re: Irrational wisdom of buying a sports car - anyone else get one?

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OP: I’m looking at light weight, tossable roadsters with a focus on driving experience and not really concerned with practicality or creature comforts.

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Lol, fair enough.

I would definitely buy used, so you could theoretically get the majority of your money back if you decide to sell later. You're probably not going to put a ton of miles on something like this. Obviously, don't take out a loan to buy a toy like this.

Also, only get something super nice if you have a garage or somewhere to keep it looking good and the wildlife out.

And if you just want a simple sports convertible, don't underestimate some older American made cars. They'll be much cheaper to purchase and maintain. A 2012 Camaro isn't super cool to me personally, but it'd get the job done. An 80's TransAm could be fun.

Or buy an old Crown Vic and cut the roof off

May 25, 2026
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I’m 63 and recreated my car from High School. You’ll regret not doing it more than if you do.

Look at C5 or C6 Corvettes

Hell yeah brother do it

My 75 year old sister has a Z. She loves it (or did until a tree fell on it).

If you can afford it, then do it

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Just buy a Tesla. It'd be just as powerful and 10 times more comfortable.

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You obviously don't grasp the idea of a sports car. It's not necessarily about power, and certainly not about comfort. It is about the joy of actually driving yourself, stick shift and all, top down, wind in the hair, feeling like you are driving in the Monaco GP even when you are only going 40 mph.
I've had an Austin Healey Bug-Eye Sprite since 1969 and still get a thrill everytime I take it out. The top has not been up on it for 30+ years. The wife (no pics, we are 81 years old) says she will bury me in it.

Yes, you should definitely do this, especially if your wife is even remotely on board and will enjoy it with you! Are you dead set on buying new or would you consider a nice used one?

I want a V12 car before I die or the govt decides I can't have one anymore. It won't ever make smart money sense, but you can't take it with you. I had a heart issue 4 years ago and something like that will definitely inspire you to try to wring as much living out ot the time left to you as possible!

IMO, used is really the way to go in your situation. If you are happy with something like a Miata or Boxster it's not going to break the bank, and if you buy a nice one, take care of it for a decade you'll be able to turn it into something else without losing your shirt. They have already done the majority of their depreciation and with BAT/Cars&Bids/Hemmings etc its 100% easier to sell to another would-be enthusiast.

If it was me I'd also consider BMW Z3/Z4, MB SLK, Lotus Elan, Honda S2000, Nissan 370Z, Audi TT. Whatever really speaks to you aesthetically. This is supposed to be fun.

Good luck and let us know what you end up with.

Absolutely do it.

I bought a used BMW convertible at age 50, thought I'd keep it for a year or two and be tired of it. I'm in year 7 now, can't give it up. Most fun I've had driving a vehicle. Is it practical? Not at all. Do I care? Nope.

Do it.