Mid 40's - Mid-life crisis

[TrackRider54]

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).

[spike021]

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

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

[humfrz]

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


humfrz

[mrderp]

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

Try it, you will feel right at home.

[Shark_Bait88]

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.

[TrackRider54]

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:

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.

[strat61caster]

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.

[Shark_Bait88]

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.

[stevesnj]

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.

[wrh3]

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.

[Magyarman]

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!!!

[soulreapersteve]

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)

[Summerwolf]

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

[why?]

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.