Is this sporty car my husband wants to buy pretty?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This screams insecure midlife crisis. I would not want anyone to see DH driving it.

Arguably any vehicle says something about the person who owns/drives it. Some say "I'm poor". Some say "I don't care about driving". Some say "I have to drive this because I have a giant family or huge dog(s)". Some say "I'm wealthy", or "I like fast cars", or "I'm a rugged outdoorsman who doesn't need paved roads", or make other statements.

It's the same as the watch you wear, the neighborhood you live in, and everything else reflective of your spending and consumption.

Nobody cares. Your H should do what pleases him. If somebody looks at the car and thinks unkind thoughts, someone else will react with approval, or envy, or curiosity, or indifference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People who enjoy cars as more than transportation appliances recognize the Corvette as a very high performance, relatively good value, sports car. Whether the design appeals or not is an aesthetic question, and like you-know-whats, everyone has their own aesthetic tastes. Members of Corvette Clubs will express enthusiasm, members of the Ferrari Club of America will prefer their models. Porsche Club of America members all prefer the 911.

In other words, "pretty" is in the eye of the beholder. If your husband finds it appealing, why does anyone else's opinion matter whatsoever? Just like his opinion of your appearance.

But if you live in McLean, where are you even going to drive fast? You're not. It's just going to be an uncomfortable car you drive to office (although many wouldn't because it's too flashy) or an uncomfortable car you use to run errands in on the weekends

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This screams insecure midlife crisis. I would not want anyone to see DH driving it.

Arguably any vehicle says something about the person who owns/drives it. Some say "I'm poor". Some say "I don't care about driving". Some say "I have to drive this because I have a giant family or huge dog(s)". Some say "I'm wealthy", or "I like fast cars", or "I'm a rugged outdoorsman who doesn't need paved roads", or make other statements.

It's the same as the watch you wear, the neighborhood you live in, and everything else reflective of your spending and consumption.

Nobody cares. Your H should do what pleases him. If somebody looks at the car and thinks unkind thoughts, someone else will react with approval, or envy, or curiosity, or indifference.

I agree with your summation, but that also implies that one is aware of the message one is signaling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People who enjoy cars as more than transportation appliances recognize the Corvette as a very high performance, relatively good value, sports car. Whether the design appeals or not is an aesthetic question, and like you-know-whats, everyone has their own aesthetic tastes. Members of Corvette Clubs will express enthusiasm, members of the Ferrari Club of America will prefer their models. Porsche Club of America members all prefer the 911.

In other words, "pretty" is in the eye of the beholder. If your husband finds it appealing, why does anyone else's opinion matter whatsoever? Just like his opinion of your appearance.

A WRX with manual would be way more fun to drive. Is he planning to take it to a track to get it up to speed?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Husband turns 50 this summer and kids no longer need to be carted around, so he wants to order the car below. I don't really know cars but I just don't think this car is all that visually impressive. I think he'll quickly regret it or be sort of embarrassed that it screams mid-life crisis. Thoughts?

You live in DMV? Holy car jacking, Batman!

[Anonymous]

I mean, who cares what other people think about his car? He’s a grown man and assuming you can afford it, he should be able to get what he wants. You are not his mom! If it turns out to be a bad idea or gets old fast, he can sell it.

[Anonymous]

Mercedes Benz CLE 53 AMG is in the same price range, without the boomer stigma. And I assume far more comfortable day to day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I mean, who cares what other people think about his car? He’s a grown man and assuming you can afford it, he should be able to get what he wants. You are not his mom! If it turns out to be a bad idea or gets old fast, he can sell it.

. . . and take a 10-20K hit for the effort.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I mean, who cares what other people think about his car? He’s a grown man and assuming you can afford it, he should be able to get what he wants. You are not his mom! If it turns out to be a bad idea or gets old fast, he can sell it.

+1. He's been a good husband and father, right? Let him have some fun while he still has the ability to drive a performance car.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mercedes Benz CLE 53 AMG is in the same price range, without the boomer stigma. And I assume far more comfortable day to day.

She can buy that for herself. This is his car.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, a 50 yo driving this screams midlife crisis. If you can afford to get out of it in a couple of years, that's one thing, but planning to keep it, nightmare. And getting in and out of that will be/become a nightmare.

At his age, he would be better off with a high end SUV. Rivian. Maybe the Defender, Range Rover. The new Lexus GX550.

Or if he wants a sports car, then the Porsche Cayenne or a lot of guys like the Macan.

So no man in their 40s and 50s can buy a sports car without being labeled a midlife crisis schmuck? Or just this specific sports car?

[Anonymous]

It's tricky to buy such a car at his age. Porsche 911 might be the only sports car without negative connotations. It's both elegant and fast.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, a 50 yo driving this screams midlife crisis. If you can afford to get out of it in a couple of years, that's one thing, but planning to keep it, nightmare. And getting in and out of that will be/become a nightmare.

At his age, he would be better off with a high end SUV. Rivian. Maybe the Defender, Range Rover. The new Lexus GX550.

Or if he wants a sports car, then the Porsche Cayenne or a lot of guys like the Macan.

So no man in their 40s and 50s can buy a sports car without being labeled a midlife crisis schmuck? Or just this specific sports car?

I wouldn't say 40s, necessarily. But a guy turning 50 getting a Corvette does scream midlife crisis. It would have to be a higher end sports car to be a FU, I don't care what you think, imo. Just like FU money.

I would add, however, it probably depends on where OP lives. Outer ex-burbs? In the midwest? Then maybe that is more of an aspirational car, regardless of age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's tricky to buy such a car at his age. Porsche 911 might be the only sports car without negative connotations. It's both elegant and fast.

It's not tricky unless you are a wuss.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mercedes Benz CLE 53 AMG is in the same price range, without the boomer stigma. And I assume far more comfortable day to day.

Yes!