I have seen one plated Radical on the street, and heard of others. I'm sure somebody out there could make a custom top for one that is roughly as weather proof as a Caterham.
I have seen one plated Radical on the street, and heard of others. I'm sure somebody out there could make a custom top for one that is roughly as weather proof as a Caterham.
If spec'ed out right you might get this under 100k, the base model is listed at 112k 
http://scarboperformance.com/svf1/
2nd the exige and GT4, although I'm seeing build slots going up for sale on rennlist, so at this point a GT4 might be pushing the budget. Otoh, it will sell for more than you paid for it.
I have to say I appreciate all of these suggestions. I have to say... SVF1, holy smokes... that is literally a dream come true!! Unfortunately just out of the budget but it might be worth putting off some things! The Cayman GT4, how does that feel in real life? I have always had some reservations about newer Porsches due to their refinements that they have made but I have to ask, is it a feedback machine?
I would go with the elise or the exige. If you want ultimate feedback from a car, mostly because the ability to feel weight transfer is a big deal. The lotus steering, brakes, seats, and ultimately the weight will be the deciding factor. You also want a car that you can easily brake traction to have fun. The Porsche are too comfortable.
I am also sure you don't want to drive a car that appreciate in value with time, most people won't drive it hard, or you will fell bad if anything happens to it. It is like bitcoin you won't spend it if you think it will go up in value.
alexseiji wrote: I have to say I appreciate all of these suggestions. I have to say... SVF1, holy smokes... that is literally a dream come true!! Unfortunately just out of the budget but it might be worth putting off some things! The Cayman GT4, how does that feel in real life? I have always had some reservations about newer Porsches due to their refinements that they have made but I have to ask, is it a feedback machine?
Knowing that its a custom built car I am sure they can make it work within your budget.
DO IT NOW
I've only had a ride along in the GT4 as I haven't been able to drive since a friend took delivery (this weekend actually) but it's quite the impressive ride. Definitely does not leave you wanting for more feedback, it felt plenty visceral from the silly seat, a completely different dynamic and animal then the GTS, which is still a damn good car. I'd be very happy to drive one for the rest of my life and would not want for anything else.
In reply to thewatcher101:
I appreciate this comment. This was my thought exactly in regards to the Porsche. I felt that it might be too cushy and I am most definitely not the one for creature comforts. I barely know how to use them and just confuses things... I dont need a knob for my seat, I need a know for my brake bias hahaha. My radio in my rx8 justs collects dust and Im afraid to use it in fear of a dust cloud emitting from all of my speakers right at me!
In reply to Storz:
Theres the curveball comment! Now Im torn... it looks like Im going to have to shoot for some test drives to really see what the hype is all about. Are Porsche dealers pretty lenient on test drives. I feel like they would be rather apprehensive about test drives.
So... Where does a Cobra or Daytona Coupe replica fit into this discussion?
In reply to alexseiji:
Lenient or apprehensive in what way?
In reply to Driven5:
I would feel that of all the dealers a porsche dealer would be the one that would be apprehensive in letting a 28 year old jump into a GT4 and drive it... A Kia I get but a Porsche... just as easy?
Is your concern over who they let drive the cars, or how they let people drive the cars? If you are a serious potential buyer, the former should be no problem...The latter might be.
So many of you are ignoring his request for something with a roof.
Saw one of these one the road yesterday, and it was incredible:
It seemed as wide as a Mack truck, but the top of the roof was about even with the beltline of my car. Just awesome.
All I can say is a lot of these choices are good but will depreciate. That's why I said Lotus. Think of it this way, you buy one today and enjoy it for few years. Chances are you will get 80-90% of your money back if not more.
The kits are tough to unload and honestly at that point just get an SRF3 or Formula F and go race. 
I kick myself for not buying the Elise I drove 2 years ago. It's 10K more to buy it today.
i wouldn't even think twice on pulling the trigger on this one if I were in the market:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Exige-S-Coupe-2-Door-/151760854708?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2355a6deb4&item=151760854708
In reply to jstein77:
just don't drive it on track unless you want it to overheat everywhere.
Driven5 wrote: Is your concern over who they let drive the cars, or how they let people drive the cars? If you are a serious potential buyer, the former should be no problem...The latter might be.
When I bring my girlfriend, dealers are practically begging me to drive their cars. At a Porsche dealership last month, a salesman was about to let me drive a Carrera twice as high as the budget I gave him.
I think the answer is V8 Miata here
alexseiji wrote: In reply to Driven5: I would feel that of all the dealers a porsche dealer would be the one that would be apprehensive in letting a 28 year old jump into a GT4 and drive it... A Kia I get but a Porsche... just as easy?
I used to sell Porsches. Age isn't really an issue unless you walk in off the street. Call a dealer talk to the sales manager and let them know what you're interested in and what you're looking at. I'm just wondering how many free range gt4s are out there to drive
Getting your paws on a GT4 sounds relatively tricky at this point. I hope they make lots and keep selling them because I don't think I'll be in a spot to buy new but I'd sure love to get one used for not 150% of MSRP in a few years. GT3 in 996 or 997.1 flavor is <$100k but something smaller and lighter will feel more raw. I don't know that you'll get more feedback than a GT3 though. Maybe just more noise and wind in your hair.
oldtin wrote:alexseiji wrote: In reply to Driven5: I would feel that of all the dealers a porsche dealer would be the one that would be apprehensive in letting a 28 year old jump into a GT4 and drive it... A Kia I get but a Porsche... just as easy?I used to sell Porsches. Age isn't really an issue unless you walk in off the street. Call a dealer talk to the sales manager and let them know what you're interested in and what you're looking at. I'm just wondering how many free range gt4s are out there to drive
I used this strategy today with the Miata I test drove, and it worked really well. I called the dealer saying I was an hour away, and when I showed up, he already had keys in hand. Now that I think about it, I didn't even show him my license or anything.
Where are you located? I am good friends with several of the employees at Leith Porsche in Cary NC
Also, the new C7 with the Z51 performance package is worth looking at, too.
You know you want the SVF1
T.J. wrote: Have you considered a bike? Perhaps a crotch rocket would meet your requirements and save you some money.
+1. My advice would be a BMW R-1100 S. Built between '99 and '05 these are some of the best looking and tractable "crotch rocket" style bikes ever made. OK--by today's standards it's slow. But so what? It's still plenty fast enough to get you into serious trouble. Upfitted with Ohlins suspension some of these are still giving the new bikes fits on tighter tracks. A great everyday machine to boot. Plus...low insurance and easy on gas.
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