Do Northern Virginians Define Themselves By Their Car? (Reston, Williamsburg: how much, to buy)

[normie]

Do Northern Virginians define themselves by their car?

If yes.... do you think it's on a level with southern California, Detroit, or other car crazy cities?

If not... what other shallow things do Northern Virginians use to define themselves?

Or... just for the fun of having three options.... do we actually define ourselves based on things like opinions, causes, artistic taste? And, if that's the case, do you think that's deeper than defining yoursef based on a car... or just as shallow?

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by normie

Do Northern Virginians define themselves by their car?

If yes.... do you think it's on a level with southern California, Detroit, or other car crazy cities?

If not... what other shallow things do Northern Virginians use to define themselves?

Or... just for the fun of having three options.... do we actually define ourselves based on things like opinions, causes, artistic taste? And, if that's the case, do you think that's deeper than defining yoursef based on a car... or just as shallow?

I do think Northern Virginians define themselves by their car.

I really don't but i'm similar to my 2001 Honda Accord in having having a few blemishes on the outside and sorta messy but will get the task done.

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by Alanboy395

I really don't but i'm similar to my 2001 Honda Accord in having having a few blemishes on the outside and sorta messy but will get the task done.

LOL, I like this answer!

But as far as the OP's question, I'd have to say no. You can drive just about anything you want and nobody cares. If you really want to impress people around here, you want to brag about how many security clearances you have.

And extra points if you do it coyly. As in "Oh, I'd love to tell you how many clearances I have but I'm at a level where I'm really not allowed to talk about it."

[Caladium]

Oh, and there's the reverse brag, too -- having no security clearances. As in "Government work? Oh, everybody does that. I like working in the private sector, where you don't have to put up with getting a bunch of (sneer) clearances."

[Turbogyrl]

Cars? For sure. Very important here. I disagree with Caladium, lots of people do notice what you drive. Oh, and FYI... those clearances are quite handy in the private sector too. I know people who get new cars every 2-3 years. A new BMW or a new Acura, or Infiniti, just to "try one out."
Me? Notice my screen name? I am a car lover but not to impress anyone. For myself :-)

Based upon the time I have spent in California, and from what one of my best college friends tells me (she lives in OC) -- its about even.

[LynchburgLover]

In Washington, you are where you live.

[Neutral]

Originally Posted by Turbogyrl

Cars? For sure. Very important here. I disagree with Caladium, lots of people do notice what you drive.

I hope you are being sarcastic.

[normie]

Originally Posted by Alanboy395

I really don't but i'm similar to my 2001 Honda Accord in having having a few blemishes on the outside and sorta messy but will get the task done.

Hahaha I'm a lot like my car, too. My car is old, but still pretty cute. It's a Prius, which means your first impression might be it doesn't have much pep. But even though it's no muscle car, it was able to lug two large stone lions that I bought in Williamsburg.

That's more or less me--not much pep, not exactly impressive at first sight, but in a pinch I can handle more than you think.

[leighland]

Originally Posted by normie

Do Northern Virginians define themselves by their car?

If yes.... do you think it's on a level with southern California, Detroit, or other car crazy cities?

If not... what other shallow things do Northern Virginians use to define themselves?

Or... just for the fun of having three options.... do we actually define ourselves based on things like opinions, causes, artistic taste? And, if that's the case, do you think that's deeper than defining yoursef based on a car... or just as shallow?

No- I think (white/middle-upper class) NoVa's define themselves by the degrees they have, what level of managership or executive they currently hold and how much political power they influence. I think the typical Nova wants to be known as having their JD from Penn, their MBA from Thunderbird , holds a VP title at work and has lunch with Senator once or twice a year. I think Nova's like preppy suits and ties (or heels) to wear to work that are somewhat conservative. I have not seen Bentleys; Lamberghinis: ferraris. etc.. as I have see in LA, Chicago and even the Main Line outside of Philly.

Maybe this is not true in Reston or other exurb areas of FFX County but it certainly is inside the beltway and the closer you get to DC.

Of course, I doubt any of this holds true for the many Asian, Arab, Hispanic and African immigrants here who have arrived only in the past 15 years. And since they will be the majority in the county soon, all this speculation will be nil.

And FYI- My family had one car in San Diego, it was a sedan. The odd thing about SoCal car culture is how one person collects 1-3 cars, all older, just in case one doesn't work.

[car54]

When someone passes me (in my old Corolla) in some fancy car....all I think is, mmmm, must have a high FICO score. That's really all it takes, and I'm not impressed. To tie up lots of money on a rapidly depreciating asset is stupid IMO.

What impresses me are gorgeous street rods that were hand built by their owners or a really nice classic car...vehicles that you can't just walk in, sign on the dotted line and drive out in...anybody can do that.

I will admit to feeling some pride when complimented on my '67 Corvette coupe....by folks that appreciate classic Vettes and know what they are looking at. It has some very rare options like the 427/435 hp motor w/three deuces, factory air, and sidepipes. I inherited the car from my father who bought it new. It only has 21000 original miles and has only been rained on three times in 42 years...I only drive it about 500 miles a year (scared!), mostly to car shows. The rest of the time she lives in her climate contolled garage that was built specially for her. I've had offers north of $100K for her....no way I'd sell dad's car!

That's what impresses me automotively....a car that would take a national search to find....and a pile of cold hard CASH to buy!