Mid-life crisis car plan

[Cujet]

Interesting. How are they reliable and still be found under 20k? Reliable as in comparable to which Ford?

Hmmm, "can be reliable" is still a bit of a risk and I am suspicious of the $20k one would be reliable (i.e. 2019-2023) and the reliable one wouldn't be $20k. Also to me convertible is a minus instead of a plus. I just want to feel young and drive like a 20 year old instead of a refined upscale convertible.

Available in hardtop. The straight scoop. All of the automatic F-Types use the superb ZF 8HP trans, all are capable of handling 700HP or more. The tuning is Jag, the mechanical drivetrain bits are ZF. The engine is a variant of older Jag engines, loosely based on the Ford 5.0. The V6 has smaller pistons, larger head gasket surface area and literally 2 missing pistons in a V8 block. Strange and unique, but the advantage is a very stout short block, not prone to failures. They are tuned for fun from the factory. And the simple Velocity stage 1 tune gets you almost 420HP in any of the V6 models regardless of trim. There are a few 'gotchas' for sure, plastic bits go bad etc. The early models have known issues. But by 2017, that was dialed in. Mine has had no issues in 6 years of ownership.

And I don't baby it. Anyway, they are really fun cars. You would have to look long and hard to find a more fun car.

 

[grasscutter]

1) Miata ND

2) Scion FRS / Subaru BRZ

If you can fit into those two cars, you're a very compact person.

 

[Speedbird001]

#1) check insurance and taxes before you pull the trigger on anything

• Muscle cars will always be cool
• How about one of these clubs or groups? $ per mile is probably high, but it would be a known cost, walk away whenever you are tired of it, constant rotation of new rides. (I'm sure whatever you geographic location is going to be factor, but worth a shot) Supercar co-owership & sharing

 

[meep]

Depends how you like to drive?

When I wanted space and was in traffic all the time, the minivan was excellent and a great platform for sound system mods.

I had a gen 1 Miata and it was a hoot and I loved taking it with me everywhere - and then somehow I got bored with it? Not sure how that happened.

Take a look at an older Lexus GS. Reliable, rear wheel drive, not as many on the road now, excellent vehicle, surprising power if you want it, and comfortable.

Sounds like you want a “car” and not a ragtop Jeep with a stick, also can be fun.

I’d love to get back into a sedan but height matters in traffic here. Sitting taller helps keep my BP lower.

 

[MCompact]

What's the appeal of that? I can't imagine your social circle (or your kids) being respectful towards that position.

I personally think that emulating a 20-yr old you through a vehicle choice is a pointless exercise.

Ever since I was a teenager people told me that I would get tired of sports cars and sports sedans- and ultimately end up piloting a BarcaLounger on wheels. Now at 69 I’m happily driving a car that runs the quarter in the mid twelves, has a rumbling exhaust and -according to Car and Driver- also has the suspension compliance of an I-beam. My wife would be swearing out a mental inquest warrant if I brought home anything that prioritized a marshmallow ride over an entertaining drive. As always, YMMV.

 

[dubber09]

 

[Nick1994]

Lexus RC350

 

[PandaBear]

View attachment 343156

I was expecting a Sprinter work van instead but this is cool too.

 

[PandaBear]

Lexus RC350

Had an IS250, probably close enough of an experience I don't really think I need again. To me it is too refine, too heavy, and too isolated from the road.

 

[PandaBear]

Depends how you like to drive?

When I wanted space and was in traffic all the time, the minivan was excellent and a great platform for sound system mods.

I had a gen 1 Miata and it was a hoot and I loved taking it with me everywhere - and then somehow I got bored with it? Not sure how that happened.

Take a look at an older Lexus GS. Reliable, rear wheel drive, not as many on the road now, excellent vehicle, surprising power if you want it, and comfortable.

Sounds like you want a “car” and not a ragtop Jeep with a stick, also can be fun.

I’d love to get back into a sedan but height matters in traffic here. Sitting taller helps keep my BP lower.

I want to hear more about your "somehow got bored with Miata".

Had a IS250, GS is probably a bigger car with more power. Cool with the idea but I am not really looking for refinement at the moment, more like a fresh breath of how I feel when I drove when I was a teen, something that feels like "yeah I enjoy driving even a boring car" feel.

I don't feel stressed sitting low. I actually already have a Prius V and that sat high enough for me. Any higher and I would be more worried about not see where the lane is when I park. Tall vehicles do nothing to me but feeling planted is what I enjoy. I came from low riding good handling cars, or light weight bouncy ones that I can hear the exhaust leak.

 

[ripcord]

Personally, I would rather have a small motorhome for my mid life crisis vehicle. You can fit more fishing poles and BBQ stuff in one of these.

 

[The Critic]

Any higher and I would be more worried about not see where the lane is when I park. Tall vehicles do nothing to me but feeling planted is what I enjoy. I came from low riding good handling cars, or light weight bouncy ones that I can hear the exhaust leak.

It's the opposite - sitting up higher allows you to see the lines more clearly. However, being able to see the lines when you park is a function of how your mirrors are adjusted, IMO.

Also, CUV's feel incredibly planted nowadays -- ever drive a Porsche Macan/Cayenne or any of the sportier examples? You'd be shocked.