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what's too much on a midlife crisis car?

junkytj said:
I think an early Nova wagon would be cool in that scenario and could probably be had in the 20 25K range for a decent driver.

If you are more into track driving, Maybe a 4 door BMW with some upgrades? Money is up to your budget at that point.
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Did a crew cab for a few years because wife wanted a "grandma car". She drove it once :laughing:
Traded it straight across for a '70 bug, my "midlife crisis/first car" :smokin:
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ANGRYBLACK said:
I managed the rough in on a pre A speedster. $4500 for a NOS wiper motor and carton seemed reasonable for the overall cost of the car and resto. Am I missing something or are the newish wiper motors 4500 as well. Seriously asking.

Midlife Crisis purchases should not hurt nor effect your wallet IMHO. Spend as much as you wish to blow away. That you already have though.
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Speedsters are a bad example, there's a serious tax due to the rarity.

I bought my 76 911 for $6k, traded a guy my 2.7 engine and $2k for his 3.2 Carrera engine. Got a HP fuel pump for a Jetta, (it's the same pump Porsche used for their Motronic cars), for like $38 and rocked on. Traded a couple gym memberships for the labor on a repaint, (I paid a grand maybe for the supplies), bought some 8-way power Recaro seats at the Pomona Porsche swap meet, did some suspension and brake upgrade work, put in a good stereo, and drove that bitch over 100,000 miles over 20 years. So other than regular maintenance of an annual valve adjust and oil change, and plugs, cap and rotor every other year, I was all in on that car for $14k and sold it just before the prices went insane for $17k. Not bad IMO, got to enjoy it for 20 years and actually came out a little ahead.

911's are fine if you have little kids, but as soon as they're 10 or so, there's not enough backseat room. Would not recommend for a family fun car.

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58-59-60 Tbird four seaters. Low and ride nice. And some were 3 speed column shift. IDk if they ever had 4 on the floor. Them and the 62s were the coolest, cept mebbe a 55. Suicide rear doors 68s can be real OG.
 
Over the last decade or so I've realized I'm not a huge fan of 60s pony cars, that had I been alive and driving at that time, I'd have seen it as a teenager car, and opted for a larger 2dr car with a bigger engine. Fortunately, that means that there's more car for the money available, torinos galaxies, Fairlanes, Chevelle, impala etc

We got a 67 impala for my daughter, I'm really looking forward to driving it a couple days a week, versus being cramped in a mustang/ Camaro/ nova etc
 
SomeGuy said:
It's not just emergency funding either, it's just not spending a large portion of your funds on a vehicle in the end. And it's not as though I had $200k just sitting there in pure cash, most was in shorter term GIC's and other high interest savings accounts and such....money that could be accessed within a reasonable time period if something came up but not in RRSPs (401k for you yanks) or investments or anything borrowed. I do subscribe to the idea of having at least 6-12 months of living expenses too, who knows with unemployment or health issues what might happen. Yes I've got insurance and disability and all that, but you just never know and I'm on the more cautious side of things. Wife had breast cancer the year before we bought the Porsche, that didn't cost us much of anything but could have in different circumstances.

It also depends on your overall financial situation, obviously to afford a Porsche cash in the first place (even without the double rule) we have a decently high 6 figure household income...if we're talking a $20k used classic car, then having another $20k in the bank as emergency actually makes a lot of sense, $20k won't pay for most people's expenses for 6 months, but $100k is more than needed. So overall income comes into play when deciding affordable.

At the end of the day, it's just not overspending and wiping out all your money for a toy vehicle was the point. Yes, you only live once, and I sure as shit could have just bought a $30k Rav4 again rather than a $110k Porsche to get me around, so I'm also not opposed to spending more money on something I want...that let's face it, I probably won't spend again on a new Porsche. The new electric Macan that's coming out is 30% or so more expensive and we have a "luxury tax" now that would apply on top, so spending $150k ... ehhh beyond what I'd want to do, even though I could technically afford it. Maybe next fun car will be a Miata or a used Cayman or heck, maybe I'll get a Tacoma or Bronco or Kei Truck or something different completely.
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Cool story, nobodys reading that wall of text maple scented Dave Ramsey
 
DMG said:
Imho, if you are looking at something approaching $100k, you need to think about whether your home is paid off, your retirement is well funded, will the $100k car appreciate or depreciate and whether it will be financed or cash is a big consideration.
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right, no one is being dumb here.... maybe.

ive maxed my 401k out each year for the last 6 years, going to hit the 23k max this year, currenty at 395k in 401k and retirement account savings, home isnt paid off but we are 10 years in, have a very low interest rate and will probably make a payment to knock out 1/3 to half of remaining principle soon.

appreciate or depreciate is a big question. i couldnt see if dropping a whole lot. but lets say i keep it 5 years and sell it for 10k less than i bought, basically i leased the thing for $2k a year while i owned it.
 
Penetrode Offroad said:
Im just surprised he spent 110k on that color. :flipoff2: Where's SoylentGreen on the paint recommendation!?!
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lol because it's an awesome colour, lots of women compliment me on it (no joke, in parking lots random women say "I love that colour" more often than I expected, men usually ask about the vehicle itself not the colour lol). Though they have an even nicer green on the new Macan EV now, nice dark one.
 
These were my 2 midlife crisis cars. 2016 SRT392 that I owned for a couple years, before getting the 2016 Hellcat. Had it for a couple years. I modded the Hellcat to 745 rwhp not long before I sold it. It was a handful. That car would have killed me eventually. :shaking:
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2JZ said:
These were my 2 midlife crisis cars. 2016 SRT392 that I owned for a couple years, before getting the 2016 Hellcat. Had it for a couple years. I modded the Hellcat to 745 rwhp not long before I sold it. It was a handful. That car would have killed me eventually. :shaking:
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Yeah, I noticed you didn't drive it down my gravel road. :laughing:
 
Thumping said:
Maybe a resto-mod Mustang, Camaro....love the 64 Chevelle and 70 through 72.
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i really like the 67 Chevelle lines. Camaro used to be high on my list but for some reason its lines have not struck me like they used to.

cant comfortably drive/sit in a Mustang. its too small. i was looking at a 100 footer 68 mustang 4 speed stick about 10 years ago..... nope... knee into the dash and steering column while clutching engaging.... it felt really small. i was not a fan. love the look and idea of them but i am not a Pony car guy.
 
Texas97 said:
i really like the 67 Chevelle lines. Camaro used to be high on my list but for some reason its lines have not struck me like they used to.

cant comfortably drive/sit in a Mustang. its too small. i was looking at a 100 footer 68 mustang 4 speed stick about 10 years ago..... nope... knee into the dash and steering column while clutching engaging.... it felt really small. i was not a fan. love the look and idea of them but i am not a Pony car guy.
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Does it have to be a car?
 
Texas97 said:
i don't think I'm going through a midlife crisis, :flipoff2:just getting to the end (hopefully) of a very long period of paying off company debt, working my ass off, and doing what needs to be done for work, business, financial security. With all that being said, i really want a classic muscle car as a weekend cruiser with my family of 4, maybe a manual transmission, ( DD'd one for 18 years), and something i can enjoy commuting in one day a week.


my question is, how much is too much to spend? im saying "midlife crisis" but im not having one, just am getting closer to fulfillment of a dream.

with new diesel trucks going for $90-$100k, luxury Cadillac SUVs in the $120k plus range, and inflation, what price point of a fun, reliable muscle car do i start getting diminishing returns?

also, dont say Corvette, i don't fit into them and carrying 4 in a Vette is not possible. also rules out miatas, s2000, GT40s, and Panteras.
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At least you thought thru the problem my 6 ft 6 and 220 lb dad did who bought a 260 Z...price was right but the body style just didnt fit the body style...:dustin:

There ARE vintage muscle cars that can handle 4 comfortably around that wont break the bank and maybe something to share building with kids/grand kids.
 
Texas97 said:
i really like the 67 Chevelle lines. Camaro used to be high on my list but for some reason its lines have not struck me like they used to.

cant comfortably drive/sit in a Mustang. its too small. i was looking at a 100 footer 68 mustang 4 speed stick about 10 years ago..... nope... knee into the dash and steering column while clutching engaging.... it felt really small. i was not a fan. love the look and idea of them but i am not a Pony car guy.
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I love Chevelles .

I had a 68 i should have never sold.

They are stupid money now in my opinion.

Hot rods have seemed to get more reasonable, and muscle cars seem to be retarded money.

I want a hot rod, but not enough to part with the money in my current financial situation.
 
Texas97 said:
i really like the 67 Chevelle lines. Camaro used to be high on my list but for some reason its lines have not struck me like they used to.

cant comfortably drive/sit in a Mustang. its too small. i was looking at a 100 footer 68 mustang 4 speed stick about 10 years ago..... nope... knee into the dash and steering column while clutching engaging.... it felt really small. i was not a fan. love the look and idea of them but i am not a Pony car guy.
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If you dont fit a mustang a camaro is definitely not for you anyway. I speak from experience.:flipoff2:
 
Texas97 said:
right, no one is being dumb here.... maybe.

ive maxed my 401k out each year for the last 6 years, going to hit the 23k max this year, currenty at 395k in 401k and retirement account savings, home isnt paid off but we are 10 years in, have a very low interest rate and will probably make a payment to knock out 1/3 to half of remaining principle soon.

appreciate or depreciate is a big question. i couldnt see if dropping a whole lot. but lets say i keep it 5 years and sell it for 10k less than i bought, basically i leased the thing for $2k a year while i owned it.
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Then it sounds like you are in position to buy something
 
Texas97 said:
i don't think I'm going through a midlife crisis, :flipoff2:just getting to the end (hopefully) of a very long period of paying off company debt, working my ass off, and doing what needs to be done for work, business, financial security. With all that being said, i really want a classic muscle car as a weekend cruiser with my family of 4, maybe a manual transmission, ( DD'd one for 18 years), and something i can enjoy commuting in one day a week.


my question is, how much is too much to spend? im saying "midlife crisis" but im not having one, just am getting closer to fulfillment of a dream.

with new diesel trucks going for $90-$100k, luxury Cadillac SUVs in the $120k plus range, and inflation, what price point of a fun, reliable muscle car do i start getting diminishing returns?

also, dont say Corvette, i don't fit into them and carrying 4 in a Vette is not possible. also rules out miatas, s2000, GT40s, and Panteras.
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My midlife crisis car is a used Caddy CTSV or similar in a 4 door. Cam, tune, and let r eat. But I can’t afford one yet. :lmao:

Edit: just reread. Thought you were looking for something with modern day amenities and comfortable weekend cruiser. Don’t listen to me then. My “mid life crisis” aka post divorce vehicles were the ‘72 Blazers. :flipoff2:

BTW. This thread reeks of responsibility. Fawking Ghey. :stirthepot::flipoff2:
 
Texas97 said:
i don't think I'm going through a midlife crisis, :flipoff2:just getting to the end (hopefully) of a very long period of paying off company debt, working my ass off, and doing what needs to be done for work, business, financial security. With all that being said, i really want a classic muscle car as a weekend cruiser with my family of 4, maybe a manual transmission, ( DD'd one for 18 years), and something i can enjoy commuting in one day a week.


my question is, how much is too much to spend? im saying "midlife crisis" but im not having one, just am getting closer to fulfillment of a dream.

with new diesel trucks going for $90-$100k, luxury Cadillac SUVs in the $120k plus range, and inflation, what price point of a fun, reliable muscle car do i start getting diminishing returns?

also, dont say Corvette, i don't fit into them and carrying 4 in a Vette is not possible. also rules out miatas, s2000, GT40s, and Panteras.
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Steer away from 7/8 series BMW's with TT V8's, or so I've been told:homer:
 
First of all, congrats on the success and leveling up Texas97!

Given the numbers you posted considering the costs of new pickups or luxury SUV’s. I’d think $50K would get you something cool to cruise. Got anything in mind? Chevelle SS? Nova? I think you can fit 4 in something like that
 
JR4X said:
First of all, congrats on the success and leveling up Texas97!

Given the numbers you posted considering the costs of new pickups or luxury SUV’s. I’d think $50K would get you something cool to cruise. Got anything in mind? Chevelle SS? Nova? I think you can fit 4 in something like that
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Thanks, but I feel I have a long way to go. Company owns my truck, so really just own the wife's car, 8 year old SUV and a salvage title ranch truck that isnt worth more than about $2500.

anyway, in a few years it would be good to use that money for some home improvements, but i really have a hankering for a go-fast car with a clutch pedal.

trying to not let me eyes get bigger than my appetite.
 
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