You've done a good job...

[Payman]

You just got a massive bonus, or retired early. You shop all these cars and all are in terrific condition, in the colors and options you like. What do you get?

[Payman]

I'm thinking Boxster S.

[93JC]

New Mustang 5.0 for me.

[Cookie Monster]

S2000 or 993 Turbo.

[2o6]

CTS-V. I need a bit more room and two extra doors with my sport.

[S204STi]

I've really got a thing for the latest Z-cars myself.

[Payman]

CTS-V. I need a bit more room and two extra doors with my sport.

Ah yes. A year old CTS-V is a good option.

[Onslaught]

Well I didn't get a bonus but got and RX-8. If I had the extra money then The Boxster S would be nice. That said many people at Miata.net have them and complain about reliability. Don't know if it's true or not.

[BimmerM3]

Well, if I'm spending that much money, I'm going to buy new, so that narrows it down to:

New 2011 BMW 135i
New Camaro SS
New 2011 Challenger R/T
New 2011 Nissan 370Z
New 2011 Mazda RX-8
New 2011 Honda S2000
New 2011 Mustang 5.0

Having never driven any of these cars (drove a 2010 V6 Mustang convertible, but that's hardly the same), if I had to choose on the spot, I'd probably go for the 135i.

Otherwise, I'd test drive all of those cars except for the Challenger and make my decision from there.

[J86]

Am I driving this every day or is this a weekend toy?  If every day, of the ones listed probably one of the 911s.  If it's just a weekend toy, there are a million classics I want, it just depends on the day!

[hotrodalex]

Voted for the Elise. Other possibilities would be the Boxster S and M3. 911 is tempting, but I think the Boxster S would be just as enjoyable.

[Payman]

Well, if I'm spending that much money, I'm going to buy new, so that narrows it down to:

New 2011 BMW 135i
New Camaro SS
New 2011 Challenger R/T
New 2011 Nissan 370Z
New 2011 Mazda RX-8
New 2011 Honda S2000
New 2011 Mustang 5.0

Having never driven any of these cars (drove a 2010 V6 Mustang convertible, but that's hardly the same), if I had to choose on the spot, I'd probably go for the 135i.

Otherwise, I'd test drive all of those cars except for the Challenger and make my decision from there.

I was very impressed driving the Challenger.

[MrH]

I voted M3.

They stopped making the s2000 in 2009 btw.

[Payman]

I voted M3.

They stopped making the s2000 in 2009 btw.

Oh right. A new, unsold one then.

[Payman]

Nothin wrong with buying used, if the car has been kept in excellent condition. Look at all the possibilities buying used opens up, and you can usually get them with warranties. Plus, programs like CarFax keeps the seller/dealer honest, and you have more info on that particular car than ever.

[Onslaught]

Crap, didn't see the Elise. That's the car for me.

[Rupert]

For that money, I would not buy a single car; I would buy at least three!

[giant_mtb]

Tree Sev'nty Zed.

[the Teuton]

I don't like eating depreciation. I'd almost have to go with the 993 Turbo. What a sexy car, and over-engineered, too!

Just be weary of something does break.

[MX793]

Are we assuming you will also have a fairly reliable/practical car (like whatever you currently own) at your disposal?

[2o6]

See, I need a sedan, so that way when I do take my "pretty" car on a long journey, I'm not punished by bad road manners or a tight interior.

[Payman]

Are we assuming you will also have a fairly reliable/practical car (like whatever you currently own) at your disposal?

Well, yeah. Wife/family's/work car.

[MX793]

See, I need a sedan, so that way when I do take my "pretty" car on a long journey, I'm not punished by bad road manners or a tight interior.

Do you plan on sitting in the back seat when you're driving on a long trip?  The front seat space in most coupes is just as large as in a sedan.

[2o6]

Do you plan on sitting in the back seat when you're driving on a long trip?  The front seat space in most coupes is just as large as in a sedan.

I like taking passengers and I prefer to sit a bit more upright and higher.

[the Teuton]

Maseratis from the mid-2000s are cheap as hell for what used to be $100,000 cars.

[hotrodalex]

See, I need a sedan, so that way when I do take my "pretty" car on a long journey, I'm not punished by bad road manners or a tight interior.

You're super young. Get a fun, abusive car while you still can!

[Xer0]

Boxster S, easily

[2o6]

You're super young. Get a fun, abusive car while you still can!

Not that I don't like those, I just prefer a large sedan over one of those.

[Colonel Cadillac]

993 Turbo all the way

[r0tor]

135i... i was just about to write M3 because the mileage wouldn't matter since it would be more of a part time pleasure car - then I said "f that, i'd want to drive something sophisticatedly badass all the time"