If the $125,000 budget would be upped a bit I would be all over a 458. The only non Porsche I have any interest in though in the $125K + price zone. Lambos are cool in their own way but I always associated them with a sprinkling of owners who make a living in a sleazy way. Maybe because I knew a guy (wouldn't call him a friend) who ran a strip club and drove a Murciélago. Subjective and I know that's painting with a broad brush but even before getting to know the strip club dude I always felt the Ferraris had more style and class than the Lambos.

 

I like the older Lambo's during the 2005-2009 eras, it had a more subtle and elegant design, today's Lambo's are just too aggressive and over the top. $125k can get you these older Lambo's.

 

I'd have to say either an R8 or a Gallardo

 

So, any Ferrari 550.

 

The FF is actually really good value but they sure do depreciate like crazy. I guess a 4 door front engine Ferrari isn’t high on everyone’s wish list. Would be a cool car to own.

 

I'll probably get flamed for this but...Lotus Evora GT

 

4 seat, not 4 door. Seem very inexpensive for what they are but I don't find it very attractive.

 

Yeah. My bad. 4 seat. I do find them attractive. Could be smaller but I wouldn’t kick it out of my garage.

 

458 Italia's probably my most wanted non-Porsche under $200k, but definitely not within the $125k range specified in the OP.

 

I'd pony up the extra $50K and get a used 2008 997 GT2.

 

I'll be ordering the next C8 Z06 with it's 9,000 rpm V8 (likely 100k range) when it finally is introduced. Which will sit next to a 997S 4.0 launch car, 718 Cayman, and a C7 Grandsport with Z07 package / 7 speed manual.

 

Funny how history repeats itself, taxation without representation. That is pretty much legalized theft in my book.

 

With $125k to spend I would go for a clean F430. If it could be $150k, I'd do the 458 Italia. Who knows, in a few years maybe the $125k will get a lower tier 458, one can dream!

 

Wait a year and buy two of them.

 

::heart::