I am looking to buy a nitro truck for my 14 year old. What would you recommend that is reliable, he can handle, and can go off road?

Vicki

Do you have any experience with RC Cars at all?
Especially Nitro cars?
The reason I ask is that for a true first time RC buyer I would recommend electric. Much less hassle and easier to get up and running and keep running.
If you have experience with 2cycle dirt bikes, Chain saws, weed wackers..ect.. then you should be ok with a Nitro truck

There are several choices..

For Electric...
Traxxas Emaxx is the best bang for your buck. Huge monster truck with a lot of speed and power. It has a low and high gear for lots of fun in all off road situations and it has reverse. Expect to spend about $500. You will need the Emaxx, 2 or 4 batteries. I recommend 4. and a good quality charger. Get 3300 mah or 3800 mah Nickle Metal hydride batteries.


There is also these electric vehicles to look at.
Traxxas Rustler
Traxxas Stampede
Duratrax Evader
Losi XXXT RTR
And Associated T4 RTR
Losi Mini T
Associated 18T

For nitro there are tons of choices.
Traxxas Nitro Rustler ( Least expensive)
Traxxas Jato
Traxxas Tmaxx
Traxxas Revo
http://www.traxxas.com/index.htm
Associated RC10 GT
Associated MGT
http://www.rc10.com/
Losi XXXNT
Losi LST
http://www.teamlosi.com/
and many more...

You can get a good idea of pricing by visiting your local hobby shop or these web sites.

http://www.towerhobbies.com/

http://www.horizonhobby.com/

http://www.hobbypeople.net/

http://www.stormerhobbies.com/

I always recommend visiting local hobby shops in your area to see what they have in stock and what part support they provide on site. That way if you do have a part break or you have problems or questions, hopefully they can help you and you do not have to wait for a mail order to come in.

Hope this helps get you started.
Feel free to ask if you have additional or specific questions before buying.