Let me start off with saying, I’m on your side lol… I’m a Tesla fan, and the model S is a sick car. But, with the limited information we have right now, I’d advise against buying it - for now. Hear me out though, because you’re a smart person and I think you should get the car in your future.

1) I know $500k in your pocket at 27 feels like a crazy awesome amount. But by immediately taking it down over 1/5 instantly, you are really killing its potential to work in the market. That extra $100k invested now in SPY will really grow, and your 100k car will be more like a $500k car in opportunity loss.

2) Regardless of the $500k, which is a great starter seed for retirement at your age, a $100k+ car is insanity on a $130k per year income, plain and simple. I’m similar to your situation, 28, ~300k in index funds, plus $100k equity in my home, and also make right around $130k a year. I drive a $14k Toyota Corolla. Admittedly, I’m probably on the extreme end of frugality, but you get my point.

Having said ALL of that…. My real advice is to wait maybe 1-3 years. You’re obviously a very bright guy/gal, and I think if you give that time for your income to come up some and that’s $500k to grow in the market, you’ll be in a better place. This same question asked when you’re making $180k and that $500k has grown to say $700k… that sounds a lot more comfortable. Lastly, you’ll know much more than I, but don’t feel too comfortable in your current job unless you have some sort of legal employment contract in place or a golden parachute type situation. I worked for 2 start ups fresh out of college and saw your exact scenario wheee after 1 year when the acquiring company squeezed as much as they could out of the start up CEO, they let them go.

Best of luck, and good work so far!!