Mid-life crisis car plan

[MCompact]

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.

I had an X5 M for a press loaner back in 2018 and it was an entertaining drive. Ditto for a previous generation X3 M40i.
If I had to drive a CUV I would be reasonably happy with a GLC 43 or GLC 63. The current X3 is too ugly inside and out to merit any consideration. I’d also consider a Macan GTS if I felt more confident in my local dealer.
Having said all that, when the time comes to replace my C43 I’ll likely pick up either a C53 or a CLE 53.

 

[MCompact]

Be aware that acquiring a C8 often requires an additional investment in an appropriate wardrobe.

 

[AuthorEditor]

Choose the vehicle you want to drive and ignore what anyone else thinks about it. That's one of the features of aging: you learn that life gets better when you follow your own path.

 

[wander2039]

Just based on my wife's BMW X3 I'd look at BMW flavor. Don't know about the cars enough to recommend one. That X3 is just regular and it's a hoot to drive. CarMax close to you? Those are good to just go and set in a couple and test drive. I'm stuck in the mid-life crisis time of life also but already have 2 tractors, 2 scooter, motorhome and 5 vehicles - 1 borrowed so the billfold is crying time out please time out!

 

[IndyIan]

Maybe get a cheap Miata to start? My Dad had a 1991 and while it is "slow", that is a feature to make it a very fun car to learn how to drive "briskly" on public roads. You could play with the balance in the corners with the throttle, blip a couple heel and toe downshifts, all at the corner of your block.

 

[Fifth87]

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.

My 20-yr old self was driving a Dodge Diplomat having vaguely interpreted the Blues Brothers as a driver's instructional video. I can do a great Elwood impression, so says my wife. I wouldn't do it again as a middle aged adult for sure.

 

[fdcg27]

Choose the vehicle you want to drive and ignore what anyone else thinks about it. That's one of the features of aging: you learn that life gets better when you follow your own path.

You also find that you care much less about what others think.
I agree completely that the OP should just decide what he likes and buy that.
I know what I like but my tastes may not coincide with those of the OP.

 

[slo town]

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.

Once again, this spells GTI of Golf R to me. With VW sales in the tank right now great deals can be made.

Scott

 

[RBT]

Miata
Golf GTI or Golf R
Macan
Cayman
WRX
BRZ/GT 86
430i/435i
C43
Giulia Quadrifoglio

 

[Boomer]

Don't worry about what other people think. Life is too short for that. Find what excites you and is fun to own and drive. Sit in and drive as many candidates as you can and make a choice that pleases YOU.

 

[crashz]

Take this as a weird endorsement of the Miata: My 72 year old mother had one. It was a 2018ish, convertible hard top, 6 speed stick that was geared low and scooted! A little too brisk for her. I thought the car was great, but not for me at 6'2" and 270lbs. I look like a gorilla in everything, but with that car I felt like King Kong. If I was smaller or it was bigger I would have scooped that up in an instant.

Don't use my endorsement to buy one, but definitely try one out.

Also we own a GTI in a girl-car package. A turbo Beetle DSG. Its a wildly fun car to drive.

 

[tcp71]

I had an X5 M for a press loaner back in 2018 and it was an entertaining drive. Ditto for a previous generation X3 M40i.
If I had to drive a CUV I would be reasonably happy with a GLC 43 or GLC 63. The current X3 is too ugly inside and out to merit any consideration. I’d also consider a Macan GTS if I felt more confident in my local dealer.
Having said all that, when the time comes to replace my C43 I’ll likely pick up either a C53 or a CLE 53.

 

[Passport1]

Always lusted after a Ford Cobra. This one is an EV and will willingly schlep your golf bag to the country club. Very exclusive, an anodyne for your MLC.

Urban Daddy