Hi there Anthoop,
Many thanks for your reply re my starting problems with the HPI buggy, sorry for the tooth-pullingly painful video you endured! Unfortunately I've not been able to test it further because the electrics of the car now don't seem to work despite installing fresh batteries so have been on to the shop now to see what they can recommend. Had no idea these buggies were quite so much hard work but I'm hoping all the perseverance will eventually pay off one day so that I get to actually drive the ruddy thing!
Many thanks again, noobs like me must be the bane of you more experienced guys with all our novice questions but I think I can definitely speak for all noobs that we definitely appreciate it.