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Buying a pre-owned car in New Hampshire can be a unique and sometimes challenging experience. New Hampshire’s used car market is shaped by the state's specific environmental, economic and regulatory conditions. From harsh weather conditions to a competitive used car market and high insurance rates, there are several hurdles that can complicate the car-buying process.
New Hampshire is no stranger to extreme weather particularly during the winter months. According to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT), the state averages over 60 inches of snowfall annually with some areas receiving over 100 inches. This severe weather can cause significant damage to vehicles, including rust, corrosion and mechanical issues. Some New Hampshire’s vehicles may be structurally compromised due to excessive undercarriage rust and corrosion. The main determining factor of the vehicles structural and cosmetic condition will depend on whether it was parked outside during harsh winter conditions and if it had aftermarket undercoating installed. Additionally, some makes and models of cars may be more predisposed to rusting on various structural components.
Another vital thing to keep in mind is the fact that New Hampshire is a predominantly rural state with many areas far from major cities. The New Hampshire Department of Economic Development notes that over 60% of the state's population lives in rural or semi-rural areas. This can add additional stresses on a vehicle driving on less than ideal road surfaces and accelerated corrosion due to the use of harsh salts and road cleaning chemicals that are known to eat away at car finishes and accelerate corrosion. It may also make it challenging to find a wide selection of used cars, especially in smaller towns where there may be only a handful of dealerships or private sellers. The limited options can lead to higher prices and fewer choices. According to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, the price of used cars in rural areas can be 15% higher than in urban areas due to limited competition and higher transportation costs.
Further compounding the task of finding a well-maintained used vehicle in the state of New Hampshire is the state’s higher poverty rate and higher crime rate. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate in some parts of New Hampshire is 12%, which is 2% higher than the national average. Economic hardship can lead to poorly maintained vehicles being sold on the used car market, as owners may not have the resources to keep their cars in good condition and perform regular manufacturer recommended services and proper repairs.
New Hampshire’s above average property crime rates add another hurtle to the used car buying process in the state. According to the New Hampshire State Police, the state's vehicle theft rate is 15% higher than the national average. This means that there is a greater risk of buying a car that has been stolen or involved in criminal activities, which can lead to legal complications and financial losses.
Understand the unique challenges plaguing New Hampshire’s used car market is just a small part of the smart used car buying process. There are additional steps that must be taken to ensure a smooth, transparent and safe car buying experience. The first step should always be to investigate the vehicle’s history. Keep in mind the vehicle’s history can greatly affect its value, safety and long-term reliability. A vehicle history report in New Hampshire can provide insight into various events in the cars past such as:
While a vehicle history report in New Hampshire may not give you an accurate representation of the vehicle’s current condition, it may be able to provide valuable insight into the vehicle’s past helping you better assess it overall value and desirability.
Another valuable tool in the used car buyer’s toolbox is a professional pre-purchase inspection. There is no substitute to an in-person vehicle inspection conducted by a trusted local mechanic. This inspection may aid in getting a full picture of the vehicle’s current condition and help anticipate and budget for upcoming repairs like tire and brake replacement. The reason why there is no substitute for this type of inspection is because it may identify things never reported to any insurance company or data reporting agencies. This type of inspection may identify various hidden issues such as excessive corrosion, structural damage from previous collision or excessive rust, electrical faults, hidden auto body repair and more.
By doing some due diligence, composing a list of possible purchase candidates, determining the car’s fair value by researching the vehicle’s individual histories and having them inspected prior to purchase you are able to greatly reduce some of the risks that come with buying a preowned vehicle in the state of New Hampshire. Additionally, having a clear idea of the car’s history and current condition can provide you some leverage during bargaining and provide some solace knowing that you have made an informed purchasing decision.
Growing Population
with over 1 million people currently living in NH
1 million+
registered vehicle in NH
1 in 5 cars for sale in NH
has had a previous accident
1 million+
vehicles sold in NH annually
Conducting a simple VIN check before purchasing a vehicle is a crucial move that may help you avoid potential problems and future expenses. Taking this step may give you the opportunity to:
In today's market, transparency is everything. By checking the VIN, you equip yourself with the knowledge to make an informed choice, safeguarding your investment and ensuring you drive away with confidence.
