BMW Mimics Apple to Help Customers Understand Technology

With a constant flow of new technology emerging on the market, it can be challenging to keep up with everything, especially when it comes to automotive advancements. That is why BMW will soon be offering a new service to help drivers get a better grasp on their options. The program, known as "BMW Genius Everywhere," is modeled after the Genius Bar featured in Apple stores where customers can go to learn how to use their iPhones, iPads and other devices. According to Advertisement Age, the BMW Geniuses will even use iPads to help showcase the technology and features of the German automaker's lineup.

BMW first launched the program in the U.K., and upon seeing successful results, made plans to expand the service to Europe and the U.S. by early 2014. BMW Geniuses will not be responsible for selling cars or convincing shoppers to buy, according to AutoBlog. They will simply be on hand to help customers learn more about features and options that come with the various BMW cars and SUVs.

The BMW Genius Everywhere is expected to launch around the same time as the automaker debuts the hotly anticipated electric i3, Cars.com reports.

The German automaker is not the first brand to offer such services, as Cadillac and Lexus have similar programs, and Ford helps customers learn more about its products with the help of the MyFord Touch systems.

Car shoppers may be able to utilize these services to learn more about companies and the latest technologies, even if they are planning to buy used cars. Once they have conducted their research and are ready to begin test driving models, they can head to NJ State Auto Auction to check out the wide selection of makes and models.

Massive BMW Recall Affects More Than 500,000 Vehicles in US

Luxury automaker BMW recently announced a recall on a number of its models for an issue that could cause them to stall. According to USA Today, the recall affects 570,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada – roughly 505,000 of which are located in the States. The 3-Series sedans, wagons, convertibles and coupes from the 2007 through 2011 model years make up the majority of the affected vehicles (about 297,000 units), but the recall also includes 1-Series coupes and convertibles made between 2008 and 2012 as well as Z4 models made between 2009 and 2011.

According to the manufacturer's notification to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the power supply system in the affected vehicles relies on a positive battery cable that runs from the trunk to the fuse box. This setup is susceptible to early wear that degrades the tin-coated connectors, which could break the electrical connection and make it impossible to start the vehicle. Car owners may notice their instrument cluster displays flickering, and in some cases, the issue could lead to a breakdown while a vehicle is in use.

BMW reported there has been one known accident that occurred due to this issue in Canada, but no injuries resulted from the crash. Beginning in March, the automaker will begin contacting owners of affected models and replacing the connector cord free of charge.

Those interested in purchasing a used BMW should be sure the recall has been addressed before they buy. The same goes for all used cars, and shoppers can research recalls on the models they want before visiting dealerships. New Jersey State Auto Auction also provides CARFAX vehicle history reports with every model on the lot, which will include repair information so drivers will be able to know if recalls have been handled before they get behind the wheel.

Plenty of Newer Used Cars Offer Fun Features and Savings

It seems as though there are more and more technological advancements in the automotive industry every day, but used car shoppers don't have to miss out on the latest features. According to Kelley Blue Book, a number of models have been overhauled in recent years, giving buyers more options to choose from in both the new and used markets.

"Since the 2011 model year, nearly every vehicle in each major selling category has undergone a significant redesign that has upped expectations of consumers by a sizeable margin," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for KBB. "Shoppers considering one of the latest and greatest can count on significant improvements in fuel economy, performance, build quality, amenities and style from the generation being replaced, and all for only a modest bump in its manufacturer's suggested retail price."

While KBB may have been looking at 2013 models, the same applies to slightly older vehicles. Drivers hoping to find 1- to 3-year old previously owned cars can check out models like the 2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS, which was priced at $19,475 when new. Newsday.com named this car one of the best for under $20,000 that year. Now, car shoppers may be able to find these vehicles for under $15,000 at dealerships like New Jersey State Auto Auction.

There are many different models that were affordable when they first rolled off the production line in 2011, making them easier on the wallet now. CNET points to vehicles like the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent and Scion iQ as models that offer technological features and fuel economy without breaking the budget. 

Vehicle shoppers can check out their options at NJ Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of makes and models. The dealership also offers full vehicle history reports from CARFAX, so drivers know they're getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride with whatever they choose. 

Cars Will Cost More to Meet Fuel Economy Standards

Due to the latest fuel economy requirements, new cars could begin to cost more for the consumer in coming years, which could translate to higher price tags on used models as well.

Last year, the government set the next deadline for Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards, requiring all automakers to have a fleetwide fuel economy of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. In order to meet CAFE standards, car companies will need to find ways to make their vehicles more fuel efficient, which may lead many to explore hybrid, electric and diesel technologies. The other option is to improve the design of gas-powered models, which can include reducing a vehicle’s weight as well as making its engine run more efficiently. Implementing these changes will cost the manufacturers more money, and the expense will inevitably be passed on to the consumer. An engineer from the Environmental Protection Agency told USA Today that by 2025, the average cost of a new car will be about $2,600 more than new vehicles in 2011.

For the most part, experts believe fleets will still consist of mostly gasoline-powered models, as it is easier to add turbochargers, direct-injection and continuously variable transmissions to combustion engines than to develop alternative technologies. While it is within reach to meet these high standards and reduce dependency on gasoline by 2025, this does not mean the average vehicle will have a 54.5 mpg fuel economy. Rather, the news source indicates midsize sedans would likely have an average 40-mpg fuel economy.

So what does this mean for those looking to buy used cars? Drivers will have more access to used fuel-efficient models, but the increased costs for new vehicles will likely lead to higher resale values. This doesn’t mean there won’t still be affordable options, but car shoppers may have to do more research to find the best deal.

Those looking for used cars that can help them save at the pump can head to NJ State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of makes and models.

KBB Finds Newer Used Cars Not Much Cheaper Than Brand New Models

Across the board, the average cost of used cars has ebbed in recent months, but compact, fuel efficient models are still in high demand. A recent report by Kelley Blue Book found that there is a negligible different between buying a new compact car and a vehicle that is about 1 year old. The average price difference between a new 2013 model and a used vehicle from 2012 is about $2,500, which works out to around $30 per month on a five-year loan.

“Used compacts have been in high demand with fuel prices nearly $3.42 per gallon nationally, and values have held strong as a result,” said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for KBB. “A consumer looking to save at least $100 or more per month on a used car would need to consider a model-year 2009 or older, which likely would have 50,000 miles or more on the odometer.”

That’s not to say that an older used model is not worth the money, as many vehicles made before 2009 are still reliable, fuel efficient and fun to drive. Choosing an older compact car over a newer used model or a brand new vehicle may mean the ride is a bit more worn in, but the purchase price could be hundred or even thousands of dollars lower than the other options, and drivers can still save at the pump in an older car. 

Car shoppers who would like to get behind the wheel of a previously owned compact sedan can head to New Jersey Auto Auction. The dealer has a wide selection of makes and models to choose from, and every car on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers will know exactly what they’re getting.

More than 100 Cars Destroyed in Filming of New Die Hard Movie

While many people may be buying chocolates and flowers today, plenty others are heading to the theaters to see the latest edition in the Die Hard movie franchise. “A Good Day to Die Hard” premieres on the holiday of romance, because nothing says love like action, violence and car crashes.

The fifth installment of the action saga, featuring New York police officer John McClane​, marked the 25th anniversary of the original “Die Hard” that has become a legendary tome in the action movie genre, and the action has not slowed down any. The fourth film, “Die Hard with a Vengeance,” involved McClane driving a car off a ramp into a helicopter to create a Michael-Bay style explosion, but the fifth movie keeps things a bit more realistic with traditional action movie elements like car chases and shoot-outs.

According to USA Today, 132 vehicles were completely wrecked in the making of the latest Bruce Willis flick. Not only were these cars blown apart, smashed, demolished and otherwise wrecked for the sake of the film, but they were all used to shoot one car chase scene.

“There were 132 (cars) that could never be used again,” director John Moore told the news source. “Another 518 required a lot of work.”

Those planning to see the film will get to see a slew of vehicles get thoroughly trashed, including a Mercedes G Class SUV. 

While car crashes in movies may be fun and exciting, in real life they can be quite problematic. Even if (hopefully) no one is injured, drivers may be faced with a number of repairs to get their vehicles back on the road. In some cases cars may be irreparable, and those in need of replacement vehicles can head to NJ State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of affordable used cars.

J.D. Power and Associates Highlights Most Dependable Brands

When researching cars, you will want to look into the dependability of the vehicles you’re considering in addition to other factors like safety and fuel economy. J.D Power and Associates conducts a survey every year to find out how drivers feel about their 3-year-old vehicles. This year, for instance, focuses on 2010 models, and Lexus and Porsche ranked the highest for the second year in a row. This means drivers who owned these brands experienced the least amount of issues over the past 12 months. Ram owners reported fewer issues than in past years, leading the brand to jump 20 spots from near the bottom to a position in the top 10. Ford, Mazda and Infiniti also saw major improvements from last year’s report.

Not all brands did well this year, as Scion, Audi, Volvo and Cadillac owners reported more issues than in previous years, causing the companies to drop in the rankings.

“The continuous improvement in long-term dependability means consumers should have more confidence in 3-year-old vehicles, whether they are keeping their current vehicle or shopping for a used car, truck, crossover or SUV,” said David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power and Associates. “This means there are a lot of dependable off-lease vehicles in the used-vehicle market.”

Overall, vehicle dependability improved by about 5 percent, which indicates that car shoppers interested in purchasing used cars may want to look into newer models that have been manufactured in the past few years. Drivers in the New York/New Jersey area can head to NJ State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of makes and models. Every vehicle on the lot has been CARFAX certified, giving car shoppers peace of mind that they are getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride.

2013 Range Rover Base Trim Already Sold Out

Land Rover is starting out 2013 with impressive sales, and the vehicles aren’t even built yet. AutoBlog reports the new 2013 Range Rover has already been sold out for at least six months to a year across the globe.

Why is the Range Rover so popular?
This popular British SUV has been a top performer for many years, so this news may not come as too big a surprise, especially given that the newest model received a number of innovative upgrades. It is lighter and more fuel-efficient, which contributes to a better overall driving experience than could be found in previous models, according to LeftLane News.

High demand will boost Land Rover’s sales
Due to the backorder of the base level trim of the Range Rover, Land Rover is actually only going to offer the higher HSE trim in North America. The automaker believes that even though there is a wait list, annual sales will top the 44,664-unit total from 2012, New York Daily News reports.

Used car shoppers should expect higher prices
Drivers who are planning to purchase used Range Rovers in the future should keep in mind the re-sale price of these models is likely to be higher than it would be for other model years. Not only is the vehicle already highly sought after, but the higher trim level comes with more features and perks that boost the overall value.

Those looking to get behind the wheel of a luxurious used car or SUV soon can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models, and every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified, so car shoppers will know they’re driving away in a reliable ride.

 

KBB Predicts Sales Growth for 2013

A recent report by Kelley Blue Book indicates that 2013 is looking good for car sales. Experts predict annual sales will increase nearly 6 percent to 15.3 million cars sold by the end of the year. This is slower than in the past few years, but the growth is still a good sign for the economy and for drivers looking to buy new or used cars.

“Although the sales pace is expected to slow this year, automakers have demonstrated that they can generate solid profits with sales at current levels, which is a strong indication that they will remain disciplined by continuing to match production to meet demand,” said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for KBB. 

As demand for new cars increases, the used car market will likely see changes as well. When drivers buy new cars, they often trade in or sell their current models, which leads to an increase of inventory of previously owned vehicles. This makes it easier for used car shoppers to find the models they’re looking for at more affordable prices.

During the recession, many people held onto their vehicles longer, which led to a diminished supply of used models. As a result, many 1- to 3-year-old cars cost as much, as sometimes more, than their brand new counterparts. Now that the economy is improving, the cost of used models is on a downward trend, giving drivers the chance to buy the car they want without going over budget.

Car shoppers in the New York/New Jersey area can head to NJ State Auto Auction to check out the wide selection of makes and models. There are about 4 acres of vehicles on the lot, and every one comes with a thorough CARFAX vehicle history report, so drivers know what they’re getting.

Gas Prices Climbing Higher than Recent Months

The cost of a gallon of gas fluctuates on a daily basis, and while the past few months have seen lower prices, the numbers are beginning to climb once more. The Detroit Free Press reports that the average cost of a gallon recently edged past $3.60, marking the highest price since October 22. Costs have been on the rise since mid-December when they hit a low of about $3.25.

The Energy Information Administration tracks gas prices across the U.S. on a weekly basis, and the Central Atlantic region saw prices climb nearly 7 cents in one week. The current average in this area, which includes New York and New Jersey, is a bit higher than the country’s average at $3.73 per gallon, roughly 10 cents higher than the cost during this week in 2012.

While these costs may be out of your control, you can take action to try and reduce the amount you’re spending at the pump. Getting regular maintenance and keeping up with any necessary repairs will help your vehicle run more efficiently, which will improve its fuel economy. You should also check the tire pressure regularly, as too little air in the tires will require your car to work harder and use more gas than if it was running at optimal conditions.

If you’re thinking about trading in your current vehicle, you can look into fuel efficient models to replace the car your have now. There are plenty of fuel efficient used cars, including hybrid options like the Toyota Prius. New Jersey State Auto Auction has a variety of makes and models to choose from, making it easy to find the ride you want. Plus, every model is CARFAX certified, so you know you’ll get behind the wheel of a reliable ride when you buy from NJ Auto Auction.