If I wanted to buy a plane to just dork around in, low and slow, ideally with doors open or removed, what's the best option for +/-$100k? Tailwheel or not, open to anything, new or old.

Good ole J-3, save yourself ~70k for other things..............https://www.controller.com/listing/for- ... e-aircraft

Given your location I'd want a heater. And enclosed cockpit. There are all kinds of options. I'd get a tail wheel as a start as they are more challenging to fly and arguably more fun. Do you want aerobatic capability? If so that eliminates a few. Two seats or more? Round motor or flat?

I just bought this Fairchild 24 last month and flew it home from where you live. It would have fit the bill nicely with roll up/down windows, round motor, tail wheel, etc.

Really slow but comfortable and fun would be something like this C120 which I bought for a quarter of your budget.

Or something with 2 seats that can fly gentleman's aerobatics as well as meet the other criterial like this Decathlon for around your budget.

Variations on the theme are virtually endless. Find something that you don't have to ferry half way across the country, that's in really good condition and that appeals to you. There aren't any wrong answers to your question.

I owned an old US Army Super Cub -95, 900 lbs empty weight, 80 knots cruise, wonderful simple bird, …miss it!

Get an ultra and a trailer.

With that budget, there are a bajillion options. Your frame and flexibility may dictate which is "best."

Off the top of my head:

-Cub (J-3, J-4, J-5, PA-12, older PA-18)
-Cub copy (WagAero, etc.)
-Champ (any variant, but I think you need an STC to fly without the door. Maybe look at one with the seaplane door option so it hinges at the top.)
-Chief (same comment on the door)
-Citabria (same comment on the door)
-Kitfox
-Rans Courier (see Jack Letts' build)
-Cessna 120/140
-Interstate Cadet
-Luscombe
-Taylorcraft

Wait until OSH next year and walk the flightline until you find something to make an offer on :-)

My vote: (The video is 360, you can look in any direction with your mouse or by moving your phone.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwwPywf-bNA&t=592s

Tony got it right. There are a thousand good answers to the question. The best answer is whatever is close and easy. Someone at the home drome selling a 150? That would totally fit the mission.

I came across C150 that needed a home for a spell. (Medium term lease).
What a little treat that is to fly

Andy is loving it also.

Tj

Not 100K but worth every penny…

Pietenpol

If it’s to be based in OHIO, I wouldn’t consider any open cockpit planes.
I love winter flying in the 120, it has a decent heater. I’ve flown pretty comfortably at -15dgf. And the window open and arm out like a car in the summer.
Tailwheel would be high on the list, just because nothing is better for keeping skills sharp.
The 120 has made me better at flying the Bonanza.
With that budget, I’d probably look for the nicest 170B I could find. They can be an incredible STOL airplane. And the window opens all the way nicely. I believe door off is also no issue as I know my Dad used his for a jump plane.

Greg

+1 on the 170.
Great visibility, Fairly light on its feet and has a higher level of utility being a four place plane…….meaning it makes it a much better two- person plane. Love that rounded tail.

At overhaul, put in a 180hp and you’ll have quite the performer.

I found this Decathlon close to home last year and have been having a blast learning basic acro and back country flying. Lots of fun for the money!

If you’ve ever seen CC Popcocks 1952 170B in action, it’s amazing. 26 knot stall speed.
100’ takeoff or landing. And it looks as cool as you can get. CCs is pretty extreme (Experimental class) but with the 180hp and VGs any 170 is a great performer. Super fun and comfortable low and slow.
A friend recently sold his, it had dual G5s, autopilot and was overall amazing.
I think it went for $140, really nice ones can be had for well under $100k.
I can’t imagine them ever going down much in price, like the Bonanza, no truer piece of Americana.
Crap, now I talked myself into looking for one.


Greg