I've got the hots for an RV-8
 

Anybody here ever flown and or built one?

Van's Aircraft - Aircraft Models: RV-8/8A Performance

Flown the 8 and a 10. Friend has built 3 RV for himself (sold previous prior to the -10) and has assisted on two others.

Nice little machines and good speed, good comfort. Quick handling for a gen-av airplane and not difficult to fly.

I've never heard anything bad about them. Now I just need to come up with a spare 80K.....

Oh well it's fun to dream!:)

With $80K you are going to have one dressed out machine. With the -8 quick build, figure $32k for the airplane. The site says $1500 for the required tools so add $2000 because you will want a few duplicates, no doubt.

If you look at the engine choices, there is little difference in the top end with the 150/180/210hp. Quite a bit of diff on t/o performance but the wing is the wing is the wing.

All this to say you should be able to buy/build and get into the air for less than $50k..

If you have not flown one, find one and go fly it. Find out if your impression is borne out with actually flying one. And then there is the other route..
Experimental / Van's RV

I was basing my estimate from this. Van's Aircraft - Making the Decision: Your Estimate

BUt it looks as though a guy could save a bunch of money here and there.

There used to be a guy here who built a RV and REALLY dressed it up. He had glass, dual Garmins, glass engine monitor, rolled leather interior, a 3 blade composite prop, additional fuel and an exterior paint scheme that gleamed. I ask him what kind of trips he was making as he easily had 4-5hr fuel and he said, "Just around here..." No instrument ticket and no desire to leave the local area. ????

Have not flown the 8, but I have flown the 7 and I was very impressed, Ive had the opportunity to fly sevel models of homebuilts and I have to say I like the Rv's the best. Maybe one day I can build a 7 just the way I want it...:D