Does a Car Equate to a Mid-Life Crisis?

I want a new car. Heck, I need a new car. Although I have only owned my current vehicle for about 2 years,  it is about worn out. It is a 2001 model, with fewer miles than I had hoped would cause it's replacement (about 140k miles). It is a "sporty" car, but not a sports car, and certainly not a performance car. It is a Swedish convertible, with a 2.0L Turbo with an automatic transmission. Not fast, but it can be fun.

The Silver Bullet is my 15th car, if my quick count is accurate. I have been driving for @ 28 years, so this is not quite a different car every 2 years. It is my 4th convertible. It ranks tied for 3rd in my "sportiest cars" owned. Ahead of it, in order of my favorites, were a BMW 325ic that I owned in the early-mid 1990s and its replacement, a Ford Mustang GT convertible (rollin' in my 5.0/ with my ragtop down so my hair can blow...).

I traded the Mustang for a 1996 Ford Bronco (the last production year) when I became engaged and was told I needed a bigger car. She didn't like it. Yet another red flag I missed, but I digress. After the Bronco came a series of more family friendly vehicles - Jeep Cherokees and Grand Cherokees, Land Rover Discovery and a Chevy Tahoe. My first post separation-car was a normally aspirated Swedish convertible. It had a manual gearbox and was fun to drive.

I find myself looking once again at sports cars and even some performance cars. In particular, my imagination has been captured by the Porsche 911. I have always liked the way these cars look and sound. In the last year I have taken several for test drives. Damn. These are some seriously fun cars to drive. In some ways they are "too much car" for my driving skill. As much as I would like to believe that I am one sponsor away from driving in the Mobil 1 Supercup, I am your average commuter.



The Porsches that are in my price range are about 10 years old. They have some miles, but are also reaching the age where things start to break down, even if the mileage is less than 50k. Some parts just dry rot, wear out, atrophy, etc. And these cars can be expensive to maintain.

I have read several books, countless magazine articles, etc. on the Porsche 911. I really do like these things. I have also hear the jokes. What the difference between a porcupine and a Porsche? On a porcupine, the pricks are on the outside. I can also imagine that a number of folks might see me driving the thing and think "Ah, middle-aged white guy, thinning gray hair, no ring. Yep, mid-life crisis. Middle-aged crazy." I can honestly say that if I could have afforded a Porsche (and the insurance on same) when I was in my 20s you can be assured I would have had one. Now that the price of the (used) car is not the obstacle, I do think about the perception. And I am not sure why it bothers me.

Little One thinks I should get a more practical vehicle. Practical to her mind includes (1) large back seat in case she wants to have friends come over and we have to drive them somewhere (2) DVD player for trips. Now, I can certainly relate to her first point. In fact, it would be nice to have some additional seating. The Silver Bullet has a small back seat, but not much. And, if I should ever have a date and want to take Little One with us to dinner or a movie, etc., it really isn't possible.

But why am I worrying about going on a date where I might introduce my daughter to some woman that I haven't met yet maybe thinking way too far ahead.