Famous and Exotic Cars Will Be Showcased at Charity Event in Florida Next Month

In a few weeks, celebrities and car enthusiasts will gather in Celebration, Florida, for the Ninth Annual Celebration Exotic Car Festival, which will run from April 12 to 15. The event will feature a number of exotic cars, as well as many cars and trucks made famous on the silver screen.

The first two days of the charity gala will be filled with racing and other exciting events right on the Daytona International Speedway, including an owner-driven Ferrari race. On the 14th, guests can check out more than 250 exotic and Hollywood cars displayed on the lakefront. Lamborghini, McClaren, Bugatti, Lotus and other high-end cars will be side-by-side with some of the most famous vehicles from TV and movie history.

The 1990s comedy hit Dumb and Dumber featured a fancy Lamborghini, but the "Mutts Cutts" van decked out to look like a giant pooch was the real iconic ride from the film. Both vehicles will be on display this April. One of the many DeLorean DMC-12 vehicles from the Back to the Future series will also be on hand, along with the Batmobile, the Star Wars Landspeeder, the Flintstones car and even Herbie the LoveBug.

While exotic cars may make your mouth water, you may not be able to afford one. Most of these vehicles have starting prices well above $50,000. However, you can still drive in style without breaking the bank. Plenty of used luxury vehicles are affordable, and you can explore your options at the New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models, you'll be sure to find the car of your dreams at NJ Auto.

Mystery Driver in Batman Suit Revealed

The internet was abuzz recently over the strange image of a man dressed in a Batman costume being pulled over by the police. While rumors flew about what the motorist was doing dressed like the Caped Crusader behind the wheel of a black Lamborghini, the mystery is over. According to The Washington Post, his secret identity is actually a Baltimore County businessman named Lenny B. Robinson, who dresses as Batman to visit sick children.

The heartwarming story adds a positive spin on what was a bizarre photo opportunity. The 48-year-old Robinson, who has been immensely successful, uses his wealth (and his Batman obsession) for the greater good, and often travels to hospitals not only meet with kids battling cancer and other diseases, but also to hand out Batman paraphernalia. Though he's not fighting crime like his idol, he still feels the need to do his job.

"It feels like I have a responsibility that’s beyond a normal person," he told the newspaper. "And that responsibility is to be there for the kids, to be strong for them, and to make them smile as much as I can."

Although he already drives an impressive ride (his Lamborghini is peppered with Batman logos), Robinson has some bigger plans in the works. Specifically, he is having a Batmobile custom built to resemble the one used in the movies, but it won't come cheap. The ride will cost him about $250,000.

Not everyone can cruise around town in a Batmobile or Lamborghini, but that doesn't mean you can't hit the road in style. New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of cars to choose from, so you'll be sure to find the right make and model for you.

Paced by Auto Sales, Consumer Spending Up

The economy has been well on its way to recovery over the last several months, and nothing is more indicative of this than recent findings on consumers spending. The Commerce Department found spending rose 0.8 percent in February, with much of the rise thanks in large part to auto sales, Reuters reports.

The report is yet another reason to feel optimistic given that spending rose a bit more than economists had predicted. Before February, most had anticipated about a 0.6 percent gain, and although it is not that much higher than the forecast, it is still an encouraging sign and the biggest increase since September.

Perhaps the most quickly-rising segment of consumer spending is auto sales. In particular, analysts found that car purchases in February rose 10 percent compared to the same month in 2011, and Edmunds.com suspects the trend will continue into March. According to The Wall Street Journal, the website believes that auto sales will grow 17 percent compared to March 2011.

."Vehicle trade-in rates have achieved sustained highs in recent months, which suggests that consumers have decided that they've held onto their cars for too long," Edmunds analyst Jessica Caldwell told the newspaper.

Anybody looking to contribute to the growing trend may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. In addition to offering consumers a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, NJ Auto is also an Autotrader.com Trade In Marketplace Dealership, so it can be easy to take advantage of the high trade-in values. Additionally, you can get a quick appraisal of your vehicle to speed up the process.

Honda Issues Recalls for CR-V, Pilot

Honda's two SUVs, the CR-V and the Pilot, are some of the most popular on the road, but the company recently issued a substantial recall. Honda says that about 550,000 of the vehicles could be susceptible to a problem that causes them to lose low beam headlights.

The recall impacts CR-Vs from model years 2002 through 2004 and Pilots from 2003. Experts say the problem is likely caused by a wiring issue that results in the lights shutting off, which could certainly result in some problems for nighttime driving. Despite the concern, Honda officials say they have not received word of any accident caused by the issue

The recall could impact many people who have bought used Hondas over the the last decade, as the brand is one of the most popular for pre-owned vehicles. Still, while it's a large number, it pales in comparison to the recent recall issued by German luxury brand BMW. The automaker recalled 1.3 million cars, with about 367,000 of them in the United States, for an electrical problem in the trunk that could result in a fire. Much like Honda's recall, there have not been any significant issues reported.

"We've got one known case of actual fire here in the U.S., having sold 367,000 cars," BMW spokesman David Buchko told The Associated Press recently.

Along with paying attention to recall notices issued by automakers, drivers should stay on top of maintenance themselves. New Jersey State Auto Auction makes that easy thanks to its convenient Total Car Care center. Located in Jersey City and open to the public, its knowledgeable staff can provide everything from repairs to general upkeep.

Difference Between Sexes Apparent in Car Selection

When shopping for a car, men look for different qualities than women. In fact, a recent LeaseTrader.com survey indicates women are more thorough in their research when purchasing cars than men.

"Our data specifically says that women not only have a larger interest in cars overall, but women today are taking a more active role in the negotiating process of a vehicle and in the car-shopping process in general," John Sternal of LeaseTrader told National Public Radio.

They also tend to choose different vehicles, and Inside Line looked at Polk data to determine the top 10 cars women buy more than men. Roughly 57.9 percent of Volvo S40 drivers are women, making it the most popular car for the female population. The Nissan Rogue came in second, with 56.9 percent of its buyers being female.

Rounding out the top five were the Volkswagen Eos, Beetle and Toyota Matrix. The Beetle only had 54.6 percent of female buyers, even though the car is often associated with ladies because of its "cute" design. However, the 2012 and 2013 models have been revamped to look tougher and appeal to more drivers, which is why Inside Line believes the Beetle isn't higher on the list.

The Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4 also made the top 10. Tow vehicles tied for ninth place – the Nissan Juke and the Jeep Compass. Roughly 52.7 percent of buyers of each these cars were female.

Ladies who want to find the perfect ride, whether or not their car of choice falls on this list, should head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction. NJ Auto has a huge selection of different makes and models to choose from, so every driver will be able to find the perfect vehicle to suit their needs.

Cadillac Introduces Improved Safety Features

Safety technology is one of the fastest-changing segments of the automotive industry, and Cadillac is the latest brand to introduce new technology to its vehicles. The American luxury brand recently announced the addition of numerous sensors and cameras to improve visibility and safety in its 2013 lineup.

"New technology in the XTS and ATS is intended to extend the vision around the car to help drivers identify obstacles," said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac Marketing. "When necessary, the vehicle may take action to help them avoid a collision. Cadillac expands its lineup dramatically in 2013, and these technologies are an important component."

Safety seat alerts use subtlety in the form of vibrating seats to alert drivers when potential crash situations may be ahead or behind them. This technology is a variation of collision alert systems found in many other vehicles. Some drivers may not like the idea of a flashing light or a beeping alarm that could frighten them when they're behind the wheel.

Cameras, radars and other sensors will also be installed in new ATS and XTS models to assist with collision, lane departure and blind spot warnings. The new vehicles will also have automatic braking, adaptive cruise control and forward lighting to improve visibility at night.

While the new technology may not be available on older vehicles, drivers can take steps to improve the safety of their current vehicles . Regular maintenance can catch mechanical problems early so drivers don't find themselves stranded on the side of the road. The knowledgeable staff at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center in Jersey City will be able to perform routine tuneups and repairs to keep vehicles running smoothly and safely.

Spring Maintenance Tips

As the weather starts to warm up, many motorists are getting ready to hit the road. It's not uncommon for drivers to be more active in the spring and summer than they were in the winter, so it's imperative to ensure that your car is in excellent shape. There are a number of maintenance issues you should get checked out to prepare for the spring season.

Having brakes that are in working order is imperative any time of year, but if you're gearing up for a few months of road trips and vacations, it's even more crucial. It will be a smart idea to have a mechanic look at brake pads, rotors, calipers and other hardware to ensure you won't hit any snags in the near future.

Along with brakes, you should make sure to check the oil now that spring has arrived. In particular, warm weather can take a toll on motor oil, and you should be cognizant of both the level of oil and how clean it is, especially with the summer months fast approaching.

One component that could go overlooked is lighting – headlamps, tail lights and turn signals. It can be easy to miss, but if they are not in working order, this could make it more difficult to drive at night or in foggy conditions.

"Now is the time for motorists to ensure that their vehicles are in shape for summer driving," said industry insider Jim Sassorossi. "The safety, performance and life of a vehicle hinges on preventive maintenance."

New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center can take care of all your preventative maintenance needs so you can be out on the road as soon as possible.

Car Loan Payments Consumers’ Top Priority

Results of a recent study show how important making car payments is to American consumers. Research from TransUnion found that people are paying off their auto loans before other expenses, including mortgages and credit card bills, The Associated Press reports.

The credit information company looked at how roughly 4 million Americans paid off their debts. To be included in the analysis, the subjects had to have at least one car loan, one credit card, and a mortgage. TransUnion discovered that the auto loan took priority above all else. Only around 10 percent of people were late on car loan payments, while 39 percent were late on mortgage payments. Additionally, 17 percent were late on credit cards.

The findings are a bit different from when the company looked at similar figures in 2006. Back then, analysts found that staying current on a mortgage was the most important thing, while car loan payments were toward the bottom. Some believe that the shift has to do with how important it is to have a car.

"I can work with the credit card companies. They won't shut off or take away anything," Maryland residnet Matt Saxton told the AP. "I won't have the ability to get to work or even get another car if they repossess this one."

Anybody having trouble getting a loan because they may have a bad credit history will not have an issue being approved at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Thanks to a partnership with the Credit Acceptance Corporation, NJ Auto can guarantee approval, and you'll be on your way to rebuilding your credit score.

Performance Ford Explorer to be Released This Year

The Ford Explorer has been a popular SUV for nearly 20 years thanks in large part to its family-friendly appeal and ability to hold plenty of passengers and cargo. However, the company is getting ready to add a dynamic new element to the Explorer lineup, a so-called "performance version," Ford announced recently.

The re-tooled SUV will be made available to consumers later this year and will not only get better mileage than previous models, but it will also feature a turbocharged V-6 engine that provides around 350 horsepower. According to the manufacturer, it will get around 22 miles per gallon on the highway, which is about three miles more than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango, two of the Explorer's biggest competitors.

"By carefully beefing the chassis and suspension, precisely calibrating the Terrain Management System and adding comfort and convenience features, we’ve delivered an SUV that delivers great dynamics and performance – while towing up to 5,000 pounds," said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager at Ford.

Although the updated Explorer will feature improved performance it will also look a bit sleeker. The exterior, for instance, will be highlighted by a special grille. Inside, the Explorer will feature leather trimmed seating, with a similar style available for the steering wheel.

Though it may be some time until the updated Explorer is available as a used model, there are still plenty other pre-owned versions of the popular SUV available to the public that are just as appealing. To find out which vehicle is best for you, head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, you're sure to locate a used Ford Explorer that fits your needs.

Buying a Used Car? Here’s a Few Tips

Purchasing a used car is a big decision. However, there are a wide variety of makes and models to choose from, so it can sometimes seem like a hard one to make. Luckily, there are a few time-tested guidelines that can help make the process a little bit easier, and AAA recently released what it thinks some of the best are.

"There are numerous factors to consider, many of which take place long before a buyer ever hits a car lot,"  said John Nielsen, AAA's Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair.

The most important thing to think about when shopping for a used car is your price range. Of course, what is and is not affordable varies from person to person, but most experts recommend that no more than 15 to 20 percent of a person's monthly budget should go toward car expenses. 

While your financial situation is something that should weigh heavily in your decision, how you drive and what you're going to use the car for should also come into play. If you need to make frequent long drives, a smaller, more fuel-efficient car is a good option. However, if you need to shuttle kids to and from school, one with a lot of seating and cargo space is the right pick.

You can't ignore auto financing either. You should do some research on loans beforehand and come equipped with the knowledge on things such as interest rates and the length of the loan.

All these aspects of car buying can easily be taken care of at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Along with plenty of quality used cars, NJ Auto also provides guaranteed credit approval thanks to a partnership with the Credit Acceptance Corporation.