Drivers Make Changes To Compensate For Rising Fuel Costs

Whenever gas prices go up, consumers' wallets ache, but as they adjust to the gradual increases, their perceptions change. A recent AAA study found that only 46 percent of drivers in the U.S. feel the cost of fuel is too high at $3.00 per gallon, which isn't too bad, considering the average gas prices have been hovering around and above that mark for more than a year. On the other hand, 90 percent of drivers feel that $4.00 per gallon is too high a price.

"It was not long ago that motorists were shocked to pay more than $3 per gallon for gasoline, but now that is standard at stations nationwide," said Robert L. Darbelnet, president and CEO of AAA. "Today's average consumer feels a breaking point on high gas prices closer to $3.50 per gallon, and expensive prices have forced many motorists to change their driving habits."

Approximately two-thirds of drivers handle expensive fill-ups at the pump by adjusting their other lifestyle habits. Driving less ranked as the most popular way to get the most out of each drop, as 86 percent of respondents adopted this behavior when fuel prices rose. Cutting back on shopping and dining out followed closely for 71 percent of drivers. More than half of drivers (54 percent) chose to drive more fuel efficient models to combat the increased cost of fuel. Other methods of dealing with expensive gas prices included delaying major purchases, working closer to home, carpooling and using public transportation.

If you are looking to save money at the pump, you can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of used cars, trucks and SUVs. There are plenty of fuel efficient, pre-owned models available today, such as the 2008 Honda Civic. FelEconomy.gov reports the baseline model got a combined 29 miles per gallon, and Honda even offered a hybrid version that got an estimated 42 mpg combined.

Ford Celebrates A Mustang Milestone

There's something about the classic red sports car that's hard to match. Perhaps that's why Ford decided to celebrate a milestone with its Mustang with just that – a cherry red model rolling off the production line. The iconic vehicle was the 1 millionth made at the manufacturer's Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Detroit, Mich., and was created the same week the brand celebrated its 49th anniversary. 

To honor the milestone, the plant built a red 2014 Mustang convertible and drove it off the line to much fanfare. The plant only began operations in 2004, continuing the tradition of producing the top machine. 

"Mustang is one of the most beloved nameplates in the industry, with fans around the world and throughout Ford Motor Company," said Rah Nair, group vice president of global product development, as quoted by Auto World News. 

With the 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang right around the corner – and the 50th year of continuous production now underway – the brand is gearing up to celebrate. Drivers can likely expect a special edition Mustang as well as a next-generation automobile, although there's no word on when these designs will be made public, The Detroit Free Press reports. However, Ford has revealed that 50 other companies will be joining the efforts, releasing special custom products, such as jackets, watches and videogames, to commemorate the anniversary. 

The Mustang is a dream car for many drivers. Whether you're looking for a specific model or just a new sports car to enhance your time on the road, you can find the right vehicle at New Jersey Auto Auction. The lot is filled with CARFAX certified cars that could just be your next great ride. 

WardsAuto Names The 10 Best Car Interiors

The interior of a car is often just as important as what's found under the hood. Sleek designs, comfortable seats and state-of-the-art features are all essential for drivers, but it can be difficult to differentiate which automobiles have an interior that really stands apart from the rest. WardsAuto did its  best to help out, however, as the publication recently announced its list of the 10 Best Interiors for 2013. 

To find the list of the final 10, WardsAuto evaluated 46 vehicles with all-new or upgraded interiors by looking at technology, safety, comfort and finish, AutoBlog reports. Cars that earned recognition included seven Asian-made models: the Acura RDX, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Kia Forte, Mazda6, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Pathfinder and Lexus GS450h. Other models include the Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Spark and Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn. 

"This year's batch of winners really drives home the point that auto interiors are vital in the battle for consumers' hearts and minds," said Drew Winter, the editor-in-chief of WardsAuto World. "It wasn't all that long ago for automakers to view interiors as the best place to take cost out of a vehicle program. They eventually figured out that's a big mistake because people spend a lot more time looking at the inside of their car than the outside." 

Having a nice car interior is vital for drivers who want to feel comfortable and safe in their automobiles. If you're looking for a great selection of all kinds of vehicles with prime features, performance and interior, think about taking a peek at the selection of cars at New Jersey Auto Auction. It has a wide collection of CARFAX certified cars, trucks and vans that can meet the needs of any driver. 

More Young People Find Distracted Driving Unacceptable

A surplus of anti-distracted driving campaigns and awareness efforts have shed light on the dangers of losing focus when behind the wheel. It appears that these attempts have started to pay off, as more teens are recognizing the problems associated with distracted driving and view these practices as unacceptable. According to a new survey commissioned by Bridgestone Americas, young drivers admit to driving with distractions less frequently and look at the habits as negative. 

An overwhelming 95 percent of teens read texts and emails on their phones when they drive alone, but that number drops to 32 percent when friends are in the car and to just 7 percent when parents are present. Although these figures may seem high, a growing number of these drivers are beginning to recognize that these behaviors are unacceptable and they are taking strides to stop. About three-fourths of young people believe sending or reading texts and emails when behind the wheel is wrong, and less than half regularly do so. That figure looks to be dropping. 

"Over the last four years, we have worked hard at DOT to both raise awareness of distracted driving and encourage everyone to speak out about it," said Ray LaHood, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. "Now, it's part of a national conversation on safety that's happening between teens and parents in communities across America. While we've made consistent progress in a short period of time, we still have work to do to help our youngest drivers get the message that cell phone use and driving never mix." 

Drivers looking to buy their next vehicle can find a number of safe options at New Jersey State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of CARFAX certified used cars, trucks and SUVs. If you're looking for a special automobile that can keep drivers of any age safe, the cars present at NJ Auto Auction may be the perfect option. 

National Car Care Month Tips: Check Your Windshield Wipers

There are plenty of ways you can keep an eye on your car, truck or SUV in between routine maintenance, and one important aspect of at-home care is ensuring your windshield wipers are working well. Wipers that are old, broken or otherwise functioning improperly can lead to reduced visibility, which is especially dangerous during those pesky April showers. Thankfully, it is relatively cheap and easy to replace your old blades. A good rule of thumb is to switch out the current set of blades every six months or so, but you should check them at least once a month to make sure they're in good shape.

If you noticed streaking or ineffective results the last time it rained, it's probably a good idea to take a closer look. Test the wipers out using your car's washer fluid if you're not sure how they're holding up. Even if things appear to be OK, take a closer look. You should examine the blades, which are commonly made of rubber or other soft materials, for signs of wear, tears or other damage. At the same time, make sure the blades are properly attached to the wipers, as they can sometimes come dislodged. If the blades are in decent condition, you might just be able to slip them back into place, but be sure to keep an eye on them. Otherwise, head to an auto parts retailer (mega retailers like Wal-Mart and Target will also have wipers available) and ask for help selecting the right blades for your make and model. 

Your car's owner's manual should provide instructions for how to remove the current set of blades and attach new ones. However, if you are having trouble or don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, you can bring your car to the experts at New Jersey Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The mechanics will be able to assist you in this process, and while you're there, you might as well have them perform a tune-up if you haven't done so already this spring.

Toyota Makes Waves With Hybrid Sales

Hybrids are becoming an increasingly popular option for drivers. These cars often have great fuel economy and can cost less to maintain over a long period of time, making them extremely attractive to motorists who are concerned about high gas prices and other costs hurting their wallets. 

"With more than 50 hybrid vehicle models from various manufacturers available in the U.S. today, hybrids on the road are saving nearly 500 million gallons of petroleum annually in this country," said Tony Markel, a senior engineer with the U.S. Department of Energy. 

A large portion of these environmentally sound vehicles present in the U.S. are from Toyota. The manufacture has now sold more than 5 million hybrid vehicles worldwide, including about 2 million in America alone. Although that number is a compilation from about 13 years of sales, the popularity of vehicles like the Prius has taken off recently and should continue to grow from here on out. According to Fox Business, Toyota expects hybrid sales to increase in the coming years. 

In the past year alone, hybrids accounted for about 14 percent of Toyota's total global sales positioning the brand to become one of the top sellers in the future, Bloomberg reports. They are also a major reason why the automaker is ahead of other worldwide brands like General Motors and Volkswagen” target=”_self”>Volkswagen, as models like the Toyota Prius rank highly among the environmentally friendly cars. 

While hybrids may be relatively new to the auto industry, drivers searching for the right car can still find used models available for purchase at places like the NJ Auto Auction. With a variety of CARFAX certified vehicles on the site, prospective owners can find anything they're looking for, whether it's great fuel economy, storage space, safety features or sleek designs. 

The Cost Of Owning And Operating Cars Increases

Car costs can come from any direction. Fuel, maintenance, insurance – all of these miscellaneous expenses pile up and put a strain on any driver's wallet. In fact, a recent study from AAA found that the average cost of owning and operating a typical sedan has increased by almost 2 percent, up to about $9,122 from last year.  

The cost per mile for an average sedan is 60.8 cents. This is significantly less than large sedans or SUVs, but smaller sedans are less expensive in general. As the length of time people keep automobiles grows, drivers are faced with higher maintenance and insurance costs, which has a ripple effect in the auto industry. 

"Many factors go into the cost calculation of owning and operating a vehicle," said AAA director John Nielsen. "This year, changes in maintenance, fuel, and insurance costs resulted in the increase to just over 60 cents a mile … Before you make any vehicle purchase, it is important to determine ownership and operational costs and compare them to your current and future financial situation." 

USA Today reports the largest cost increase in the past year was maintenance. Overall, price tags related to maintaining a vehicle were up more than 11 percent in the past year, which includes the standard costs for replacing parts or getting repair work done. Insurance and fuel prices also grew, albeit by a smaller amount, from 2012 to 2013. 

Drivers who are looking to keep their car costs down can head to the New Jersey Auto Auction to look at an assortment of CARFAX certified models. The Total Car Care Center at NJ Auto Auction is also available for motorists to bring their vehicles in for a tune up or maintenance work. 

Gas Price Predictions May Be Affecting Car Sales

Gas prices may be staying at a relatively high level, but that doesn't mean drivers are rushing out to purchase smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. AutoBlog reports that the sales of subcompact cars have declined 2.6 percent since October, in spite of the fact that the average gas price has remained between $3.50 and $4. 

During that same time period, the sales of crossover vehicles has risen by 61 percent, the news source reports. Part of the reason for this boom is due to the recent release of some new redesigns like the Nissan Pathfinder or Ford” target=”_self”>Ford Explorer, but it does not fully explain why so many people are ignoring gas prices in favor of automobile features. 

Some of these drivers may be looking to the future in their search to find a vehicle. The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts average gas prices will be slightly lower than the last two years. Crude oil prices are expected to fall, which accounts for much of the decline, and the rest of the drops could vary by region. The West Coast will likely have the highest costs – about 26 cents above the national average – while areas in the Gulf Coast and East Coast may also remain high. 

Drivers searching for their next vehicle can check out the offerings at the NJ State Auto Auction. Although subcompact cars may not be selling as widely across the U.S., there may be some models that are a perfect fit for you. You can find a wide selection of makes and models at the New Jersey Auto Auction. No matter which brand you prefer, you can drive off the lot with confidence, as every model is CARFAX certified. 

Suspicious of Leaks? What to Look For

If your car springs a leak, it can increase your risk of a crash and cause further damage to your vehicle if ignored. As April is National Car Care Month, now is the ideal time to get your vehicle checked out by a professional if you suspect a problem. The warning signs of leaks can vary, but there are a few ways to figure out if this is an issue.  Assessing signs of impurity in easy-to-check fluids like oil and transmission might be the best place to start. Water is easily spotted in oil, as the two liquids won't mix. Dirt and debris can also indicate there is a leak.

The easiest way to spot a leak is to peek under your car after it's been parked for a while, preferably overnight. A wet spot on the ground could indicate a leak, but if you'd like to figure out just what is leaking, you might want to put a sheet of white paper or cardboard under the vehicle. In the morning, you'll be able to pull it out and determine the color of the leaking fluid. Red or orange is transmission fluid. Oil tends to be golden or brown in color (depending on when it was last changed), coolant is typically green, brake fluid is usually brown and power steering fluid commonly has a reddish-pink hue.

Regardless of what is leaking, knowing that there is an issue is the first step to getting your car back in working order. If you live in the New York/New Jersey area, you can bring your car to the experts at the Total Car Care Center in Jersey City. Even though the garage is part of NJ State Auto Action, it is open to the public, so you can take advantage of the services even if you didn't buy your car there. Plus, you are free to check out some of the available used cars while your car is being checked out.

Car Buyers Look For Good Deals On Used Models

There's a lot to consider when shopping around for a car, not the least of which involves looking ahead to new models which could be getting closer to release. A new study, however, shows that these updated vehicles aren't terribly important to prospective buyers. 

AutoTrader.com, one of the leading sites for information on new and used cars, recently conducted a survey on the feelings of car shoppers. About 57 percent of respondents did not feel like it was essential to have the latest redesign of a car, opening themselves up to the idea of investing in slightly older models they felt were still worthwhile. In fact, a whopping 79 percent of people said they would rather take advantage of a good deal on a used car or current model instead of waiting for the newest design to be released. 

Although people are aware of things like redesigns, as well as how certain updates may help save money in the long run, economic changes – such as the drop in gas prices expected to arrive this summer – may ease this financial burden, Forbes reports. 

"The world we live in moves quickly, and shoppers are exposed to change almost constantly," said Rick Wainschel of AutoTrader.com. "From computers to phones to TVs and even cars, the next 'new' release seems to be always just around the corner, making it harder for people to have the latest and greatest for very long. In that environment, especially with such a large purchase as a car, many consumers seem to feel that good is good enough, particularly if it will save them some green." 

People who are in the market for a car and want to take advantage of a good deal should check out the selection at the NJ Auto Auction. Since all cars, trucks, vans and SUVs at the New Jersey Auto Action are CARFAX certified, drivers may be able to find just the type of automobile they're looking for – all at an attractive price.