Mid life crisis?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 704
Likes: 101
From: Duluth MN
Mid life crisis?
You would be suprised how many times I have heard that. I was 47 when I bought my "Vet". At the time it was the right time in my life when I was able to purchase this car. It had nothing to do with a mid life crisis it was just a matter of being the right timefor me! Just wondering if there are any other folks on the forum who get this question.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Yes and the associated assumptions about buying a red sports car.
Like you, my kids came first and once they were safely through university, the disposable income increased.
Like you, my kids came first and once they were safely through university, the disposable income increased.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Palm Harbor Fl
I'm 24 and I'm told I bought a mid-life crisis or an old man sports car because its a Torch Red Z06. I tell them to keep hating. I've always wanted a Z06. You don't need to justify purchasing this car. They went out and bought a pick up truck or a newer econobox and probably spent just as much if not more than what I paid for my car. No wife, no kids, no problems. I spend my money how I see fit and its not because I had a sudden impulse to blow my money on some twisted idea that it would inspire youthfulness.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 449
Likes: 8
From: Hayes Virginia
I am 47 now and I bought my 2002 Coupe when I was 45. It wasn't a mid life crisis thing. It's just that it wasn't till now that I was in a financial position that I could afford the car of my dreams. I also heard " Are going through a mid life crisis" a million times....
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 758
Likes: 0
From: Neosho MO
Even as a female, I was posed the same question. How ridiculous! I'd ALWAYS wanted one, and now was in the position to acquire my dream. Enjoying it every day also!!! Even if I don't drive it all the time, just knowing it's in my garage waiting is a great feeling.
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Navigator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Redwood Falls Minnesota
I bought my 'vette just before my 60th B-day.. should have done it sooner, but had to get the kids thru college and settled. Now I'm a first-time grandpa and looking for a car seat so my new grandson can ride with me. Mid-life crisis.. I hear it all the time.. just tell them that their name is scratched from the list of who gets a ride in the 'vette. This life isn't a dress-rehearsal, it's the main performance..live it to the fullest.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,789
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville FL
I agree with all of you on the mid-life crisis stereotype silliness. Kinda funny. I don't think my interest or fascination has to do with crisis, but who cares if it does or what others think. If you think vettes are cool then I think you have good taste. Would it be a mid life crisis if we all bought yuppie bmw's?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,057
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
You would be suprised how many times I have heard that. I was 47 when I bought my "Vet". At the time it was the right time in my life when I was able to purchase this car. It had nothing to do with a mid life crisis it was just a matter of being the right timefor me! Just wondering if there are any other folks on the forum who get this question.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 6
From: Pittsburgh PA
I was going to say something to that effect.
I've had a lot of cars over the years. Never thought much about buying a Vette. I was and still am involved in British Sportscars. For the most part, people drive them. Corvettes seemed to be something you hauled around on a trailer from show to show. I did notice that at car events like the Vintage Weekend at Watkins Glen, I would see quite a few C5s being driven.
Anyway, I started thinking about a C5 about 7 years ago. I would have been 52 then. I decided a new truck was the practical thing to do. So the truck got paid off and I started thinking again. It became sort of a bucket list thing I suppose. Plus,at my age, the wind in your hair, bouncing down rough back roads is starting to lose it's charm. Things like ride comfort, air conditioning, stereo, power accessories are more attractive to me these days.
I recently watched the video about the building of the C5. Said GM wanted to build a Corvette that would appeal to people who previously may not have considered one. I would say they succeded. I really don't think I would have been happy with a C4 and had absolutely no desire for anything older. I'm looking forward to being able to flip up the top and turn up the AC when it gets too stinkin hot.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 14,717
Likes: 41
From: Prescott Arizona
I have to admit that the mid-life crisis stigma associated with Corvettes is one of the things that probably kept me from buying one sooner.
Then 4 years ago when I bought the Cobra I sometimes heard the same thing. Got to the point I don't give a crap anylonger, so I decided the Corvette would be a great daily driver.
Then 4 years ago when I bought the Cobra I sometimes heard the same thing. Got to the point I don't give a crap anylonger, so I decided the Corvette would be a great daily driver.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
My midlife crisis started with the purchase of my first muscle car. A 73 Chevelle SS/454. I was 18 and it hasn't stopped yet. from Chevelles to Z28's, to roadrunners, to MC SS to vettes.
Been a hell of a lot of fun I might add.
Been a hell of a lot of fun I might add.