Perceptions of Middle-age Men in Mustangs

[MustangVelocity]

I agree with Genxer.
I am 47 and about to buy a new mustang, this is a point in my life where I can. And this is the car I want. Who cares what other people think! I have had a 65 and a 69 Stang..

Exactly! Before I bought my 2019 I was chatting with a saleman who said a factory order GT just arrived for one of his customers...a 71 year old grandpa. For many, owning and driving a Mustang is as much about the history and heritage of the vehicle as it is about the fun factor and the sound of the V8. Plus the new Mustang GT'S aren't exactly cheap anymore, not to mention the gas and insurance costs. The days of owning a 'newish Mustang GT' while in high school are over. In the end we shouldn't care what others think, especially the type of vehicle we drive. My gf and friends love my car and are always excited to get a ride in it, if that counts for anything lol.

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[Loki-GT]

I was just chatting on Face Book (kinda slow at work right now) about how some women I know have rather snide attitudes about older guys with Mustangs.

"I love it when females I know toss out hints about how they perceive middle-aged men in Mustangs/Camaros/etc. Like we're all lecherous mid-life crisis victims cruising bars for women 1/2 our age, trying to re-live our youth.

The easiest way to deflect the non-sense is to mention that such cars attract other dudes virtually exclusively. It takes too long to explain the fun/hobby/relaxation/enjoyment, etc. to people that view cars as nothing more than a necessary evil."

I think that most car-guys experience such silly crap. Thoughts?

I could give 2 shits what people think about me owning a new Mustang GT at 54, I've owned them every 3 years since 1985, no mid-life crisis involved.

 

[StealthStang]

Well, Mustangs definitely have an old man type image, at least where I am.
When driving mine it gets a lot of attention since they are rare in my country, sometimes woman mention they like it, but 90% of the time its old men that come talk to me. And they all talk about the same things "old school American muscle" etc, which is ironic since my Roush RS1 is actually an ecoboost

I have to admit though, younger people generally don't like them, especially the V8s they often will say things like "why would you buy this antiquated heavy NA V8 gas guzzler when you can buy much faster turbo based cars". Again, mine is an ecoboost RS1 so once they find out they appreciate it more.

So either way you cant win, old guys complain that they want old school and V8s. Young kids want lighter cars with turbos.

I just enjoy the car because I like it, I dont really care what others think and honestly while it was fun at first I rather not have the attention these days.

 

[MustangVelocity]

... I have to admit though, younger people generally don't like them, especially the V8s they often will say things like "why would you buy this antiquated heavy NA V8 gas guzzler when you can buy much faster turbo based cars". Again, mine is an ecoboost RS1 so once they find out they appreciate it more.

So either way you cant win, old guys complain that they want old school and V8s. Young kids want lighter cars with turbos.

Interesting perspective and experiences. Where I live the younger crowd still love the Mustang, and the ones that do have one want the 5.0L V8 but often can't afford the extra cost and added insurance/gas. So they end up with the ecoboost, and will at some point move up to the V8 as they get older.

Regarding the ".. why would you buy this antiquated heavy NA V8 gas guzzler when you can buy much faster turbo based cars", this seems like they really don't understand cars. I'm still trying to think of a 'much faster' turbo car that can be purchased new for under $40k that would compete with a 2018+ GT. If a supercharger or twin turbo is added to that same GT for $7k, you now have a 700-800 hp daily driver with one simple bolt on (and if it's the Roush SC you also get the 36 mth warranty) .

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I could give 2 shits what people think about me owning a new Mustang GT at 54, I've owned them every 3 years since 1985, no mid-life crisis involved.

Or you were just precocious and started your mid-life crisis at age 21.

 

[StealthStang]

Regarding the ".. why would you buy this antiquated heavy NA V8 gas guzzler when you can buy much faster turbo based cars", this seems like they really don't understand cars. I'm still trying to think of a 'much faster' turbo car that can be purchased new for under $40k that would compete with a 2018+ GT. If a supercharger or twin turbo is added to that same GT for $7k, you now have a 700-800 hp daily driver with one simply bolt on (and if it's the Roush SC you also get the 36 mth warranty) .

In countries that sell RHD Mustangs, the 5.0L car is positioned against things like the BMW M2/M3, the Mercedes C43AMG and the Audi S4/S5.
All of which are turbo charged and faster than the pre-facelift 5.0L (we dont get facelift here yet, or the Shelby GT350). In fact my Polestar Volvo S60 is faster than the pre facelift GT and its significantly cheaper. So knowing this, its easy to see why people here don't view the GT as a good buy. Literally the only reason to buy it is because you want a V8 sound, and that ends up being mostly older guys, since that era is not something the youngsters know much about.

 

[Redraven571]

LOL Yeah, my buddy's 20-something daughter made a crack about my Mustang being 'mid life crisis 2' (I previously had a red 2005 Mustang vert).

This from a girl who drives a broke-ass old Audi 4 that manages to both leak AND burn oil, JUST so she can say she drives an Audi; I simply replied that not all of us could rock a Camry like her daddy...

 

[qtrracer]

In my case, I started in hotrods and kept one all through the years no matter the need for sedans, vans, etc. In some cases the hotrod was "newer" but generally it was a typical "work on it to keep it running" affair. The thing for me is, I raced these hotrods all the time. As time went on and my demographic orbit changed (with jobs, kids, etc.), I became the guy who raced his cars. Inevitably, if the conversation ever started in a new crowd, I mention racing. And that becomes the focus. What I dive becomes secondary and usually, a Mustang grabs more attention than say a more exotic ride because most can identify with it rather than the exotic.

In any event, I'm way passed caring what any woman other than my wife cares about what I do or drive. My self image is not defined by my car, job or income.

 

[Deleted member 35786]

I drive mine every single day an no one even bats an eye at me. And that is a good thing. Then again I work on a Govt installation so there is a plethora of all sorts of vehicles including many muscle cars by older guys enjoying the empty nester life while making good money. You also have a few young folks looking for attention as well but they are mostly ignored.

 

[15wile]

Bummer, my wife actually encourages me to get these kinds of cars, in fact, when I bought my Z06 several years ago, it was her that convinced me to do a museum/NCM delivery!

My wife loathes the car. But that also doesn't matter, because it's mine. Spouses don't have to agree on everything - dunno why people think it has to be that way.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

My wife loathes the car. But that also doesn't matter, because it's mine. Spouses don't have to agree on everything - dunno why people think it has to be that way.

Maybe it was just a figure of speech, but "not agreeing" and "loathing" aren't the same.

 

[specop]

Well Im 44 and own my first new 18 GT and all I can say is it makes me smile everytime I hit that start button..... I live my life how I want to and try to find a way to enjoy everyday, and I am a car guy so the Mustang does that for me.. All I can say is when I pull up to a mini van full of people or a crowded suv most of the time most of the people either stare at the car or give a thumbs up or smile, because it represents freedom and fun and power.. The other haters just get passed like everyone else.....lol

 

[NoVaGT]

....my Polestar Volvo S60 is faster than the pre facelift GT and its significantly cheaper......

How is a similar weight car, with 68 fewer HP and 50 fewer torques, faster than a 2015-2017 GT? Is the Euro Mustang that wimpy?

 

[activeGT]

What, and add another 135 pounds of useless weight to the car? No way!
If I wanted to hear a whine I'd buy a supercharger.

I love it. Best response to a serious question!

 

[activeGT]

Should have gotten a real car like a Camaro

You’re catching on.

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