CAL4M1TY, Undercover is looking like the game is going back to what that was like, so maybe he should just wait for that? and I would certainly agree that that game was very arcadey, especially with the nitrous boosts

Undercover will be huge ;P

Ok here's my update. I tried out demos for Dirt, Sega Rally Revo, Ridge Racer 6, Fatal Inertia, FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage and Full Auto. I haven't tried out any Need for Speeds yet, but I hear they aren't quite what they used to be. I did slightly enjoy the hot Pursuit series they did last gen. Here's what I'm considering the most:

1. FlatOut-Very awesome. The controls are a bit loose, but the damage and debris flying really add a lot to the game. The destruction derby mode nice mindless fun. Very Vigiliante 8 like.

2. Fatal Inertia-I'm not quite sure how this slipped off the radar and got such bad reviews. It's actually pretty fun. It controls like Jet Moto(awesome game in it's own right) and Star Fox, albeit not as tight as either.

3. Full Auto-I probably wouldn't pick this up for anything over $10 but it has it's charms. Controls are so arcade it's rediculous and the weapons combat is nice. It is such an ugly game though, so so ugly.

Not considering:

1. Dirt-Yup it was just Grid in the dirt and sand. That did make it more fun, but not that much more.

2. Ridge Racer 6-Power sliding was fun, but the racing as a whole just felt a little meh.

3. Sega Rally Revo-The off-road stuff was much more fun than Dirt's was, but I still couldn't get into it much.

So those three are my choices unless I come across a $50 bill lying on the ground, and then I'll pick Pure instead.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. I do think some people have forgotten what an arcade racer is though. Grid is definitely no arcade racer and neither is PGR 4. Imagine what an arcade used to look like, and then imagine there being a Grid arcade machine. Is it easy to get into and pick up and play? If not it's probably a lot closer to the Gran Turismos than the Crazy Taxis.

Polygon count, number of textures and its resolution.

If you really think wipeout hd is pushing what gt5p (just to name one) is pushing...

It's not exactly a "traditional" racing game, nor is it very popular, but I recommend that you give the demo for Stuntman: Ignition a try. The design requires a lot of trial and error, but if you're comfortable with the type of game that compels you to keep at it until you get that perfect run, you'll probably enjoy it. The demo has enough content to get a good idea of how the game works. Plus, it's dirt cheap.

I have Flatout UC. If you like Burnout series, you will enjoy Flatout. It does get a bit repetitive in later stages but for $15-20 in the bargain bin you can do a lot worst.

Someone told me it's like a redneck version of Burnout and that's probably the best description for it. I still play it now and again.

The destruction derby mode is also a lot of fun.

I'm big racing fan myself. I would suggest giving a try with Grid. Graphics were amazing on my tv. I'm betting u could pick this up cheap these days.

 OMG    Daytona USA that game was awesome back in the day.....

Daaaaytoooooonaaaaaa!