I'm looking to buy a 1:24 - 1:16 kit, as my Christmas present to myself. What I need are opinions on which kit would be best. I'm trying to keep the cost under $200. I plan on super detailing it. I also prefer that it have an interior. Let me know what you think and remember that debate is appreciated.

Between 1-25 scale i prefer Panther ausf.G by Academy. today probably only from second hand for example E bay.
To this modele You can find lots of accessories :
Limited PE kit(fenders,skirts,clamips etc), PE grilles for Panther
turned 2m german antena, turned 2 partial barrel to tank version of MG34, aircraft Mg34,Panther/Jagdpanther towing cable,3version of german shackels and other.
I declare any aid in the selection of those rare accessories for You.
By the way, look at my panther G please.

That Takom 1/16 FT-17 seems like a nice kit from the build reviews I've seen on it.

A guy in my local club just did a great job on the 1/16 Panda Hobby PzKpfw 38(t). Excellent just out of the box but room for detailing without forcing you to pull your hair out.

The 1/16 Trumpeter M16 MGMC has full detailing potential. But do you want to start a project that'll take you half a year or more? Make sure your present to yourself doesn't end up being a ball and chain (you end up spending another $100-200 in aftermarket parts) -- I think all of us have gone down that road before. I certainly have!

oppsss...that's 1/6.
I would try Trumpeter.

I fully appreciate that it will take me some months, if not the entire year to complete. This is how I justify spending more money on one kit. I'm liking the idea of the Academy Panther and Panda Hobby PzKpfw 38(t). I will go ahead and source those, though neither of them may be my final decision.

I would sudjest checking out the posts below here.
I have sone 1/16th. builds posted showing the construction and any mistakes that the manufacturer made.
I'm currently working on a 1/16th. SU-100 it's real nice.
Donald

Matt!!
Look what I found !! Free shipping to USA too !!CAD$295.00
http://thinkhobbies.com/416-bandai-44202.html


They also have this 1/16 German 38(t) for $149

This was a test on uploading from sky drive.
I do recommend this kit as it is real good (LARGE, but GOOD)
Donald

Matt: what you should do is make a post on various sites' classified sections requesting unwanted large scale kits. I imagine many kits are in the back of guys shelves and you may get some good offers.

Try here on Armorama:
http://www.modelgeek.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=SquawkBox&file=index&req=viewforum&forum_id=3&page=1

ML
http://www.network54.com/Forum/47214/

TL
http://www.track-link.com/forums/classifieds_private

and HS
http://www.network54.com/Forum/409173/
http://www.clubhyper.com/forums/planetradingframe.htm