What's a good cheap micro vehicle these days?

[markbt73]

So today at work, during my lunch break, I noticed something: I have a lot of empty floor space in my office. I used to have an office-mate, but since COVID started, we've all rearranged so that we all have our own office space. The result is that one whole side of the room is empty. And I think I could put that expanse of industrial carpet carpet to better use. It's not a huge area, but it looks just about right for a 1/24-1/32 scale car, which would give me something to do on lunch breaks besides stare at the internet.

But I don't know much about what's currently available. I've had some experience in the past with tiny cars; I had an HPI Micro RS4 that I liked (and never should have sold), and I had a very early Kyosho Mini-Z that I honestly don't know where it went; it seems to have vanished somewhere along the way.

Another Mini-Z would be great, but they don't appear to be exactly cheap these days, except for some that I've seen that are only available in Japan called the "First Mini-Z." But info in English is hard to come by on those, and I can't tell if they're just a cheaper version of the regular ones, or some other more toy-like chassis. Has anyone ever seen or heard of these?

I've also seen the newer micro buggies like the Associated RC28 series, but are those actually worth it? Are they fully proportiona? The price is certainly right on them...

And I know there are a whole slew of Chinese options available, but I'd rather avoid a no-name thing, unless something is really worth considering. And before anyone mentions it: yes, I've thought about the mini Lunchbox. But from watching videos of it, it looks like it's more fun with some terrain and obstacles. I thin I'd be better off with something low and fast(ish), that I can set up some markers and drive (or drift?) around.

Anything else I should consider for a decent cheap (as far under $100 as I can get) office toy?

[Bash]

I had an rc28 a few years ago and it was pretty good for the price. It's fully proportional and drives really well on carpet despite the limited suspension and lack of a differential. I've seen those 1st mini-z's before, and based on what I could find the chassis is totally different from the normal one and the steering is non-proportional. I'd say that the Axial SCX24 is the best micro vehicle on the market today, but it sounds like the area that you have isn't suited to a crawler. 

[lsear2905]

I have a HPI Q32 that's a fun little car with proportional steering - perfect to keep in the drawer at work. 

I believe the "first" Mini Z are very basic versions, but like you I have struggled to find info outlining the differences.