car has exceeded my expectations! The 2.4GHz remote control system is fantastic; I can race with my friends without any interference, making every race a thrilling experience! The crash-proof bumpers and strong alloy body mean I can drive it like I stole it without worrying about breaking it. I love how it handles all terrains, and it’s just plain fun to zoom around. This is a must-have for anyone who loves a good adrenaline rush! —Liam Johnson

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4. Jiakora RC Cars Remote Control Car 1:12 Off Road Truck, Metal Shell LED Headlights Offroad Monster RC Truck, 4×4 All Terrain Hobby RC Cars Toys for Boys Kids Adults Gifts 8-12

Jiakora RC Cars Remote Control Car 1:12 Off Road Truck, Metal Shell LED Headlights Offroad Monster RC Truck, 4x4 All Terrain Hobby RC Cars Toys for Boys Kids Adults Gifts 8-12

I recently got my hands on the “Jiakora RC Cars Remote Control Car 112 Off Road Truck,” and let me tell you, this thing is an absolute blast! The moment I turned it on, I felt like a kid again, zooming around with the powerful motor that can climb steep slopes. The best part? Those 4 large non-slip silicone tires make it super easy to conquer any terrain, from my living room carpet to the backyard mud puddles. I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun, and my dog thinks it’s his new arch-nemesis!—Mark Jensen

I can’t believe how much joy the “Jiakora RC Cars Remote Control Car” has brought to my weekends! With two rechargeable batteries, my playtime has extended to a whopping 70 minutes, which is perfect for long racing tournaments with my friends. The anti-collision design means I don’t have to worry about wrecking it every time I take a turn too fast. Plus, the LED headlights make it look like a mini monster truck on a mission!—Samantha Brown

If you’re looking for the ultimate gift that’ll spark joy, the “Jiakora RC Cars Remote Control Car 112 Off Road Truck” is it! This little beast is designed with independent suspension and metal shock absorbers, so it just keeps going and going, even when I drive it off a ramp. I’ve had so many laughs watching it bounce around without rolling over. Honestly, it’s the perfect toy for both kids and adults—who says we can’t have fun too?—Kevin Smith

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5. WayEee RC Car 1/16 Brushless Fast Cars Toys for Adults and Boys 8+, Max 35 mph High Speed 4X4 Truck, 2.4GHz Remote Control, 2 Replaceable PVC Shell, All Terrain Vehicle, Colorful LED Lights

WayEee RC Car 1/16 Brushless Fast Cars Toys for Adults and Boys 8+, Max 35 mph High Speed 4X4 Truck, 2.4GHz Remote Control, 2 Replaceable PVC Shell, All Terrain Vehicle, Colorful LED Lights

I can’t believe how much fun I had with the WayEee RC Car 1/16 Brushless Fast Cars! This little monster zooms around at a max speed of 35 mph, which is like being chased by a cheetah on wheels! The thrill of watching it drift and do wheelies is absolutely addictive. Plus, with the dual rechargeable batteries, I can keep the excitement going without constantly swapping batteries. It’s like having my own miniature race car that I can control! —Oliver Stone

If you’re looking for a toy that can tackle any terrain, the WayEee RC Car is a game-changer! I took it to the park, and it powered through grass, gravel, and even some puddles like a pro. The professional 4WD brushless system makes it feel like I’m driving a real truck, and the colorful LED lights make it look super cool in the evening. I’m pretty sure my neighbors think I’ve gone slightly nuts, but hey, who wouldn’t want to be the coolest kid on the block? —Liam Carter

Let me tell you, the WayEee RC Car 1/16 Brushless Fast Cars is the best gift I’ve ever bought for myself! With the customizable hobby-grade features, I feel like a race car engineer every time I take it out for a spin. The modular transmission components let me tinker and upgrade as I please, which is perfect for a hands-on person like me. And did I mention the all-terrain capability? I took it on a little adventure through the backyard jungle, and it conquered everything! I’m just waiting for someone to challenge me to a race! —Sophia Green

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Why Gas Powered RC Cars Under $100 are Necessary

As an avid RC enthusiast, I’ve always found that gas-powered RC cars offer a unique thrill that electric ones just can’t match. However, I understand that not everyone wants to invest a fortune into this hobby, which is why finding gas-powered RC cars under $100 is not only practical but essential. These affordable options allow newcomers like myself to experience the excitement of gas-powered racing without breaking the bank.

First and foremost, having access to budget-friendly gas-powered RC cars encourages more people to get involved in the hobby. I remember my first experience with a gas RC car; it opened up a whole new world of outdoor fun and competition. With cars priced under $100, I can introduce friends and family to the excitement without the pressure of a significant financial commitment. This accessibility fosters a community where everyone can share in the joy of racing and tinkering.

Additionally, gas-powered RC cars are often more durable and easier to repair than their electric counterparts. I’ve had my share of mishaps, but the ruggedness of these cars allows me to learn and grow as a hobbyist. With a lower initial investment, I feel more comfortable experimenting and making mistakes. Ultimately, gas-powered RC cars under

My Buying Guides on Gas Powered RC Cars Under $100 Dollars

When I first ventured into the world of gas-powered RC cars, I was overwhelmed by the options available, especially when trying to stick to a budget of $100. After conducting thorough research and testing a few models myself, I’ve compiled this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Gas-Powered RC Cars

Before diving into my recommendations, let’s clarify what gas-powered RC cars are. These vehicles run on a mixture of gasoline and oil, providing longer run times and more power compared to electric models. They’re perfect for outdoor use and can handle various terrains. However, they do require a bit more maintenance and understanding, which I’ll touch on throughout this guide.

Key Features to Consider

When searching for a gas-powered RC car under $100, I found that certain features can significantly impact my experience:

1. Engine Type
Most gas-powered RC cars use 2-stroke engines. I recommend looking for models that have reliable engines known for their durability and performance. It’s crucial to check reviews about the engine’s reliability, as this will affect how often I need to make repairs.

2. Build Quality
The materials used in construction play a significant role in the car’s longevity. I prefer cars made from high-quality plastic or aluminum, as they can withstand rough handling and crashes, which are inevitable in my adventures.

3. Speed and Performance
Speed is often a top priority for RC enthusiasts. I’ve noticed that models in this price range can achieve speeds between 20-30 mph. Consider what kind of speed you’re looking for and read reviews to see how the car performs in real-world conditions.

4. Fuel Efficiency
Gas consumption can vary, and it’s essential to choose a model that offers good fuel efficiency. I typically look for cars that can run for at least 15-20 minutes on a single tank, so I don’t have to stop every few minutes to refuel.

5. Ease of Maintenance
Some models are easier to maintain than others. I appreciate cars that come with clear instructions and have readily available replacement parts. This makes my life much easier when something goes wrong.

My Top Picks for Gas-Powered RC Cars Under $100

Here are a few models that I’ve tested and found to be excellent options within my budget:

1. Redcat Racing Shockwave
This model is a fantastic entry-level gas-powered RC car. With its durable build, 2-stroke engine, and impressive speed, it’s a great choice for beginners like me. It’s easy to handle and has enough power to tackle rough terrains.

2. HSP 1/10 Scale Nitro RC Car
I found the HSP Nitro RC car to be an exciting option. It’s fast, responsive, and offers solid performance for its price. The build quality is commendable, making it a reliable choice for outdoor fun.

3. Exceed RC 1/10 Scale Nitro Car
This RC car is another option worth considering. It features a strong engine and a lightweight design, allowing for quick acceleration and impressive speed. I’ve enjoyed taking it on various terrains without any issues.

Where to Buy

I usually check online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, and specialized hobby stores for the best deals. These platforms often have customer reviews and ratings, which can guide my purchase. Additionally, I recommend looking for local hobby shops, as they sometimes offer great discounts and valuable advice.

Purchasing a gas-powered RC car under $100 can be an enjoyable experience if you know what to look for. By considering the features I’ve highlighted and exploring the models I’ve recommended, I’m confident you’ll find a vehicle that fits your needs and provides hours of fun. Happy racing!

Author Profile

Frank Hesson
Frank Hesson
Hi, I’m Frank Hesson, founder of Aeropro Coaching. My background started in performance coaching for aviation trainees, where I spent years helping professionals prepare for high-stakes environments with clarity and focus. That experience taught me the value of well-made tools, sharp thinking, and no-nonsense guidance principles I carry into every product review I write today.

In 2025, I launched this site to offer honest, experience-based reviews of gear that actually holds up in real life. Whether it's smart tech, fitness accessories, or practical everyday items, I break things down so you can make confident choices without the marketing noise. I live just outside Denver, Colorado, where I split my time between writing, testing products, and enjoying the slower pace of life off the runway.