NH and National Trends (Littleton: sales, house, buy)

[BF66389]

Since we've only been here about a year, I wanted some longer-time residents input on this. Saw this article today and it really disturbed me given how only a few months ago gas prices were so much higher:
Falling Gas Prices Jump-Start GM SUV Sales - Automotive News Story - WSOC Charlotte. So I have a question:

I noticed that compared to where I'm from; a lot more folks take a more "utilitarian" view of vehicles in NH (I see a lot more trucks/SUVs where they are needed...and a lot more cars where cars are more appropriate); has this been a fairly consistant trend? Obviously there will always be those who try to "keep up with the joneses"; but are NH residents generally fairly utilitarian minded?

[seamusnh]

It really depends on the trucks and SUVs models that you see. First of all, there are more here than in MA, for example, as we have more snow and a lot of people in NH get out and go skiing and other outdoor activities. Check the brands. The Subaru SUV we have is pretty utilitarian. Basic pickup trucks and SUVs as well. How may high end SUVs do you see - Lexus, Porsche Cayenne, Cadillac Escapade, etc...

[Valerie C]

I think so BF. New England has traditionally been the land of frugal Yankees, who make do with what they have, buy what they need, and let other areas of the country keep up with the latest trends. Although this is changing fairly rapidly, the further into NH you get, the smaller the number of those high-end SUV's you'll see. Instead many people will have open-bed trucks that they can use to haul wood, brush, debris to the dump, etc. With our unpredictable weather, long winter and muddy spring, there are many roads and driveways that REQUIRE a truck or 4WD of some sort.

Originally Posted by BF66389

Obviously there will always be those who try to "keep up with the joneses"; but are NH residents generally fairly utilitarian minded?

[BF66389]

Ok, in our short time here we figured/hoped that most residents owned them from a utility perspective (what we've seen) rather than a vanity one (what we saw where we used to live). It sounds like based on the input of longer-time residents- it is.

I think SUVs and Trucks are wonderful- but like any "tool" they have their proper application.

I enjoy living somewhere where items are recognized for what they are...its nice!

[DareToDream]

Up here in Littleton (we've been here a little over 2 years), we rarely see any of the "keeping up with the Joneses" in anything...vehicles, clothing, housing, hair styles, etc...it's pretty much whatever works best for the weather....vehicles that are "status vehicles" usually have out of state plates...we get a lot of tourists through during all the seasons.

One person we know ordered one of those little tiny hybrid cars (I can't for the life of me remember the name of it) - it only has two seats and is tiny. I'm not sure how well that car will do up here in the winter....I'm assuming he'll be using his truck in the winter and the "tiny car" in the nicer weather....I know I wouldn't want to be in one of those cars when the moose are out and about or the roads are snowy

[Valerie C]

People are usually surprised to see me pull up in my quad-cab Dodge Ram p/u truck. It comes in handy when I've got to take a shortcut on a Class 4 or 5 road

Originally Posted by BF66389

I think SUVs and Trucks are wonderful- but like any "tool" they have their proper application.

[GregW]

I have a Subaru wagon for travel in all conditions and a Buick Wagon for the commute to the park & ride. The Subie cost $5,000 six years ago and the Buick $2,500 about 8 years ago. The Subie is simply the best snow car I have ever had and the Buick is not too bad if you don't mind sideways a bit. If I ever move to New Mexico I'll get a used Chevy or Toyota pick up because I'll probably be building a house and need to haul stuff.

Buy what you need a cheaply as possible and let the luxury pass until you can pay cash.

[BF66389]

Originally Posted by GregW

Buy what you need a cheaply as possible and let the luxury pass until you can pay cash.

Pretty awesome advice...we'll do that next time around