At the age of forty, am I really in trouble for being captivated by muscle cars? Haha!

I don't know if I'm crazy or not, but it seems like my perspective on cars has really changed lately.

When I first came to America, I was really focused on fuel efficiency, reliability, and ease of parking.

It's often said that women prioritize practicality when looking at cars. I thought that was the right approach too.

I worried about regretting my choice later due to maintenance costs.

But at some point, a feeling began to bloom in my mind that couldn't be explained by mere calculations.

It's that dream of wanting to own a car that I truly want to drive at least once in my life. For me, that dream is a muscle car.

Honestly, I used to think of muscle cars as just 'toys for men.' They were big, loud, and guzzled gas...

It honestly seemed excessive to me. But the moment I saw a red Mustang convertible with a woman in a scarf and sunglasses smoothly pass by me, my perspective completely changed.

There was a unique sound and atmosphere that muscle cars exude. The low silhouette and the long front end.

Even the deep, rumbling engine sound that resonates in your heart. Just passing by, it had an undeniable presence.

At that moment, I thought, "Ah, this could definitely be a life dream," and I nodded in agreement.

Since then, I've secretly started looking into them.

The Mustang has that iconic American style, while the Challenger has a more robust yet classic charm.

The Camaro is so sleek and aggressive... It's really hard to pick just one since they all have such different personalities.

But surprisingly, the process of pondering over this is quite enjoyable, you know?

It's not just about choosing a car; it feels like choosing the image of the life I want to pursue.

Of course, I know that a muscle car isn't an easy choice in reality.

Right from the gas prices, I need to prepare myself mentally, and the insurance and maintenance costs would be much more burdensome than a sedan.

Austin is great for driving, but the ride comfort might not be that comfortable, so it could be inconvenient for everyday errands.

Still, the reason I keep being drawn to them is that muscle cars offer a 'feeling' that goes beyond practicality.

The excitement felt when starting the engine in the morning, the desire to take a longer route for no reason, the time spent enjoying a solo drive with my favorite music blasting... all those emotions are wrapped up in it.

Some express their tastes through luxury bags or watches, but for me, that medium seems to be this wonderful car.

And when I see women driving muscle cars on the road, I feel a strangely similar vibe.

It's not just a feeling of 'looking tough,' but a strength that shows they aren't swayed by others' opinions or established standards.

It's a coolness that lightly dismisses the prejudice of "women should drive this kind of car."

It feels great to see that they chose it solely because they like it, not to show off to others.

Interestingly, those women tend to drive much more calmly and gracefully than you'd expect.

In the end, liking muscle cars seems to mean having a clear taste. People who know what they truly want rather than being swept up in trends.

Even if it's not an easy or comfortable path, it feels like the car aligns perfectly with my desire to confidently walk the path I've chosen.

But... the more I think about it, honestly, I don't think I can end up buying a muscle car.

Considering gas prices, insurance, and maintenance costs, it's hard to make a choice that isn't practical when I could just go for a comfortable Honda Civic. My heart keeps being drawn to them, but when I crunch the numbers, the answer doesn't add up.

I'm thinking of renting one later for about 2-3 days to really experience it. Just to enjoy a drive away from everyday life.

That should be enough to experience the muscle car vibe without worrying about maintenance costs. Maybe after trying it, I'll feel more attached, or on the other hand, think, "This is enough." Either way, right now, this seems like the most realistic choice for me.