Any mid-lifers (40 YOA+) buying the FR-S/BRZ?!!

[si]

I'm over 40, and this will be my midlife crisis car. I would have wanted a sports car in my 20s but didn't have the $. Could not justify it when kids were younger. Now the kids are starting to drive themselves. So now its all about me!

[HotLava]

Yea, I'm over 40. But here's a better take. I believe sports cars--even small ones like the FRS--are safer than a normal car. Accelertion, braking and handling come in handy in dangerous situations. As they say, when in doubt power out! Ponycars like the Mustang, Camara, etc are really solid as well. No way the FRS is going to tip over if you have to do a sudden avoidance maneuver. Many top heavy cars like heavy pick up trucks, for example, can't stop suddenly. Recently I was in a multi car pile up with my 05 Mustang GT (recently sold). I came to a stop, the BMW behind me came to a stop, the Porsche behind the BMW came to a stop, and a Nissan Titan couldn't stop and plowed into all three of us. No one was hurt. But I was almost killed by another huge pickup that only avoided me by at the last second swerving into the highway shoulder and passing by me two car lengths with ABS system firing because it's not the type of vehicle that can stop suddenly in a lot of big city sudden start-stop accelertion situations.

[sharky]

I am 40+, and when I asked my wife and kids to pick between the FRS and BRZ, all took the FRS because of the front end. They are cool with both cars. Will probably still get the BRZ limited instead. May be do a bumper swap afterward.

[Miniata]

41 here, and according to some of my family and friends I've been in a mid-life crisis (based on my cars anyways) for about 10 years. I already have a Miata, Mini Cooper, and Mustang GT, all of which are out of the norm from the boring old 4 cyl sedans, minivans, and pickups that most of my peers around here drive. I don't really care, IMHO as a car nut, life is too short to drive boring cars, so I'm going to enjoy what I drive as long as I can.

[nedmundo]

I haven't bought one, but I really want to, and I'm 45. I've always preferred small, agile, well-balanced cars, and this one nails it. (I've tested the FR-S.) I'm not concerned about perceptions of a mid-life crisis or anything else -- I just want it! I'm just afraid my wife will like it too, and will want to drive it more than I'd like, but hey, if she's willing to let me get it, I'll be willing to hand her the keys...once in a while.

[ashtray]

Originally Posted by MVJ1975

I'm not quite there yet (37), but I do joke that it's my "midlife crisis" car.

Same here. My wife took one look at the car after I bought it and asked if it was my mid life crisis purchase.

[maxdriver]

Originally Posted by sharky

I am 40+, and when I asked my wife and kids to pick between the FRS and BRZ, all took the FRS because of the front end. They are cool with both cars. Will probably still get the BRZ limited instead. May be do a bumper swap afterward.

I like the front end of the Scion better also. Don't care about the nav in the BRZ, but do like the HID's.

[smbrm]

Honing in on 6 decades. Just thought it was time for an update from my 1990 Celica GTS!
ATMT is the big question!

[ToxicSneakers]

69 and strong. Have owned/driven TR2-3-6, AH 100-4/3000MMII/Sprite, Elva Courier, RX-7 and the FR-S suits me just fine.

[Ess Vee]

Originally Posted by ToxicSneakers

69 and strong. Have owned/driven TR2-3-6, AH 100-4/3000MMII/Sprite, Elva Courier, RX-7 and the FR-S suits me just fine.

Good for you!

I'm 20 right now and I seriously hope to be just like you at that age

These cars are what keep us young, no women should ever want to take that away from any of you.

[dvlnsyde]

At 46 1/2 I like the fact many in my age range appreciate a solid sports car. The FR-S is not overly powerful so we won't be dragging at lights (even though I have been challenged several times). The car is a drivers dream, with proper handling and balance. Coming from a modded out, teeth rattling MINI, I appreciate the firm yet supple ride of my new Scion. I'm not going overboard with mods, which I think shows wisdom of my age. I plan to keep this car until I can't get in/out of it anymore! Cheers to the 40+ers out there. I hope to meet some of you on the road. See ya on the twisties.

[AtlantaRock]

I'm 61 and miss my Integra GS-R, I had it since 94 and was still running strong, when I sold it with 354,000 miles on it.
Really enjoy the FR-S I guess I had several mid life crisis's by now, but I don't feel any different at this age then when I was in my 30's.
Now when I get asked what's up, I tell them my weight and blood pressure.

[HotLeopardMama]

Originally Posted by Miniata

...life is too short to drive boring cars, so I'm going to enjoy what I drive as long as I can...

Right on.

I'm turning 30 this September. And my mom harped 'cause she wondered where my future kids are going to sit--and I only got engaged less than a month ago.

Honestly, considering the FR-S/BR-Z costs about $30,000+ once you add in tax and license and such, it really isn't priced to be a "young" person's car. It may look hot, but it's not exactly in the far more affordable Focus/Forte/Civic/Jetta/Corolla price range.

Plus--it's your money, get what you want. Better to buy a hot car and drive something that feels as young as you do... then do something else that might get you in actual trouble with a spouse.

And it's a seriously fun car to drive--and Subaru's are safe and run forever, so it's actually a prudent choice in the long run.

[MmmHamSandwich]

Originally Posted by MVJ1975

I'm not quite there yet (37), but I do joke that it's my "midlife crisis" car.

Hey, at least it's a mid life crisis you can live with!