I’m debating about getting a hatchback, either the Mazda3 5-door, Mazda6 5-door, or even the Dodge Caliber, as one of my future vehicles. However, I’m concerned that, being in my late thirties, that I’m too old to own such a “youth oriented” vehicle.

I partially blame my spouse for this conundrum, who once asked what do I want to be seen in when I’m in my thirties, forties, and later. We keep our cars until they drop dead; with cars lasting longer each generation, that can be a long time.

I drove a now-defunct Mitsubishi Mighty Max during college. It was my first long-term vehicle. Later I bought my first new one, a Dodge Neon (”Hi”). I was in my twenties, just out of college, so the vehicle was appropriate. I kept that car until late 2004.

I now drive a Mazda 626. A bit conservative for my taste but fits the image for a thirty-plus year old guy. I can go to work in jeans and a T-shirt or a swank party in a tux in the car and no one will bat an eye.

But what about hatchbacks? They’ve never done well in the U.S. for reasons that escape me. They’re practical in holding cargo yet fuel and space efficient that SUVs can’t match. I liken them to small station wagons. They’re normally associated, though, with the youthful segment, not the wealthy.

Have I finally succumbed to marketing? There’s definitely no peer pressure to own a BMW or Mercedes-Benz or Lexus among my peer group. My feelings are mine alone.

Am I–gasp!–finally hitting a mid-life crisis? I still feel like that seventeen year old inside but know the world too much to show those feelings. That’s why I have those $200-$300 suits.

I think it boils down to realization on how one’s appearance affects people around me. I know younger folks react to me like one of their peers partially because of dress and partially because of interest. But I also circulate among physicians, lawyers, and VP’s, where a Camry belongs to the admin assistant and many have never heard of an Impala.

The issue’s not pressing since I’m not in the market at the moment. And the issue may ultimately be taken from me. My spouse is putting major miles on our Accord hybrid and we are considering buying the Camry hybrid to replace it after paying the Accord off next year. To minimize payments, I could take the Accord which will last much longer since I drive far less miles. And I like the vehicle. But still….