For the vast majority of Australians, choosing a new car usually revolves around issues such as boot space, fuel economy and safety features. However, that’s not the case for everyone.
You might not have got there yet, but there’s this thing called a ‘mid-life crisis’, defined by the Oxford Dictionary as ‘a loss of self-confidence and feeling of anxiety or disappointment that can occur in early middle age’.
Mid-life crises are synonymous with adventurous new-car purchases – whether it be a classic from the buyer’s youth, some kind of hardcore off-roader, or a flashy open-top sports car.
100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Porsche Cayman 
Ineos Grenadier 
Ford Mustang GT 
Mazda MX-5
There’s nothing like wind through the hair (or lack thereof) to break out of an existential funk!
While several members of the CarExpert team are still in the thick of their pre-crisis years, we all came together to ponder the question: what new car would we buy during a mid-life crisis with a businessman’s budget of $150,000?
Here are some of the popular options:
- BMW Z4
- Mazda MX-5
- Porsche Boxster
- Porsche Cayman
- Ineos Grenadier/Quartermaster
- MG Cyberster
- Ford Mustang
- Toyota Supra
- Nissan Z
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Ram 1500
Below, the CarExpert editorial team has nominated which new car they would buy to ward off the mid-life blues.
Marton Pettendy: Porsche Cayman
Buying a Porsche sports car when you hit middle age is a time-honoured cliché, but that’s exactly what I’d do if I could afford it – and there’s never been a better time.
The 911 is still the mainstream supercar yardstick by which all others are measured, but the mid-engined 718 twins offer more accessible performance at more accessible prices.
It’s still not cheap, but at least the Cayman is more affordable than its Boxster roadster sister model these days, and a base 2.0-litre manual would do me just fine.
The only snag is production of the existing 718s ended last month so there’s limited stock available, but if you’re not fussy about colours or options you can still grab an entry-level Cayman for about $145k drive-away.
And it just might hold its value since you’ll have the privilege of owning what will be the last boxer-powered 718 once Porsche’s ‘junior supercar’ goes all-electric for its next generation in 2025.
Interested in buying a Porsche Cayman? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Porsche Cayman
Josh Nevett: Ineos Grenadier
The definition of a mid-life crisis is entirely subjective, and mine doesn’t necessarily align with the selections put forward by my colleagues. After all, I currently own an MX-5… so maybe I’m having a quarter-life crisis?
My version of a mid-life crisis car looks more like the Ineos Grenadier.
Because nothing screams inadequacy like a massive, expensive four-wheel drive wagon that you’ll take off-road once… or twice.
Don’t get me wrong, the Grenadier shines as a well-polished and highly focused adventure machine, with more off-road modes and features than you can poke a stick at.
But for someone like me who might tackle a well-maintained gravel trail a couple of times a year tops, it makes no sense whatsoever. The Grenadier wanders across lanes without encouragement, its ride on sealed surfaces is compromised, and visibility is, well… also compromised.
I can’t even imagine trying to drive this thing to work in the city every day, with its abysmal turning radius and lack of adaptive cruise control. BUT, and there’s a big but, owning an Ineos would be cool.
The kids will love it, and it’s sure to start some conversations at the servo. By my 40s I hope to have owned a slew of sports cars, but if a mid-life slump does indeed hit, a Grenadier could be the tonic to shake things up.
Interested in buying a Ineos Grenadier? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Ineos Grenadier
Jordan Mulach: Mazda MX-5
This is without a doubt the hardest “choose your fighter” we’ve done yet, mainly because I came in with one answer and then talked myself out of it many times.
A $150,000 budget is very generous, but unfortunately it doesn’t stretch quite far enough for a flat-six Boxster. Though I’ve no doubt the four-pot is more than capable, if you’re spending that kind of money, why settle?
So then we start looking down the price list. A Ford Mustang screams as the obvious choice, but again the GT almost seems like a compromise when the Dark Horse exists, albeit in limited – and sold out – numbers.
What now, then? A Toyota Supra or Nissan Z are tempting options, but no. Ultimately there is only one answer, because it’s always THE answer.
Maybe it’s because my dad bought a first-gen when he entered middle age, but I can’t stop loving the Mazda MX-5. Two years ago I had the joy of driving a new soft-top GT RS, and it reminded me of why I love driving.
Sure, you have to compromise on things like boot space and rear seats – meaning my daughter would need to be a few years older before she has a ride – but you can’t stop enjoying the MX-5 when you drive it.
Personally, I’d go for an RF GT RS – manual, of course.
Interested in buying a Mazda MX-5? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Mazda MX-5
William Stopford: Ford Mustang GT convertible
It just has to be a convertible, right?
Oh sure, there are plenty of fun sedans and coupes to be had for under $150,000. But, to me, a convertible feels like the most unique vehicle body style, as well as the one less likely to have been owned in the past by the typical Australian driver. ‘
Not to get all psychological here, but – while I’m far from middle-aged – I feel like it’s not much of a stretch to say that a mid-life crisis can often be marked by a desire to do things one hasn’t done before.
Ergo, a convertible seems the most appropriate choice.
They may be far, far less common than they used to be, but there are still some genuinely nice droptops to be had for under $150,000 – the Audi S5, BMW M440i or BMW Z4 M40i, for example.
Any of those would be a lovely choice, but I’m going to go for the Ford Mustang GT convertible because it has a big ol’ V8 under the bonnet and it looks fantastic, and the rear seats may be just big enough to carry your children or grandchildren if they’re not too old or tall.
As a bonus, the Mustang is cheaper than those high-performance Germans.
Interested in buying a Ford Mustang? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Buy a Ford Mustang
James Wong: Mazda MX-5
I’m hoping my mid-life crisis is still some time away, but I feel like all I’d need is an MX-5.
For $50,000 you get immense driver engagement and open-air thrills in a simple, compact and approachable package.
It’s a car you can have fun with driving fast on a B-road, slow to the shops, and everywhere in between.
Plus, I’d then have $100,000 to play with for plenty of other festive celebratory moments, like a boys trip!
Interested in buying a Mazda MX-5? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Mazda MX-5
Jack Quick: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
My country boy heart wants to say my ideal mid-life crisis car is the full-fat Chevrolet Silverado HD, but unfortunately our $150k budget doesn’t stretch quite far enough for this beast of a vehicle.
Instead I’ll need to ‘settle’ for the regular Silverado 1500. I know… In particular, I’d go for the luxe LTZ trim instead of the ZR2 as I’m overly not interested in going bush-bashing in my outrageously large pickup.
I’m thankful the Silverado 1500 still packs a proper V8 engine under the bonnet. It also arguably makes a better sound than the Silverado HD’s torquier 6.6-litre V8 turbo-diesel.
You can absolutely eat up the kilometres in this kind of vehicle. The delicious leather-clad seats with heating and ventilation also ensure you’re in complete comfort.
Interested in buying a Chevrolet Silverado? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Chevrolet Silverado
Max Davies: Toyota Supra
Who would’ve guessed? I’ve always had a particular interest in Japanese cars, and the current Toyota Supra is one I could see myself stretching for if I was going through a mid-life crisis.
Call it what you will, but the Supra always appealed to me as a gorgeous car with a strong engine under the bonnet. It never bothered me that the latest generation is really a BMW either – partly because the coupe-only Supra looks great, but mostly because you can buy one with an old-fashioned manual transmission.
On performance and handling alone, the Supra is a stand-out, and while it may not have quite the same middle-aged appeal as a convertible Mustang, it offers plenty to keep you entertained.
All of the above would be good reasons to use it as an occasional track car too. The boy-racer Supra image and badge could even encourage you to belatedly pursue the racing career that never quite blossomed at a younger age. That’s how I’d justify it, anyway.
It’s unfriendly to stiff backs and much too impractical to be your standard daily driver. But it’ll certainly turn heads, which may be exactly what you’d be looking for if you’re middle-aged and divorced.
Interested in buying a Toyota Supra? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Toyota Supra
