What do I do about the 40 year thing?
 

So, I have been looking to add a new ride to my garage. Yes, you guessed it, a 911.

I have been lusting after one for a number of years, since my high school days drooling over new SCs and Carreras in R & T, C & D and VW & Porsche. If you remember that last title, then you will likely understand my situation.

Most of my male friends are supportive. Some of my female acquaintances, not so much. My aunt who is ten years my senior and another 'friend' are strongly suggesting that this is a mid life crisis thing as I am soon to turn the big four-oh. I mean its not like I'll be that gold chained, leisure suit wearing guy sporting a comb over and cruising the mall parking lot - "How YOU doin'?"

I see in my mind that this is not a bid to try to relive my youth or that it is because I am almost entering 'middle age'. It is simply that I am now able to afford a toy like this, the parts, and the garage to house it all. I would have done it long ago if I had the cash.

Now after that lead in, my question is this: those of you who have gone through this, or will soon do so, what the hell did you do? How do I determine (or persuade myself) that this is simply a phase that I will get over or if, in fact, this is the real thing? I want to be in 'the club' and not just sitting on the side lines. I want to be part of the community and culture. I want to go over to Dave's on Saturday morning and give him a hand dropping his engine or hang out with Stan and Bill in my garage around the beer fridge discussing CIS vs. PMOs. Because this is a Porsche board, I suspect most have fallen victim to the 911 call and that I will experience very little dissuasion here.

I have no one to persuade other than myself. I no longer have a spousal unit to rant about my juvenile exploits. Maybe I should just admit its a mid life crisis, ignore the tut tutters and enjoy myself. After all they are the unwashed masses who just don't know what they're missing. Every 911 that I have driven has left me with a dumbass grin of pleasure.

-kevin

Life is to short to live with mediocrity. Just do it!

Kevin,
Like I told my wife when she asked why are you buying a Porsche, "if not now....when?... 60 years old rolled around very fast. One day I was 25 and the next day I was 55 and retired with no idea where the last 30 years went.

I turned 60 in March and I purchased my second 911 a week before my birthday...I never even thought about the big 60... I was so happy about that red 993!

Do it and don't worry about what others think. You will be surprised how nice your friends will treat you. If they raz you about it, it's either sour grapes or they are not really your friends. And, you will meet some wonderful people driving P-Cars...we have not met a Porsche snob yet and we have been on 8 Porsche group trips in 3 years.

When I'm driving my 95, 993 I'm 25 again, what could possibly be wrong with that?

Jerry

Hi Kevin,

Like you I had a desire from my early teens, to one day be the proud owner of a 911. I'm pleased to say that at the age of 43 (3 years ago), I was finally in a position (financially etc) to be able to indulge myself, and make the 30 year old dream come true when I got my 1986 Carrera Coupe. Luckily I have a VERY supportive and understanding wife & kids, which made the decision to spend the big $$ so much easier.
I can honestly say that I have no regrets whatsoever, and can see my 2 sons bashing each other up for it when my 'time' is up..!
Forget about what anyone else may say. It's likely nothing more than petty jealously!
Short answer - GO FOR IT! YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT.

Kind regards,
Steve

Kevin,

I doubt you will find anyone on this board to persuade you not to buy a 911, I mean...it is a board full of 911 fanatics.

Also, as a Canadian there has never been a better time to buy a 911, there are plentyful in the US and the dollar is just right. Do it! Do it! Do it!

-matt

Kevin, you hit the nail on the head! This is not a "crisis" thing. This is simply a realization that you can now afford to buy and own one of the cars you've always dreamt of owning. Personally, I dreamt of owning my very own 911 all of my life (my dad was a fanatic with his own Porsches in the 60's, 70's, and 80's). Finally, four years ago, at the age of 40 (yes...40), my wife and I ended up with enough combined income that we finally decided WHY NOT? I finally ended up with the black '84 Carrera that I still have and cherish more every day. Along the way, I stumbled on this forum, met some great guys and have made some life long personal friends. The past four years have been great! I also attend maybe a dozen track days a year, which I had never done until this point in my life (although I've always been a race fanatic).

Crisis my a$$. I've had so much fun with this that two years ago I went out and bought a 996 Carrera as my daily driver and my wife sold her BMW and bought a Cayman as her daily driver. We haven't looked back.

If you want it and can afford it...buy it! ;)

It is not a crisis, think of it as more of a calling. I purchased mine at 37 and now three years latter don't regret it one bit. Life is way too short, plus the joy of getting in your p car and being at one with the car, learning all its little quirks that make it "yours", taking to its first track day, those are all the great experiences that await you, you will meet great people that all have the same passion for these blasted little machines. It is a blast!!!!

Buy it now while you can, if you dont you'll regret it when you get to a stage where you'll be more fearful of driving her to her, or more correctly your, limits. Who said youth is wasted on the young.

Noel

does this mean i had my first crisis when i was in my twenties. i have owned one or more ever since and cant see the enjoyment ending soon. Just buy the car you want and dont regret it

Michael

JUST DO IT!!!!

Doyle

Kevin, you don't need to see it as a mid-life crisis. I just turned 25 when I bought my first Porsche, a old 930 (911 Turbo). I have learnt a lot, had lot's of fun and car appreciated enough to be worth a bit more when I sold it (minus the upgrades/maintenance which I regard as schooling fee).

So there is nothing to be afraid of. It's a nice hobby which doesn't necessarily have to be financially bad decision either. Do your research before purchase and don't worry too much ;) There are much more expensive hobbies around...

He who dies with the most toys . . .
 

People talk about mid-life crises like they are a negative thing. I believe everyone should have a mid-life crisis, whether it is necessary or not. What other phase of life gives you a gold-plated excuse to behave irrationally and make irresponsible purchases without any of your friends being surprised? Indeed, they are more likely to be supportive.

To make the most of an upcoming crisis, you should plan ahead. That way you can avoid the mistake I made: A few years ago I saw 40 approaching and had some spare cash so I sensibly bought my first-ever new car, a Holden Commodore sedan. Come my 40th birthday, it became obvious that this was nice but way too sensible. 8 months later I bought my lovely 911SC. Now that's more like it!!! I plan on this crisis lasting a while yet. I still have more toys in mind . . . :D

Matt

Kevin, I have the exact story as you. A friend suggested that I get off the pot and pointed out that if it didn't work out, was too expensive or that I just didn't end up getting enough use out of it to warrant the cost, then I could simply sell it and still have that wonderful memory of at least owning a Porsche for a time.

I jumped and it has been a joy. I'll never sell it unless I am unable to own a vehicle of any variety. I'm looking for a second.

Buy smart and you'll always be able to pass it on to another enthusiast if that becomes necessary.

Kevin,

1- You worry about other people too much.
2- Life is short.
3- If it makes you happy and doesn't hurt another, do it!
4- Midlife Crisis = Dumbass Grin of Pleasure.
5- Life is short.

You've been in denial too long! If it feels good do it. If it feels really good do it again! When people ask me how many of these P cars I have, I just say some wheres around the number of fingers and toes I've got but I'm not sure exactly. They are fun and I don't want no stinkin' "sensible" car that will look ugly, have no personality, depreciate and wallow around corners.

Diverdan

I resemble that remark. I don't regret my decision at all. I drive mine everywhere and love it. If "forty is the new 20" then anyone in their thirties is just jealous because they are like ten ten year olds. Since your aunt is ten years older than you, her condition may be attributed to
her possession of ovaries, go buy your car and take her for a ride through some back roads.

Life is short - pretty much sums it up.

I went ahead and purchased mine at 39 last year, probably because I was seeing the 4-0 approaching. I wanted a coupe but compromised with the wife and ended up with a silver 89 cab. I don't regret the cab since I have no problems convincing her to go for a ride. She's actually the one who gets a bit agitated when we haven't been for a top down cruise for a few days..

It's a good thing. Just do it. Purchase the best one you can afford and enjoy.

I think that is why he asked us!!! Always go to where the correct answers (for you) can be found!
I bought mine last year, with a very strong dollar. My now wife was very supportive.
I would have given at least one of my kidneys in high school for an SC or maybe both for an early 930, so we are close in age. I loved the fade turbo graphics on the back of those early cars...
Oh, and I have news for you. You have been middle age for quite some time now, (most men only live to their mid 70s) so don't waste anymore time and get out there and find the car of your dreams... (Don't forget the PPI)

The only question I asked myself once I acquired a 911 is why I waited so long. After my first track day I asked myself the same question.

It's not a mid-life crisis.

It's a life-long obsession.

Time to feed it.