If you want to get into sim racing with the smallest budget possible, you may be wondering: can I build a racing simulator for just $100? The truth is, if you are looking for anything brand new, the answer is no. That price simply does not exist in the current market for real force feedback equipment. However, the used market is a completely different story, and this is where the magic happens.
If you are willing to buy second hand, $100 can actually get you a proper force feedback racing wheel. This means you can start sim racing the right way without spending hundreds of dollars. Don’t believe me? Read this guide, or watch this video where I prove it myself:
The only way this works is by buying used gear.
The best place to start is Facebook Marketplace.
Here is the process that gives you the best chance of success:
You will be surprised by how often high quality beginner wheels show up for under $100. People upgrade constantly, which means older wheels with plenty of life left end up selling for very cheap.
Below are the wheels that usually fall into the $60 to $100 range when bought used. All of them offer real force feedback and all of them are perfectly fine for a beginner.
If you want to look at Thrustmaster products new, here are the official stores using my affiliate links:
USA: eshop.thrustmaster.com/goToHomePage/?creator=OCRACING
EU: shop.thrustmaster.com/goToHomePage/?creator=OCRACING
UK: shop.thrustmaster.com/goToHomePage/?creator=OCRACING
These two are extremely common on the used market. They are reliable, easy to mount, and perfect for a $100 build. If you ever want one new:
Logitech Racing Wheels
Use code OCRacing for 10% off select products.
Occasionally you will even find a used MOZA R3 bundle close to the $100 mark. This is much rarer, but it does happen because some owners upgrade quickly. For new MOZA gear, you can check here:
MOZA Racing
All of these wheels include real force feedback. This is important because it teaches you proper car control, weight transfer, understeer, oversteer, and everything else that makes sim racing fun.
They also include table clamps. This means you can mount them directly to a desk and you do not need a cockpit or expensive rig.
With:
You have a fully functional beginner setup for around $100.
If you want to stay updated on affordable gear or active sales, you can always check:
Sim Racing Discounts: https://www.ocsimracing.com/discount-codes
Daily Sim Gear Deals: https://www.simspots.com/
You are obviously not getting the performance of a Fanatec CSL DD, a MOZA R5, or a Simagic Alpha. But you absolutely get enough performance to learn racing fundamentals, enjoy the hobby, and actually get faster over time.
A $100 setup still lets you play:
The difference in immersion compared to a controller is enormous.
When you eventually decide to upgrade, you can explore higher end brands here:
Fanatec
US: https://fanatec.sjv.io/ocracing
CA: https://fanatec.sjv.io/xLPJDk
EU: https://fanatec.sjv.io/LKG03a
AU: https://fanatec.sjv.io/raxEoG
JP: https://fanatec.sjv.io/553kPn
PXN Budget Gear
https://pxn-game.com?sca_ref=9348295.BFbd0s7mGGsf
Code: OCRACING
Simagic
https://simagic.com/?ref=o8O_rHABmKO7Du
Code: OCRACING
If you have questions or want help verifying Marketplace listings, you can always ask the community here:
OC Racing Forums: https://ocsimracing.com/forums/
A $100 racing simulator sounds unrealistic until you look at the used market. Buying new is impossible at this price, but second hand gear opens the door for anyone. With a bit of patience, you can easily find a Thrustmaster or Logitech force feedback wheel for under $100. Combine it with a desk and a chair and you have a complete, functional starter setup that lets you enjoy real sim racing on an extremely low budget.
If you want help finding deals or upgrading in the future, feel free to reach out or jump into the forums anytime.
