What's the best LEGO Technic set for beginners?

The $20 Off-Road Race Buggy (42164) is the most frequently recommended entry point in r/legotechnic and r/lego threads, with reviewers highlighting its working steering, suspension, and four-cylinder piston engine in a small package. The Bush Plane (42198) at around $22 is another commonly cited starter, though some reddit users flag cog-alignment issues mid-build.