Are offbrand nitro r/c vehicles reliable or not?

I've been doing hours of research on prices and reviews of nitro powered remote control cars and trucks. I have found several bargains but am afraid to throw down the cash when I could save up and buy a name brand.

You are thinking well, and are right that off brand stuff is inferior. Forget the "bargains" as you will not be happy. $200 and you will be frustrated and won't run it much except electrics will be mildly ok. $450 and you get high quality, and if taken care of, last many years. Stick with quality stuff like Traxxas.com and HPIRacing.com and NEVER buy a nitro with a pull start. Wait and save, you'll be very glad you did. I have 7 Traxxas models and they are all great quality except the nitro engines are high performance and only last about 2 to 4 gallons of fuel. I have an HPI Savage 25 with the ATV/Rider body and the 25 non high performance engine runs perfect, has lasted long and rarely needs tuning. I have not had good luck with Team Losi nitro's. When you really save up and want something really cool, get an HPI 5B Baja Buggy. I have one and you just start it and go. It's huge. The nitros are great, but consider electric, much simpler, quiet and long lasting like the Traxxas E-Maxx, E-Revo, E-Stampede, E-Bandit or HPI E-Savage. I have a Traxxas Bandit VXL brushless with a 6000 2S mAh Li-Po battery and it's just insane, 50+ mph. With a 3S Li-Po, it will go 70 mph !! You are entering a fantastic hobby, and enjoy !!