First crawler recomendations...

I second what Linc said.

I picked up an axial kit on ebay around christmas that was all setup with a Novak Rooster esc, integy 55t motor, servo and integy shocks for about $250 and its an absolute blast to drive around the house and the batteries last forever on it with the 55t motor. Spent about 3 hours driving over a course we made out of empty beer bottles and cases....funny how the course kept getting longer and more difficult the longer we were at it.

I got the crawler for the same reasons you are thinking about and am more than happy with it, just picked up some airsoft ammo to fill the tires with the other day. I have heard that the ARTR kit is an even better starting point.