Mid 40's - Mid-life crisis
 

I'm the proverbial middle aged man hitting my midlife crisis. I already have a motorcycle for times when I need to do 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. I'm looking to replicate the experience I had back when I was 16yo bombing around in my 1985 RX-7. That car had 100hp and weighed slightly more than a starving bird. 14" wheels with what probably equate to wheelbarrow tires today. 5-speed manual transmission, light clutch, easy to work on yourself (loved that top mounted oil filter!). Tires were cheap, parts were easy to find.

Of course, I wanted more power. All my buddies with IROC-Zs, Mustang GTs, Probe Turbos, Fiero V6s, Firbird Formulas, and Trans-Ams....they all had more power.....but none could stay with me on a twisty road. That car was like a roller skate. Stuck to the road like it was glued to it. The RX-7 had no rev limiter...just a buzzer that would sound when you were "over revving" the engine (which was really to protect the accessory drive).

What that car did was teach me the old Mr. Miyagi trick......"Balance Daniel San!". I had to learn to carry corner speed. To feel the car. To anticipate when the tires were going to let go (only put it in the ditch once). I had to have a big enough lead on my buddies coming out of the corner to keep them from easily passing me on the straight. For the most part, I was successful (damn rich friend that had a Corvette spanked me all the time).

For my graduation gift (and because I got a scholarship to collage) my Dad bought me a VW Corrado. Supercharged four with 158hp. I felt like I was driving a Formula 1 car compared to my RX-7....but it was front wheel drive....and just not the same.

So now I'm older, wiser (well...at least less stupid), and I no longer have any desire to street race. But I want that same feel. That feel of beating a car for all it's worth and not having to hold it back. It would be a second car for me. One I could take out on weekend drives when the weather is too cold or too hot for a motorcycle ride or when I want to take my wife or daughter with me who don't like riding the motorcycle.

So...here's my question. For those of you who are in your mature years, how's the car holding up for you. Any regrets for not buying something with more power, or more creature comforts? At 6'5", 260lbs....I can't fit in a Miata. I'm hoping an 86/BRZ could be in my garage for enough years that I might give my grandkids a ride (my daughter is 12yo...so I have some years to go).

@Tcoat and @humfrz should be able to assist you!

But personally it's a great car and has sufficient power IMO!

Yep, I'd say you're a candidate for an 86 or BRZ.


humfrz

This car is the modern day 240z / 240sx / FC Rx7.

Try it, you will feel right at home.

Sounds like it'd be a good car to meet your needs. The BRZ does present a more mature image than the FR-S/86, whatever people might say to the contrary. If you're going new, the 17+ BRZ also looks much better than the 17+ 86. FR-S was better than the older BRZ IMO.

It's a great option for a weekend fun car that you're buying to regain that feeling of a true driver's car. Toyota/Subaru have basically given us a late-80s to mid-90s sports car that we can buy brand new today. It's an even better option if you ever get the desire to race around again and want go to the track occasionally.

Another option, which I'm sure you're aware of, would be an S2000. Already an iconic sports car, faster, and a less of a negative boy racer image associated with it. Not sure if head room would be an issue there or not, but it will garner a bit more of a mature/cultured enthusiast image.

Sadly, I can't even begin to fit in an S2000. I mean...I can't swing my legs in...not that I'm just uncomfortable...I can't shut the door.

I drove a new ND Miata and while I loved the car, I couldn't put the top up without hunching over while driving, and I was really uncomfortable. I drove the 86 right after the Miata and was shocked at how much room it had. I was actually very comfortable.

I have also driven a Fiesta ST....and I have to say....it is an absolute blast to drive. I did a 30 minute video review of that car. See here: https://youtu.be/Jw42kN2t0ac

My biggest issue with the Fiesta is that I loved the ST so much I got my wife a regular one. Good little car, but the interior was just cheap. "Chrome" trim peeled off. Seats mashed down flat and were uncomfortable. I don't get that feeling in the 86. It seems to be very respectable for the price point.

I'm young but sounds like the 86 was designed for you... except in the size department this thing may not fit you as well as you hope based on the 6' 4" friends I have.

Maybe a 370Z or Genesis Coupe might split the difference between the American heavyweights and the tiny Japanese cars.

Edit: Well nevermind then it's perfect.

:burnrubber:

A friend of mine went from a BRZ that he DD, tracked, and did autox in to a Fiesta ST. He said the BRZ felt better on track, but all around he's much happier with the Fiesta ST as an only car. Much more fun for regular daily driving.

I know what you're saying about the Fiesta interiors, and the FR-S isn't much better. Looks like the 86 has been improved, and the BRZ has pretty much always been better.

What about looking at some good condition classic Japanese cars? Or even importing something more unique? If it's just a weekend 2nd car, have some fun with it!

Not trying to dissuade you, the Toyobaru is a great option. Just playing devil's advocate.

You definitely need to go to your Toyota dealer and take one out for the weekend to really get a feel of it. With your height and weight and the minimal use you should enjoy the car but a long trip could be rough. Might be someone on here close to your size that can help on how they deal with it. Good luck! It's a great car.

My wife didn't like the new ND Miata either for the same reasons. We bought an FRS for our son and driving his on occasion led us to buy our own. Great car, maybe the best enthusiast car you can buy under $30k. Funny to look back at old cars I thought were fast in HS and a mini van would beat most of them now, the FRS has enough power but you can always go FI later if you find it too slow.

I'm 6'2" and 250 lbs. 34" inseam. With the seat all the way back it's very comfortable.
Now you're going to have to fold yourself into and out of the 86. It is fun to watch folks see me standing next to my FRS and try to figure out how I got in or out of it. I tried the Miata as well, too small in interior width and it was just too cramped to be comfortable. The longest 1 day trip I've taken was 260 miles and the only thing that bothered me was that my RH pinkie finger would cramp---go figure! I'm having my midlife crisis as well at age 69. But, I'm calling it my 2nd childhood!!!

Tallest person I've met is @Ultramaroon.

He's a foot taller than me (inch taller than you) and he fits perfectly in his car.

Reading your story, seems like the more things change, the more things stay the same. Think that's how the saying goes? (Referencing how your buddies had much more powerful cars but can't keep up once the roads get twisty) :D

At that age I would either find a clean FC and relive my youth, or buy a balanced car with power like a corvette.

I am 6"2" and 290, and I hear you on the feeling scrunched in convertibles. I end up peering over the roof in most I have driven, and simply cannot fit with the roof closed.

I have a BRZ, and I love it. The stereo kind of stinks, I have the stock subwoofer and it helps tremendously, but it isn't really a good sub, it is too boomy and really only sounds good on old school heavy metal or crazy bass heavy rap.

People always rag on the power but it has more power than an 2nd gen Toyota Supra did. The BRZ has heated seats, better lights, and a little better kit. And frankly the ability to get 30+ mpg on the highway if you want to cruise is really nice. I hit 39 by going 5 below the speed limit on I95 when I was moving from Mass to NC. That is what really made me choose it over any of the muscle cars. Even the turbo 4's people were reporting barely getting 20 mpg.

It really depends on what you are looking for. Subaru just announced a "tS" version that will handle better but we don't have all the details yet if you are looking for a brand new one with a warranty. On the other hand the 13 FRS, which has the most tail happy suspension, is starting to hit near the $10k range if you want the inexpensive used route you don't feel bad modifying. And if you don't need to worry about emissions and car safety checks of any kind getting a catless header and full exhaust can really make the car feel a little better power wise.

There are times I wish I had all the luxuries, but I just can't see paying $40-$50k or so for a BMW 2 series or used Porsche. I look at all the used awd Infiniti's that seem to be in the $20k range and I am always interested in looking, but they just never handle the same.

Frankly I think for what you are looking for the 86/BRZ is the right choice. Unless you really want to get project car and go buy the same year rx7 you had, or something similar or more novel.

Now this is a question I can answer.

I'm mid-40s, got tired of boring cars, so I bought an 86 in March. I also have a motorcycle, so the 86 isn't my only "fun vehicle."

Car is holding up great. I love it more every day as I get to know it better. I've never had a little sportscar (my fun cars were big-block V8s), so this is a lot of fun for me. And whoever said this is the modern-day iteration of the 240Z is correct, IMO.

None whatsoever. I considered a Mustang, Camaro, or GTI that could launch me in a straight line faster, but I'm glad I did not go that route. Those cars don't have as much feel and personality, IMO. I've gone fast in a straight line plenty. I like cornering.

As far as creature comforts, I'm someone who enjoys simple machines, and this is about as simple as you can get today. I don't want a dozen computers in between me and the road. I don't want heated massaging seats and 18 screens with 300 channels. I just want a car that conects me to the road, and this might be the last one out there that really does. The only thing* I miss is a decent audio unit. It's effing garbage.

Also, I ended up getting an Auto, because 90% of my driving is start-stop in traffic or through neighborhood stop signs. I figured I do lots of shifting on the bike. Some days I really wish I'd gone manual. Some days I am so thankful I didn't. Still haven't decided if I made the right choice. But if your daily drive is more receptive to a stick, you should really consider it.

*EDIT: after further thought, I do miss two other things: more storage space and an armrest. The twins don't have a lot of room to put your stuff. You can get an aftermarket arm rest, but it effectively negates that storage space for many uses.

Problem is the rotary engines suck. At that age do you really want to deal with those kinds of issues?

Unless you LS-swap it or something..

OP, your story reads just like mine.

I'm in my mid fifties and drove an 82 RX-7. When I took this car for a test drive it was an instant flashback to my youth and driving the crap out of that RX-7! I had no idea the car was even on the market until a friend pointed it out. I test drove both the MT and AT and bought an AT 2 weeks later. I'm 6' 6" and it has the same seating position as the RX-7. I don't think there will be any issues being comfortable.

Take one out. You won't regret it!

Welp, at age 69 ....... if your pinkie finger is the only thing that is bothering you ..... you are doing GOOD!

:D


humfrz

When you were at college didn't they teach you how to spell it?
.

Doing well.

OK......which of you clumsy fools bumped into Scrappydoo's cage ......:sigh:


humfrz

Hey, when I was a kid, I learnt to speak from my older cousins, which were from West Virginia,....... soooooo...... lighten up on my chain ...... :slap:


humfrz

I fit well in my FRS, but I am 5'8". It's great on my back (I have taken 12 hour rides before) and fun to drive. I was bored driving to work and needed something better. This car is just what I needed. And it is pretty easy to work on too. There's a ton of aftermarket parts and modding this car has been fun.

Yup, you'll love it- but test drive one first and make sure you fit because your height may be an issue

At mid 40s you fit closer to the upper end of the young guys than the lower end of the old guys as far as this forum goes. Many of us are far older than you would think (and Hum is older than dirt).

As far as the car goes:
Steve already beckoned our resident Wookie so we will let him speak to size.
The back seat is usable for small children or very skinny teens but do not plan to cross the country with them back their. Either their legs or your patience will get broken.
Your 12 year old daughter may not care much but is you get one you ca expect a pile of 12 year old boys to come drooling (at the car).
For the last 3 years I spend 14 hours a week for about 800 miles in mine and so far I have had to replace tires and my drivers seat is starting to show some wear.
Depending on how hard you drive it I can see you taking some grandkids for a drive. If you can weave through the self driving hoover cars that is.
This sounds like the perfect car for what you want!

Well strangely enough I am willing to bet that if Scrappy was actually talking I may have to translate to half the folks on here due to accent issues.

Well, OK, right now, you could translate to the rest of us, what @Scrappydoo means, when he types ...... :eyebulge:

:D


humfrz

Well, mid-life crisis at 40+?. Ok. I've had great sports cars since my 20's, so friends of mine said I needed a Toyota van for my mid-life crisis car. Kind of reverse.

I love my 86. I went into it knowing I wanted it faster, so I did a lot of research and did my mods very carefully. I got the stripped Frs model because that is what I wanted. No leather, because race car.

My car is supercharged and plenty fast, just as reliable as any other, and has all original exhaust and CARB Smog stickers for the hardware. To do it right was not cheap. I just about doubled the price of the car. Drives like a dream.

I'm 54 in a few weeks. 5'9", so I fit perfect. Owned since 1/30/15. Extra "fun" car, not a DD, but I do end up driving it for errands and work on nice days.

Oh yea, almost forgot. I have had zero problems.

I think we have said this before!
I shudder when people I have know for decades see my car and ask "Midlife crisis eh?"
If that is the case mine started at 16.
Why did the same people that ask me that now not ask the same 24 years ago when I bought my Talon TSi? The people asking me know I had the thing for 10 years for crying out loud.

You wrote "Good" which he replaced with "Well" which is proper English.

He's "one of those" Right Scrappy?

Or, he's just messin round...:)

No shit! I have had 5 hand surgeries and both knees in the last 9 years.

what's a mid-life crisis?

Usually when your kids start paying their own way and you can finally start to spend your money on yourself.

My wife refers to it as an entire life crisis :D

Definitely one way of putting it, I always felt that it was like your last chance to relive your youth and or feel relevant in today's world before you drift off into old age and monotonous routines


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yep, I usually know what proper English is ..... I just don't read, write or speak it very well.

English isn't my first language ...... hillbilly is ....... :sigh:

I figure ol @Scrappydoo was jest ah messen wich me ..... if I didn't think that way ....... I would have ..... :slap: ...... him.

:D


humfrz

I wouldn't consider that a crisis; that's more like a well-deserved reward. :)

I have never felt relevant.

Amen.

Ha! @soulreapersteve gave me an extra inch. We're the same height. NOTHING is made for people our size. While I miss the fit of my 240Z, the 86 is close enough and is better at just about everything else including not being a death trap.

Zero regrets. I'm 100% invested in this machine.

Thats part of the rotary appeal.