Life's latest curveball...This one is good
 

Before reading please do not take anything as me bragging. By no means do I intend to insult or put any one down or come off as a spoiled "brat." I know this is the internet and frankly am sharing a lot, but I have great respect for this forum and its members. I am 28 years old, married, work my *** off and earn everything I have in one form or another. With that said I humbly ask you to continue reading.

It is midnight in New York and I've had a hell of a day. As some of you may know I sold my Z monday. My rant by a former owner thread details my history and love for the Z and my feeling of loss, I miss her :(. I sold the Z to save for a house. That's the old stuff...

The New stuff...for confidentiality and privilege purposes I will keep the background details light. I have come into a large sum of cash, now I'm not talking millionaire, by no means am I that lucky but enough cash where I can afford to buy a house comfortably and.....GET BACK INTO THE CAR MARKET :driving::happydance:. The wife gave the green light, she knows my passion of cars and the empty garage space is upsetting even if I try not to discuss it. I humbly believe God rewards us for our patience and sacrifice and I cannot be thankful enough for the wife, family, friends and yes, my Boss for getting me here. Enough of the mushy stuff, moving on.

I don't need a daily driver, I don't have kids, I drive a 2008 Camry and/or a Honda Pilot. My family has a plethora of daily drivers, don't ask me why, my Dad hoards boring cars, 3 drivers 5 cars (2 identical 2008 Camrys, 2006 Honda Pilot, 2010 X5, 2011 Ford Edge). I purchase and maintain my own "pleasure vehicle" and have Tier 1 credit. So my fellow Z heads and car aficionados, what do I get? I don't want to blow all my cash, so I'm capping it at $50,000.00, the book is open for anything, except another Z. Here is my criteria in order of importance.

1-Manual, NOT NEGOTIABLE
2-Nimble above average handling
3-Exclusivity (can't have an all carbon Z and get a Honda can I?)

I am extremely picky, I love loud cars and I don't need creature comforts. I want a car that makes my heart race and puts a Joker smile on my face. So what can you guys think of?

Used Z06?

Are we talking $50k to purchase, or car + mods = $50k?

Maybe a new Subie BRZ? ~$30k loaded, then $20k to play with modding? Would be fun..

Not really looking to build another car, I want a more complete machine this time around. BRZ was a possibility but I'm 28 and I have a feeling every teen is going to find a way to get one soon.

I don't like the Z06.

That's great ... But , God rewarded you with cash and riches ?? Why can't it just be that you worked hard and played your cards right ? 50,000.00 can get you a lot of play.....

Something with a smooth shifter i hope

A mix of both bud...I didn't find a bag full of cash, I just had something work out better than anticipated.

Older model M5, or new M3?

^^ I love the older m5, the v10 was great. If I did the M3 I would want an e46.

Would either of those be within your $50k budget?

Yeah, but e46 are affordable to teens as well.

I know, damn it this is what happens when you get closer to 30, I'm in no man's land.

First idea was CLK Black Series but its too expensive and no manual. Second idea was the boyhood dream of a used F355 but I can't afford to maintain a Ferrari yet. There's the M5 but finding the manual is very hard and the consensus on that car is if you get it, get the SMG. The Z06 lacks exclusivity and something about Long Island Vette drivers irks the hell out of me.

Would you be open to still making payments if you bought a car more than $50k with $50k down?

What about a lotus exige?