Tyco Taiyo Collectors is an information resource for enthusiasts of 80s, 90s, and 00s toys produced by Tyco®, Taiyo (Japan), Metro R/C, Dickie Toys™, Nikko America Inc., Nikko R/C (Japan) and is not affiliated with any toy company. We are funded by ads and affiliate links, and aim to support and grow the vintage toy collectors community.
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The Taiyo Max Hopper 4WD is a radio control car released on the global market in 1988.
Seen by some as the pinnacle of buggies ever released by Taiyo, the Max Hopper 4WD is designed to be the ultimate Jet Hopper / Turbo Hopper.
8849 Taiyo Max Hopper 4WD Car Perspective with Controller
Based on a modified Jet Racer 4WD chassis, it features:
9.6V 'Turbo' 8xAA powered (12V with alkalines)
Twin Turbo 2 x Mabuchi 280 motors
Dual Front AND Rear Differential!
4WD
Metal Turnbuckles (Global Version only - photo below)
Improved Controller with Chrome Handle and Turbo LED
Detailed driver
Just all-round bad ass!
The Max Hopper 4WD was the most bad-ass RC car that Taiyo would ever release.
Metal vs Plastic TurnBuckles
The metal steering hubs / turnbuckles are especially unique for a 'toy' class RC car, and really show that at this time, during Taiyo's golden years, they really pushed everything as far as they could take it, experimented, and made their best efforts to produce the best possible RC car for the masses.
From our experience, it seems the original Made in Japan versions for that market shipped with Plastic, and only later Made in Singapore (Global) variants had metal turnbuckles. An upgrade due to cracking perhaps?
Taiyo Max Hopper 4WD - notice the metal steering hubs on the front wheels.
Collectability and Availability
Personally I feel this is an absolute #1 for any collector of Taiyo or Tyco. And the good news is, many people simply don't know what this is, or why it's so darn cool, so it's not going for ridiculous money like Tyco Bandits and the other popular cars. Yet.
Research shows these pop up occasionally on eBay, so set your saved search and be patient.
This average price is based on 20 sales we have recorded (max 10 shown).
Date
Price
Condition
Type
Title
15 Jul 2025
$176.22
Used
Auction
Vintage taiyo max hopper 4wd remote control buggy with original box r/c
15 Jul 2025
$177.28
Used
Auction
Vintage taiyo max hopper 4wd remote control buggy with original box r/c
13 Jun 2025
$349.99
Brand New
Buy
Taiyo tyco max turbo blaster 2 motor rare new in box hopper bandit lamborghini
17 Jan 2025
$51.87
Parts Only
Buy
Vintage taiyo rc max hopper remote control car off-road buggy red singapore
17 Jan 2025
$51.68
Parts Only
Buy
Vintage taiyo rc max hopper remote control car off-road buggy red singapore
17 Jan 2025
$51.67
Parts Only
Buy
Vintage taiyo rc max hopper remote control car off-road buggy red singapore
17 Jan 2025
$50.49
Parts Only
Buy
Vintage taiyo rc max hopper remote control car off-road buggy red singapore
17 Jan 2025
$49.66
Parts Only
Buy
Vintage taiyo rc max hopper remote control car off-road buggy red singapore
09 Jan 2025
$64.55
Parts Only
Buy
Vintage taiyo max hopper 4wd rc car - with original box & controller - read desc
09 Jan 2025
$64.54
Parts Only
Buy
Vintage taiyo max hopper 4wd rc car - with original box & controller - read desc
Prices in USD. NIB = New In box, MIB = Mint in Box, EC = Excellent Condition, VGC = Very Good Condition, GC+ = Good condition plus, GC = Good condition, PC = Poor Condition. With Controller = Car with controller. With Box = Box, Car, and Controller. We make all efforts to ensure data is accurate, but cannot guarantee it is.
Information here is to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing, and is frequently updated and improved as I learn more. Contact Me for Feedback or Corrections.
