I wanna go crazy on a car? (early midlife crisis) ((terrible decision making ahead))
Posted by Sure-Pair6540@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 61 comments
hello all, i know ZERO about cars, but im in a stage of my life where im ready to make some financial mistakes, (just divorced 13 year marriage from high school sweetheart)
again i know nothing so i just did basic googling, how feasible would it be to do something like this, https://dynacornclassicbodies.com/1966-ford-mustang-fastback/ and kit it out with a v8?, i have about 50-60k im willing to "part with", is that already not enough? id like to have the whole meme with the laptop hooked up to the dash etc, and im willing to do it myself because ill have the next 3 years with access to an extremely good car auto center (self service, military base, you like, rent tools etc.) and a SHIT TON of free time.
"it will be hard", "bad idea", " in over your head". not acceptable answers lol.
StickyV@reddit
Situation sucks but your making the best of it, gotta enjoy life man! As far as the car, what are you into? fast cars, 2 door, 4 door, SUV, luxury, modern?
Within the past couple of years, I've spent over 300k on 2 cars so I'm with it lol. I have a 23 Audi RS7 and just got a 26 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The RS7 has been a lot of fun, can find a used one for 100k. The Escalade is a comfy road trip car.
PerformanceDouble924@reddit
No. Building a car from the chassis and body out is a 6 figure proposition.
For $60k, buy a C8 Corvette and go wild.
Sure-Pair6540@reddit (OP)
Dont want a boomer sports car, i dont want to SHOW everyone i just got divorced lmao.
PerformanceDouble924@reddit
Hate to break it to you bud, but a 66 Mustang is much more of a boomer car than a C8 Vette.
Sure-Pair6540@reddit (OP)
its not, i much more see old guys in a new corvette, as opposed to someone in a tripped out 66 mustang. Boomer is a mindset, not a literal age of a car.
phatelectribe@reddit
I agree. I never see anyone young driving corvettes. It’s also ways guys that look 55+ with a moustache.
Zapatos-Grande@reddit
Most of the C8 drivers in my area (and there are a lot) are younger guys, typically less than 45-50. There's even one that drives by my kid's bus stop that is in his late 20s/low 30s. C7 and C6 it's a completely different story.
phatelectribe@reddit
Probably a geographical thing. Corvette’s are a retirement car where I am.
Zapatos-Grande@reddit
I live in Florida, aka God's Waiting Room.
phatelectribe@reddit
Depends where in Florida tbh. I live in CA and you don’t really see many corvettes in town but when you go out to Palm Springs or Rancho Mirage or Santa Barbara (heavy retirement areas) you see loads of corvettes.
Zapatos-Grande@reddit
Oh, don't get me wrong, we may have less retirees than say Ft Meyers, St. Pete, Naples, Port St Lucie, etc., but we still have our fair share, more so than areas like Miami and Orlando. They mostly bomb around in C6s, C7s, Camaros, Challengers, Mustangs, and, surprisingly, SSRs and Prowlers. C8s in my area are typically driven by younger men (and some women), the same age group as the R8, Maclaren, Ferrari, and Lamborghini drivers around my area.
CallLivesMatter@reddit
Knowing nothing about cars while having the confidence to buy a ‘66 Mustang to kit out (after a recent divorce!) is quite possibly the most Boomer thing I’ve ever heard.
ONE1-ZERO@reddit
No. No it’s not. Mustangs are classics. Vettes are “look at my pension as an insurance salesman for 40 years”. My entire family is this way and all drive vettes. Except the one who became an electrician after being a helicopter gunner in Vietnam. He drives a 64 1/2 mustang.
PerformanceDouble924@reddit
So the boomer vet drives a Mustang and you think it's not a boomer car? Ok.
FatherIncoming@reddit
Hell no it isn't, a 66 screams "classy dad", a C8 screams "I'm probably an old doctor".
ONE1-ZERO@reddit
Yep. Pension rides! Don’t forget your cane so you can get out at dennys!
FlounderKind8267@reddit
Bro the mustang is literally the same thing. It's a boomer car showing your midlife crisis from a divorce
neverfakemaplesyrup@reddit
If you want a "young persons car":
Millenials are still in love with JDM. They're starting to hit the ages- 30-40- where some can even afford to actually build the Fast & Furious dreamcars of their youth.
Gen Z is dreaming of motorcycles because we can't afford cars. The serious car guys either take on huge debt for BMWs, Defender 90s, G-Wagons, etc, or building rustbuckets into something good. Like building entire frames for rotted old tacomas.
And miatas & civics... Miatas seem universally popular.
burner4thestuff@reddit
Underrated comment. Looks like the boomers are downvoting you. Stay strong.
Auqakid07@reddit
Project car like this is a bad idea. Ive seen far too many guys with similar ideas that never make it to a driving car. A better idea would be to buy an original 60s mustang and have a 5.0 put in.
If I had 100k and was looking for mustangs I would spend 30-50k on a 60s one in good condition with a v8 (302 most likely) I would then spend like 25-40k on a newer model 5.0 coyote mustang gt. I think this combo would be more enjoyable, and look better to women to avoid the "divorce dad mid life crisis) look.
The pair gives more of an enthusiast look, while the custom build thing is going to be confusing to most and seem like a big waste of money. ( classic divorced dad midlife crisis)
All in all you are making a bad decision for yourself. You want/need something to enjoy now. Not after 3 years of lots of work and money.
nopester24@reddit
Well if all you wanna do is waste you ur money then the sky's the limit bud! There are so many bad projects l cars out there that the choices are ridiculous haha!
With 100k budget you literally can build literally any car you want.
BUT I will say this. If it's a car you actually wanna keep and drive for a while then there are better choices than a mustang kit.
Honestly I'd say buy a used Corvette C6 and go crazy with it. Much better for you in the long run and great resale value
Or a nice classic truck build is always a great option. Actually fun to build and rewarding afterwards. Trucks are always useful.
OR... If you REALLY wanna get stupid, go with some ridiculous Japanese build like an MK4 Supra or R34 Skyline build.
I'm telling ya stupid has no limits. But after the stupid wears off, best of you have something you'll actually enjoy driving
Commies-Fan@reddit
Like this.
benicebuddy@reddit
Practice on something easier. Find yourself a 2wd single cab paw paw spec truck for cheap. Build, rebuild, or swap engine, trans, etc. You can endlessly fuck with a short wide chevy for not a lot of money. After you get that one running if you want to build something cooler, you will know what you are getting into.
YardEmbarrassed8308@reddit
Are you sure this is something you wanna do? You said that you do not know anything about cars, what happens if you invest all this money and realize you don't enjoy working with cars?
jse000@reddit
Spend the money on therapy instead. You fucking need it.
WriterOne8440@reddit
2027 G80 M3 comp- $94k. Stage 1 tune -$2700.
Total with taxes? Prob over 100k but then you have a 600+HP sports car that will be 10000x more reliable then a kit car.
Plus a bmw will help you attract a new partner! (Or impress a bunch of car guys lol).
jrileyy229@reddit
No car guy is going to be impressed... actually the opposite. Show up boasting about a brand new m3 with a tune on it and every car guy is going to say "you already had 500hp, why did you void the warranty for another 30hp?"
WriterOne8440@reddit
Stage 1 is warranty friendly with most tuners my guy
Living-Business-4560@reddit
Import a skyline gtr ( I'm bias)
ajm91730@reddit
Sorry for your situation/ loss. Some random thoughts:
Consider getting a car that already runs and drives. Drive it, improve it, drive it some more, repeat.
Maybe watch some YouTube videos to figure out what you like?
It's cheaper to buy one already completed, but it sound ls like you're after the build journey, not the completed car destination.
An old car will never drive like a new car. Not a problem, so long as your expectations are in line.
Sure-Pair6540@reddit (OP)
yeah im cool with not exactly doing my plan, i think i just was trying to express a "from scratch" mentality. im totally cool with making like a 89 toyota mr2 sleeper with essentially everything new and the best inside.
i just dont know where to start, youtubing just gets me people showing off their builds, not necessarily the journey or the process.
Fragrant_Bathroom283@reddit
Just get a Supra. A nicely built 2jz is just about bullet proof and Supra have shown a pattern of increasing in value if the condition is kept up with.
In 2-3-5-10 years once this phase blows over you could be sitting on a $150k+ car which you only have $75-90k in.
tewjaunts@reddit
Audi r8
XOM_CVX@reddit
Mazda Miata and gamble the rest on the wallstreet.
Occasionallyposts@reddit
Ls swap an fd rx-7
shadowsong6@reddit
Look into Factory Five. They have some pretty cool kit cars that are designed to be built in a garage. Most of their stuff needs a wrecked donor car to scavenge for parts though. Engine transmission, etc.
quinnsterr@reddit
c8 corvette or a 911. barely depreciates. super reliable.
Hungry-Job-3198@reddit
Buy a modern sports car and have fun. Your six figures build my that. You can buy a new mustang GT premium for 55-60k. Or a C7 used vette. Plus used options in other sports cars. Heck man you could even buy a Lexus LC500.
Sure-Pair6540@reddit (OP)
only one guy so far even understands the point of my post. im not interested in buying a stereotypical sports car, i need something to consume my mind for the next years learning and building as my budget and free time are nearly (in relation to a car) infinite as i have no bills or children and make +100k. i appreciate your comment tho.
Careful_Thought_8386@reddit
Buy a early 90s-2000s Honda and k24 or k20 swap it. Push it up to around 480-570hp with nodding have a blast. If want to really rip it with some big money push it up to 763-1k hp. Plenty of guides and info with a lot of the parts and adapters sold so not to much custom work but still some. Easy way to get use to motor stuff and a easy project to part out if you decide your passion is all burned out.
ONE1-ZERO@reddit
I don’t think he wants an eBay civic
ONE1-ZERO@reddit
Don’t listen to anyone here. Your budget would be enough to pay me to do it. And you’d be getting a standalone fuel injected 5.0. These were the first unibody US made cars. Extremely easy to build.
MarsRocks97@reddit
Get an 87 Buick Grand National. They go for $50-60k. Lots of parts and options.
sk1ward@reddit
I think the sexiest car is the 1964 Shelby cobra…. So beautiful
jayp_67@reddit
As per some of the posts, buy something that's already running and mod it to your liking.
You might discover that you don't enjoy working on cars...yes it can look very cool (and it can be) but it's also hard and sometimes very frustrating and dirty work. Not to mention that you will be on a learning curve. Best of luck to you.
Wigs123455@reddit
Get a dark horse mustang
avantgarden1990@reddit
A brand new car is way more enjoyable.
Hash-82@reddit
What is your goal?
Do you want the looks, or do you want to set the road on fire.
If the latter, what is your driving skill and tolernce?
Sure-Pair6540@reddit (OP)
i have interdiction and VIP protection drivers training from my old job. so i can drive pretty good.
Hash-82@reddit
When I was about your same age (35-40), I got the itch myself.
I'd always had fast cars, but they were all tanks with 6.6L, 7.0L, and larger V8s.
By that time of "the itch", I had owned 2 Miatas, one set up for Rally/AutoCross.
The were absolute crap. I could out-drive the chassis in my sleep, hung over and with the flu.
Then I stumbled upon an S2000. Love at first site. Everything the Miata promised, and more.
I stole one from the auction for around $9000. 6 months later, I spun the #2 rod bearing (common for the engine). And that's where I started spending money.
Inline Pro Block, custom short tubes, custom exhaust, extrusion honed intake, split spray 650cc injectors, Hondata ECU, several Novi superchargers, and about a dozen pulleys.
On a good day, the car would do between 180 and 185.
The C6 vette was just out, and I hunted them on the interstate.
Life was good.
Sometimes I think about building one out again.
I miss the shriek of that engine at 12000 RPM.
But, I'm old and fat. and lazy
Eziekiel23_20@reddit
If you dont know anything about cars a dynacorn, I hate to say, will be over your head.
Not sure what base youre at but Ive worked at a couple of base hobby shops and they werent outfitted with everything needed for such an endeavor either. Could be different in your case, just a heads up.
If you have an itch to build a car I highly recommend a Factory Five something or other. Cobra is a bit overdone, but a Type 65 or hot rod are pretty badass for the money. They come with thorough instructions unlike a dynacorn, have a huge following, and tons of online resources/forums. Could build one for far less than $100k. Lotsa guys cut their teeth on these literal ‘kit’ cars. The dynacorn is far more involved and requires a lot more knowledge and skill. Not really something you learn on.
I commend you for not being a pussy and actually being willing to learn and get your hands dirty.
Most-Description4665@reddit
Are you open to older cars or classics? For that money, you could get into a full resto or really clean original. My choices, trucks included, would be in no specific order
CUCV 3000GT NSX 300zx R32 skyline K20 with 454 and 4 speed DeTomaso Pantera 2nd gen trans am with 455 and 4 speed. AMX or Javelin E36 because it's so bad ass.
But if I had your budget and it had to be new, the darkhorse and C8 are the only options because I am not a Chrysler fan old or new. Except for the roadrunner.
Boobooboy13@reddit
Do something weird and cool like a crown Vic build with a 5.0 in it or an AMC Javelin. Or, an early 2000s mustang build. Those are just some of my favorite cars though.
Sure-Pair6540@reddit (OP)
awesome examples man ill look into those.
Boobooboy13@reddit
Welcome also the 1972 mustang mach 1 and the mustangs of that style are cool and relatively cheap compared to some of the earlier fastback mustangs.
Rare-Bet-870@reddit
You’re going to spend 20k on the shell, you can find a Ls new for 4k but this is already 24k in. So almost half of the money you’re comfortable parting with. There’s also wiring, plumbing, lights etc. the first gen’s currently are going for 52k on average. I see some going for less then 40 but of course miles and conditions are a factor.
But you admit you know nothing and that’s important. I come from a family of mechanics, literally have 5 uncles who all work on cars, we also have friends who do paint and certain things like upholstery. When I wanted to build my truck, granted its new and a custom build, I went to a dealership and that’s because I knew what I wanted and what parts there were for a 2024. For older cars parts are harder to find and something always goes wrong. Im having problems with my setup draining the battery.
You did mention having access to auto centers and tools and for some stuff you can find used to save money along the way. I’ve never built a car like that I just know people who buy used and swap, never dealt with anyone who builds from a shell but. Buy used
Sure-Pair6540@reddit (OP)
I am a highly capable learner and will have nearly unlimited free time for the span of 3 years. the point of the post is if anyone has a good place to start. do you tell your children not to reach for the stars too?
Rare-Bet-870@reddit
As an enthusiast, I love cars and trucks old school new school whatever, all I have to say is that you can buy an older one and fix it and restore it with a good body. That’s why I said you can go used and just learn to swap parts and make it yours.
I’m not even against you dumping a 100k from a bare body to your idea of a dream build. What I’m trying to say is there are so many factors that you will want perfect. Cars are not a easy thing to deal with even when you know what you’re doing and there are going to be problems at every stage, my new school hot rod build that gets a lot of love need the electric system upgraded because it now has even more mods on top of a big engine and I didn’t think about that when I bought the truck intending to push it performance wise. I thought about everything else heating, cooling, airflow, fuel system upgrades but I completely forgot about that and now my truck randomly dies even in traffic.
All I’m saying is you know nothing and you will make mistakes, which isn’t even a bad thing, and that’s not the issue. I’m saying go in with the expectation that anything that can go wrong will eventually go wrong. You will one day lost fuel pressure, you will one day have to tear apart the engine because you forgot X part, and you will be up at 2 am working on it because it’s just one bolt that won’t go in.
If you want to go in from scratch with a bare bone shell and go all in do it, I can respect that when you say you want to learn. What I want you to know is you will get frustrated at least four times with something. Be prepared
Rough_Cancel7265@reddit
A 60s Mustang IS a boomer sports car though. But if it's what you want its what you want. Try finding something crazy from someone that's already built. Something from Factory Five or Backdraft that's already built can be had under $100K
Sure-Pair6540@reddit (OP)
holy cow, you at least got the point of the post and gave me somewhere to start. thank you man.
Similar_Garden6299@reddit
Go all in. Get a Porsche 911.