CARS that are commonly associated with midlife crisis have been revealed – and the list might give away the real age of millions.
Buying a sports automobile, particularly a convertible, is considered a classic indicator of a midlife crisis.
GettyBuying a sport car in your 50s is often seen as a sign of midlife crisis[/caption]
These are the top-5 models associated with midlife crisis purchase
AlamyTwo Porsche models have come out at the top of the survey with 911 in the lead[/caption]
But some models are seen as a flashing sign of someone masking their real age.
A new study has surveyed 2,000 motorists on which cars stand out more than others as a midlife crisis purchase.
The poll found that a third of Brits knew someone over the age of 50 with a sporty car in a vain attempt to reclaim youth.
And it is bad news for Porsche owners over 50 – with two models coming up at the top.
Splashing on an expensive vehicle is a no-brainer when the mortgage is paid off, a pension pot is full and the nest is empty – but some cars can scream desperate midlife crisis purchase.
The Porsche 911 came at the top of the answers with 39 per cent of respondents claiming this is the model that is driven by someone going through a midlife crisis.
The second most-common answer was also Porsche but a cheaper model often bought by those with tighter budgets.
Over a third (34%) of drivers believed that Porsche Boxster was the car that people in their 50s buy to feel younger.
The Boxster’s affordable price tag of £5,000 could be the reason why it is a popular choice for those entering their middle years.
It is followed by an Aston Martin Vantage with 26 per cent of licence holders saying it gives away the owners’ age.
Jaguar F-Type also made it to the top of the list with 23 per cent of people claiming they know someone who bought it to conceal their age.
And Audi TT closed off the top-5 with 22 per cent of the panel pointing it out as a midlife crisis indicator.
Full list of the midlife crisis cars
Here are all the cars which the poll participants named as the indicator of a midlife crisis.
Ford Mustang – 21%
BMW Z4- 20%
Mercedes Benz SL – 17%
Audi R8 – 16%
Alfa Romeo Spider – 14%
Lotus Evora – 14%
Chevrolet Corvette – 11%
Range Rover Evoque – 10%
Subaru BRZ – 10%
Dodge Challenger – 9%
Land Rover Defender – 9%
Mazda MX5 – 8%
VW Golf GTI – 8%
Toyota Supra – 8%
Ford Focus RS – 8%
Regarding the reasons Brits wish they had a flash motor later in life, half (52%) say it’s to feel young again, and a quarter (26%) say it’s to seem more appealing to possible companions.
According to the survey, nearly two out of every five respondents (38%) think that owning one of these fast automobiles conveys a sense of accomplishment in life.
The study – done on behalf of auto insurance company GoShorty – revealed that men are much more inclined to splurge on a sports car as they approach their fifties.
Compared to just five per cent of the women, a whopping 73 per cent of men agreed they would buy a flashy car.
Andy Moody, founder of GoShorty told DailyMail: “Our report showed men over 50 seem to be sticking to the stereotype, with a desire to put flash ahead of sensible cash.
“It’s a case of Instagram versus reality, but in real life, with cars being chosen for their appeal rather than functionality.”
But don’t fret if your car is on the list – 94 per cent of people said they wouldn’t judge someone for buying the car of their dreams.
And the majority (68%) of surveyed individuals think that the society is too quick to judge someone based on their car.
In fact, over 30 per cent agreed that having an expensive vehicle would make them happier when they’re older.
AlamyPorsche Boxster is second-most popular model among middle-aged drivers[/caption]